Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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A study of suicides of older people in Sydney
- Authors:
- SNOWDON John, BAUME Pierre
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 17(3), March 2002, pp.261-269.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Reports based on studies of coroner's files show that suicides in old age are commonly related to depression, but that in a majority of cases disability or ill-health is also a major factor. The aim of this study was to try to understand more clearly the precipitant causes of suicide in an older population using an Australian metropolitan coroner's office provided data concerning suicides in 1994-1998 of persons aged over 65 years. Of 210 elderly people who killed themselves, 160 (76%) were clearly depressed, including a majority of the 24% deemed to have understandable reasons for suicide. Physical ill-health or disability was the major factor leading to suicide in 34% and appeared to contribute to suicidal ideation in another 24% of those who died; they had usually not been seen by psychiatrists. Because depression is often treatable, even when associated with depressing circumstances, there is potential for further reduction of old age suicide rates by recognising and appropriately responding to symptoms of depression and distress.
World mental health: problems and perspectives
- Author:
- SEIPEL Michael M.O.
- Journal article citation:
- International Social Work, 42(4), October 1999, pp.407-418.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Although improved medical technologies, economic developments and social transformations have produced many positive health outcomes, they have also created troubling mental disorders such as depression, dementia, and suicide tendencies. Mental disorders are increasingly of concern to individuals and society; therefore, they must be viewed as a major public health issue. This article examines this health problem and considers strategies world communities can use to deal with mental illness.
Suicide in an ageing UK population: problems and prevention
- Author:
- HODGE Gary
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 17(4), 2016, pp.218-228.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Suicide can be an emotive, and at times, controversial subject. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the social, health, personal, and cultural issues that can arise in later life and the potential reasons for suicide. It will analyse already recognised risk factors of suicide in older adults and focus on improving knowledge about the social meaning and causation of suicide for older people. It will also consider suicide prevention policies, their practice implications, and whether they are successful in protecting this potentially vulnerable cohort. Design/methodology/approach: A synopsis of available literature in the form of a general review paper of suicide of older adults. Findings: There is evidence that the ageing process often leads to a set of co-morbidities and a complex and diverse set of individual challenges. This in turn equates to an increased risk of suicide. There is no easy answer to why there is evidence of a growing number of older adults deciding that suicide is there only option, and even fewer suggestions on how to manage this risk. Social implications: The entry of the “baby boom” generation into retirement will lead to the potential of an increase in both suicide risk factors and older adults completing suicide. This is on the background of a demographic surge which is likely to place additional pressures on already under-resourced, and undervalued, statutory and non-statutory services. Originality/value: A literature search found very little information regarding older adults and suicide risk, assessment, treatment or prevention. (Publisher abstract)
Suicidal ideation and resilience in family carers of people with dementia: a pilot qualitative study
- Authors:
- O'DWYER Siobhan, MOYLE Wendy, van WYK Sierra
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 17(6), 2013, pp.753-760.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Family carers of people with dementia have higher than average rates of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. This pilot study conducts an initial exploration of carers’ experiences of suicidality and identifies factors associated with risk and resilience. A descriptive qualitative approach was taken. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine carers of people with dementia (four male, five female) from Brisbane, Australia and surrounding areas and transcripts were analysed thematically. Three themes were identified in the data: ‘experiences of suicidal ideation’, ‘risk factors’ and ‘resilience’. Four of the nine participants had experienced suicidal thoughts and two had made preparations for a suicidal act. Risk factors included pre-existing mental health problems, physical health conditions, and conflict with other family or care staff. Factors positively associated with resilience included the use of positive coping strategies, faith, social support and personal characteristics. Some people contemplate suicide while caring for a family member with dementia. Further research is required to confirm the rate of suicidal ideation in the caring population and the relative contribution of factors associated with risk and resilience. In the meantime, service providers and health professionals should be taking steps to identify and support carers currently experiencing suicidal thoughts. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health and HIV infection: psychological and psychiatric aspects
- Editor:
- CATALAN Jose
- Publisher:
- UCL Press
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 241p.,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- London
Presents an overview of the adverse mental health consequences of HIV infection and of the kind of psychological, phsychopharmacological and community forms of intervention available. Includes chapters on: psychological problems in people with HIV infection; HIV and its impact on the mental health of children; dementia associated with HIV infection; suicidal behaviour and HIV infection; euthanasia, physician assisted suicide and AIDS; psychological interventions; and cognitive behavioural therapy and HIV risk sexual behaviour.
Older people's mental health today: a handbook
- Editors:
- WILLIAMSON Toby, (ed.)
- Publisher:
- OLM-Pavilion
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 212p.
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
This handbook is a collection of chapters written by experts in the field of older people’s mental health. It is divided into two sections: mental health and well-being of older people; care and support of older people with mental health problems. Individual chapters discuss topics such as old age and mental health in the context of lifespan; depression and anxiety; families, carers and friends; housing and environment issues; legal issues; adult protection and risk; dignity in care; current best practice for dementia.
Geriatric mental health care: a treatment guide for health professionals
- Author:
- KENNEDY Gary
- Publisher:
- Guilford Press
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 347p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- New York
This book presents framework for understanding the interplay of medical, psychological, and social factors in frequently encountered problems among older adults. Guidelines are delineated for assessing and treating such conditions as depression and anxiety.
Ethnicity: an agenda for mental health
- Editors:
- BHUGRA Dinesh, VEENA Bahl
- Publishers:
- Gaskell, Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Publication year:
- 1999
- Pagination:
- 202p.,tables,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- London
Sets the scene for identifying and meeting the mental health needs of black and minority ethnic people. Includes chapters on: ethnicity; a national perspective on mental illness; cultural aspects of mental disorder in primary care; pathways into care; epidemiological factors in research with ethnic minorities; risk factors for psychosis in the UK African-Caribbean population; common mental disorders among African-Caribbean general practice attenders in Brixton, London; ethnicity and alcohol misuse; child psychiatry; cross cultural approaches to dementia and depression in older adults; suicide; postnatal depression in Japanese women who have given birth in England; forensic psychiatry; joint working; user views of mental health services; NHS services for black patients; alternatives to institutional psychiatry; and the role of general practitioners.
Mental health: a technical document produced by the Health Gain Panel of Review
- Authors:
- FARMER Anne, chair
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Welsh Office. NHS Directorate. Welsh Health Planning Forum
- Publication year:
- 1995
- Pagination:
- 520p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
Set of papers compiled by the Health Gain Panel of Review with the aim of improving the provision of services to people with mental health problems in Wales. Includes sections on: the epidemiology of mental illness; promoting mental health; mixed anxiety depressive syndrome; depression; bipolar affective disorders; schizophrenia; dementia; personality disorders; suicide and parasuicide; eating disorders; child and adolescent mental health; older people with mental health problems; homelessness and mental health; and therapies.
Mental health: a client support resource pack
- Authors:
- SUTTON Carole, HERBERT Martin
- Publisher:
- NFER Nelson
- Publication year:
- 1992
- Pagination:
- 1v.,looseleaf,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- Windsor
Resource pack devised to help both those who are experiencing or recovering from mental distress and all those who care for them, including professionals, para professionals and non professionals. Contains sections on: mental illness in context; working with people with a mental illness and their carers; working with people experiencing particular difficulties (including anxiety, phobias, depressive disorders, attempted suicide, schizophrenia, dementia, and problems related to substance abuse); working with special groups (including black people, older people and people with learning disabilities); and support for workers. Also contains appendices on: Mental Health Act 1983; psychotropic drugs; relaxation techniques; and key features of schizophrenia. Includes checklists for helping people with specific difficulties.