Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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'Drone strikes
- Author:
- DALY Max
- Journal article citation:
- Druglink, 27(6), November 2012, pp.8-11.
- Publisher:
- Drugscope
- Place of publication:
- London
In this article, the author reports on the results of the Druglink Street Drug Trends 2012 survey. The survey, undertaken between September and November 2012, was based on information from police forces, drug action teams, frontline treatment services and user groups in 20 towns and cities, and from interviews and questionnaires involving drug experts, national drug services and drug workers across the UK. The article focuses in particular on the survey findings concerning use of mephedrone. It reports that despite a ban in 2010 mephedrone is becoming a significant problematic drug, and that more people are requesting help with physical and psychological problems associated with their mephedrone use. It notes mephedrone's relatively low cost, easy availability and reliable potency, and that it is being taken by a more diverse population. It discusses trends in use of the drug and possible reasons for this, and includes a brief user case example and a Barnsley case study report for Addaction on mephedrone injecting. It also reports on other major trends revealed in the 2012 survey.
Patterns and predictors of changes in substance use in individuals with schizophrenia and affective disorders
- Authors:
- BENNETT Melanie E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 8(1), January 2012, pp.2-12.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Involving 240 participants recruited from outpatient mental health treatment centres who were assessed 5 times over 12 months, this US study looked at cocaine use in individuals with schizophrenia and affective disorders. It examined patterns of cocaine use over time, baseline predictors of continued cocaine use over one year, and predictors of transitions into and out of drug use and treatment. The article describes the participants, the measures used, data analysis and study results. Overall, the researchers found that rates and intensity of cocaine use did not change over the year, but a number of baseline variables were found to predict a decreased likelihood of cocaine use and transitions into and out of outpatient substance abuse treatment. They discuss the study results and report that the findings illustrate how drug use may show a cyclical pattern for those with serious mental illness, in which more severe use is followed by decreased use over time.
Adderall abuse on college campuses: a comprehensive literature review
- Author:
- VARGA Matthew D.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 9(3), June 2012, pp.293-313.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Over the last ten years, prescription stimulant abuse has dramatically increased. However, the amount of research regarding college students and illicit prescription stimulant use is inadequate. This has important implications for college mental health professionals and higher education administrators. In this comprehensive literature review the author explored factors contributing to illicit use, self-medication, and recreational use of controlled prescription stimulants, and explored the potential consequences for those students abusing stimulants. The review also provided recommendations for educating, combating, and assisting students who illicitly use prescriptions stimulants on college campuses. Implications for practice are considered.
Examining the temporal relationship between methamphetamine use and mental health comorbidity
- Authors:
- LEE Nicole K., HARNEY Angela M., PENNAY Amy E.
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 5(1), 2012, pp.23-31.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Methamphetamine users experience frequent and severe mental health problems. This paper examined the temporal sequencing of methamphetamine use and the onset of mental health problems. A self-reported timeline examined the sequencing of first use, regular use and problematic use of methamphetamine and mental health issues among 126 users with lifetime dependence (71% men, average age 32.5 years, 84% Australian born). The majority of the sample (69 per cent) reported previous mental health diagnosis or treatment. Of these, 22 per cent reported mental health problems prior to first use of methamphetamine and 72 per cent after (with the rest same time or unsure). On the timeline, mental health symptoms were first indicated around a year after first regular use of methamphetamine and around the same time as problematic use. Respondents identified a lag time of five years between first problematic use of methamphetamine and seeking treatment for methamphetamine-related problems, but those that received mental health treatment engaged in methamphetamine treatment earlier. The authors conclude that mental health problems coincided with problematic methamphetamine use (rather than any use) suggesting interventions may be better directed at preventing transition to heavy use, more potent forms or injecting, rather than at prevention of uptake. On this basis, stepped care might be appropriate for methamphetamine users.
A question of commitment – improving practitioner responses to domestic and sexual violence, problematic substance use and mental ill-health
- Authors:
- HOLLY Jennifer, HORVATH Miranda A.H.
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 5(2), 2012, pp.59-67.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The Against Violence & Abuse project aims to develop good practice for responding to survivors and perpetrators of abuse who also have a dual diagnosis. This article reviews what is already understood to be best practice in this area, and presents the initial learning from the project evaluation. In line with other research, levels of routine enquiry or enquiry about experiences of violence were low amongst staff from all organisations participating in the project. In comparison staff seemed somewhat more likely to enquire about substance misuse and mental health issues. Wide variation in attendance at training was found with a complex relationship between training and confidence emerging. The authors concluded that a lot more training, organisational support and research is needed to ensure that professionals who have contact with women who have experienced abuse, have mental health or substance use problems are asking their clients about all three issues, ensuring victims with complex needs having access to the necessary protection and support.
Altering perceptions
- Author:
- SHRUBBS Richard
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, March 2012, pp.8-9.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
In the 1950s and 60s, a raft of research was carried out into psychedelic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (a compound found in magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy) and mescaline, which alter cognition and perception, and their potential benefit to people with mental health problems. But at the same time as this research was being carried out, recreational use of psychedelic drugs led to the political view of these drugs being dangerous. As a result, the US banned all uses of psychedelics in 1968, even for research. However, after decades of being seen purely as illegal, the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used as a treatment for mental health problems is being considered once again. A number of studies are taking place that are once again investigating whether psychedelic drugs could have a therapeutic benefit if administered properly. Initial research has shown that MDMA has positive effects on post-traumatic stress disorder and that psilocybins may be able to treat personality disorders. In addition, the fear that psychedelics cause schizophrenia appears to be largely unfounded.
Childhood maltreatment and DSM-IV adult mental disorders: comparison of prospective and retrospective findings
- Author:
- SCOTT Kate M.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(6), June 2012, pp.469-475.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
A recent review concluded that studies using retrospective assessment of childhood maltreatment provided substantially stronger evidence for an association between childhood maltreatment and subsequent adult mental ill health than studies that prospectively assessed maltreatment; thus casting doubt on the mental health risk conferred by maltreatment and on the validity of retrospective reports. A nationally representative sample of respondents aged 16–27 years (n = 1413) in New Zealand completed a retrospective assessment of maltreatment and DSM-IV mental disorders. Survey data were linked with a national child protection database to identify respondents with maltreatment records (prospective ascertainment). Childhood maltreatment was associated with elevated odds of mood, anxiety and drug disorders (odds ratios 2.1–4.1), however there was no difference in association strength between prospective and retrospective methodology. Prospectively ascertained maltreatment predicted depression with a course involving early onset, more frequent episodes and greater impairment.