Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 15
'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.
Quality of life and health promotion intervention – a follow up study among newly-arrived Arabic-speaking refugees in Malmö, Sweden
- Authors:
- ERIKSSON-SJÖÖ Tina, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care, 8(3), 2012, pp.112-126.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article focuses on the benefits of a health promotion programme for newly arrived refugees from Arabic-speaking countries. The Health Promotion Intervention Course (HPIC) is a group training course set up in Malmö, Sweden in which the participants receive information from clinical professionals such as nurses and physicians. This study aims to illuminate self-perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among newly-arrived Arabic-speaking refugees before and after they had participated in the HPIC. Data was collected before and immediately after the HPIC and at a 6-month follow-up. The research methods comprised questionnaires, observations and oral evaluations in groups. A total of 39 participants completed the survey at all 3 time points. The results show that disturbed sleep was significantly associated with 4 of the 5 health states (mobility, main activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). The majority of the participants described stress, diseases and treatments, and also a lack of trust in the Swedish health care system. There were changes over time, with the participant’s perceptions of their health and quality of life significantly improving after the HPIC. Sleep and recovery problems were perceived as less difficult at the course completion and the second follow-up.
Comparative analysis of health care expenditures and presence of mental health conditions of HIV-affected versus non-HIV-affected children
- Authors:
- GANGULI Arijit, GOURLEY Dick, WHITE-MEANS Shelley
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, 11(3), July 2012, pp.271-290.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
As HIV/AIDS mortality rates improve, more HIV-infected parent are bearing HIV-negative children. This study seeks to investigate the health care resource expenditures of 136 American HIV-negative children residing in homes with HIV-positive parents. Using national medical cost data covering a six year period, the authors compared the health care expenditures (prescription and non-prescription) of HIV-affected and non-HIV-affected children, with a special focus on the impact of mental health conditions on expenditures. Surprisingly, post matching, multivariate analysis showed the HIV-affected children's total prescription expenditures were significantly lower than those of non-HIV-affected children. However, HIV-affected children with mental health conditions incurred greater: total health care expenditures (4.0 times), non-prescription health care expenditures (3.1 times), and prescription expenditures (8.7 times) compared to the respective expenditures of other children in the study. The authors suggest that further work should focus on the emotional, social and behavioural outcomes for children living in HIV-infected families.
COCOA: care for offenders continuity of access
- Authors:
- BYNG Richard, et al
- Publisher:
- National Institute for Health Research
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 265p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Adult offenders have a high incidence and prevalence of many illnesses, particularly poor mental health and substance misuse. Passage through the various elements of the criminal justice system (CJS) provides both the potential for initial access to healthcare and also the disruption of existing care. The aim of this project was to inform policy on improving health and reducing recidivism for offenders by examining access to, and continuity of, healthcare. A multi-method investigation of continuity of healthcare for offenders included: interviews and health records study of 200 offenders; 5 focus groups; and 8 case studies. A quantitative analysis of the offender interviews demonstrates the extent of the deficit in access. A qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups data provides insights into how offenders view healthcare and the potential impact on achieving access and continuity. The case studies provide information about the barriers and facilitators from an institutional viewpoint. These findings are used in the development of theory related to offender continuity of care. The study demonstrates that continuity of access to healthcare, particularly for mental health problems, is far from perfect. However, pockets of good practice and innovative projects demonstrate the potential for improving continuity and the quality of care provided.
Getting physical
- Author:
- SEMPLE Brian
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, May 2012, pp.12-13.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
People with severe mental illness die, on average, 20 years younger than the general population, mostly as a result of preventable physical health conditions. The factors that contribute to this include: poor monitoring of physical health; inadequate explanation of medication side effects; and failure by health professionals to take people with mental illness seriously when they raise concerns about their physical health. In a bid to tackle these problems, Rethink Mental Illness has launched a range of resources designed to give mental health professionals the confidence and tools to address the physical health needs of the people they support. These include the Physical Health Check (PHC), a tool designed to improve the monitoring of physical health by encouraging a conversation between the practitioner and the patient about their physical health, identifying any unmet health needs or problems, and deciding together what actions to take. Another resource developed by Rethink Mental Health is free e-learning training for mental health professionals which offers information and advice on some of the key health risks affecting people with mental illness.
A narrative review: arguments for a collaborative approach in mental health between traditional healers and clinicians regarding spiritual beliefs
- Author:
- POUCHLY Cara A.
