Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Is exercise helpful for women aged 50 and over with mental health problems and what are the barriers to exercise?
- Authors:
- TINKER Anthea, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 18(2), 2017, pp.93-103.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of exercise on the mental health problems of older women. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on information from academic literature, government publications and publications from other relevant bodies. It is a scoping study and is not a systematic review because of the constraints of the resources. Findings: There is growing evidence about the value of exercise for the mental health of older women but few evaluated examples of how this can be achieved. Research limitations/implications: There is a gap in the literature about this topic with few evaluated examples of how more older women can be encouraged to take more exercise. Practical implications: Policy makers, practitioners and older people themselves would gain from a greater emphasis on exercise as a means of improving quality of life and for reducing healthcare budgets through fewer referrals to services. Social implications: Greater emphasis on exercise for older women would increase their quality of life through a reduction in mental health problems. Originality/value: There is limited research which links mental health, exercise and older women, especially regarding the barriers to exercise that older women with diagnosed mental health problems may face. (Publisher abstract)
A review of physical activity interventions on determinants of mental health in children and adolescents
- Authors:
- CAMERO Maria, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 14(4), 2012, pp.196-206.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The purpose of this article was to review the effects of physical activity (PA) lifestyle intervention on determinants of mental health among children and adolescents. A search was performed using the databases Academic Search Premier, CINHAL, EBSCOHost, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO. Inclusion criteria were studies that utilised PA interventions designed to impact a determinant of mental health in a target population of 6–18 years. From this search, 537 results were identified and eight met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported an inverse relationship between PA and depression. Seven found a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in depression when various aerobic and/or resistance training exercises were introduced. Only one study found a negative correlation between very light intensity activity and determinants of psychological health (e.g. depression and anxiety); however, these results were not statistically significant. In conclusion, promoting PA appears to improve determinants of mental health, such as depression, global self-worth and self-efficacy. Recommendations for enhancing future interventions are presented.
A review of ecotherapy as an adjunct form of treatment for those who use mental health services
- Authors:
- WILSON Neil William, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 7(3), November 2008, pp.23-35.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The concept of utilising green space to promote and maintain mental health predates the development of almost all current treatment modalities. Although the use of green space as a therapeutic tool decreased throughout the 20th century, research in this area has grown exponentially over the last 20 years. This review examines the theory and increasing evidence base behind the psychological, social and physical health benefits of viewing and interacting with green space, and considers some of the common methodological limitations within the literature. Those who use secondary and tertiary care mental health services typically experience secondary problems due to reduced levels of social and physical activity. This review argues that the holistic benefits of green space make ecotherapy particularly appropriate for such a population. The review recommends that the effects of ecotherapy on those who use secondary and tertiary mental health care services be explored as part of an effort to redress the absence in the literature of quality studies in this area for this population.
Strategies not accompanied by a mental health professional to address anxiety and depression in children and young people: a scoping review of range and a systematic review of effectiveness
- Authors:
- WOLPERT Miranda, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Lancet Psychiatry, 6(1), 2019, pp.46-60.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This Review reports on a scoping review followed by a systematic review to consider interventions designed to address or manage depression or anxiety in children and young people up to the age of 25 years without the need to involve mental health professionals. The scoping review identified 132 approaches, 103 of which referred to children or young people (younger than 25 years). These approaches included social interaction, engagement with nature, relaxation, distraction, sensory stimulation, physical activity, altering perceptions, engaging in hobbies, self-expression, and exploration. A systematic review of effectiveness studies from the literature identified in the scoping review found only 38 studies on seven types of intervention that met the inclusion criteria. 16 studies were based on cognitive or behavioural principles (15 on digital interventions and one on bibliotherapy), ten focused on physical exercise, five on light therapy, three on dietary supplements, two on massage therapy, one on online peer support, and one on contact with a dog. Most studies focused on adolescents or young adults. Evidence suggested that light therapy could be effective for season depression and that digital interventions based on attention bias modification are ineffective for anxiety. Mixed evidence was available on the effectiveness of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety, and of physical exercise for depression. All other studies had insufficient certainty to obtain even tentative conclusions about effectiveness. These results highlight the disparity between the extensive range of approaches identified in the scoping review and the restricted number and focus found in the systematic review of effectiveness of these approaches. We call for an expanded research agenda that brings evaluation rigour to a wide range of self or community approaches. (Edited publisher abstract)
Introduction to the research on: the impact and