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Religion and Culture, 15(1), 2012, pp.65-85.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article discusses a collaborative approach between mental health clinicians and traditional healers, from a clinical psychology perspective, for clients with spiritual beliefs. Spiritual beliefs are incorporated into the identity and functioning of clients within a cultural context. It is argued that working collaboratively would address many access difficulties to mental health services and support for this is shown in a number of studies and case reports across cultures. This approach appears to be in accordance with current theories of acculturation. The problems in the current system when working non-collaboratively are also explored. Counter arguments and difficulties of collaboration are discussed. The author concludes that research in the United Kingdom is limited and it is suggested that more research is needed.
A profile of middle-aged and older adults admitted to nursing homes: 2000–2008
- Authors:
- MILLER Nancy A., PINET-PERALTA Luis M., ELDER Keith T.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 24(3), July 2012, pp.271-290.
- Publisher:
- Routledge
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In the United States, middle-aged adults are becoming an increasing share of the nursing home population. This study used Minimum Data Set assessment data for 2000 and 2008 to explore similarities and differences in sociodemographic, residential, medical, and psychiatric characteristics of newly admitted middle-aged adults, aged 31 to 64, compared to their older counterparts, aged 65+. Findings revealed that relative to their share of the state population, Black middle-aged adults were overrepresented in nursing homes across 45 states and the District of Columbia. Diabetes, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and circulatory/heart disorders, appeared to contribute to the increasing presence of middle-aged adults. There were substantial increases in diagnoses of psychiatric disorders at admission; psychiatric diagnoses were significantly higher among middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults were also more likely to have residential histories of prior stays in psychiatric facilities relative to older adults. The authors concluded that efforts need to address to the increasing presence of disability associated with medical and psychiatric conditions among middle-aged adults. Implications for practice are discussed.
Managing the impact of violence on mental health, including among witnesses and those affected by homicide: position statement
- Author:
- ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 8p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Physical violence, including sexual violence, is a major cause of mental health morbidity among individuals injured in violence, witnesses and those affected by homicide. The purpose of this Position Statement is to improve mental health outcomes for those affected by violence across genders, all age groups and all violence categories. Cost-effective interventions have been developed but pathways in which they can be delivered have been identified only recently. Guidance is therefore necessary which defines and promotes a care pathway across all relevant agencies. This Position Statement outlines a stratified, stepped care model for people injured in or affected by violence in other ways. It is intended for psychiatrists, mental health service commissioners and managers, Victim Support and other support providers and commissioners, government victim service commissioners and planners, general practitioners and emergency physicians.
Making it better: improving the health of young homeless people
- Author:
- ASTRA ZENECA, DEPAUL UK
- Publisher:
- Depaul UK
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 61p.
- Place of publication:
- London
An estimated 80,000 young people experience homelessness in the UK each year. In addition, there is a growing number of hidden homeless living in poor quality hostels or on a friend’s sofa. The aim of this research was to explore the health issues of these young people. More than 380 young people aged 16-25 years participated in the study. Multiple methods were used including: a health questionnaire completed by 130 homeless young people from Depaul UK services and by a control group of 200 young people; 4 focus groups and 26 individual interviews with young people; and peer research using a group of young homeless people trained in research skills. The findings show that young homeless people have difficult and overlapping needs with mental health, substance abuse and physical health issues. They access certain health services more (such as admission to hospital) and report higher levels of health needs (such as depression and drug use) than their peers. However, young homeless people do not consider health and health-related issues to be priority for them; other issues such as the need for housing and employment are more pressing. The barriers to quality health care for these young people are discussed. Recommendations are made for policy makers, Health and Wellbeing Boards, commissioners, and for the work of the Depaul/AstraZeneca charity partnership.
Mental health and homelessness: planning and delivering mental health services for homeless people
- Author:
- NHS CONFEDERATION. Mental Health Network
- Publisher:
- NHS Confederation. Mental Health Network
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 8p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Around 70% of people accessing homelessness services have a mental health problem. St Mungo’s homelessness charity has estimated that 64% of their clients have drug and/or alcohol problems. Although the causes of homelessness are complex, mental ill health is a major contributing factor. Becoming homeless can worsen existing conditions or cause a mental health problem to occur. This Briefing sets out the policy context around tackling homelessness and addressing the mental health needs of homeless people. It also examines what considerations need to be made when planning, designing and delivering mental health services for homeless people and highlights many examples of good practice. The report concludes that access to mental health services for homeless people can be improved through improving staff awareness and delivering services differently – including use of non-clinical settings – plus through effective joint working with partner agencies.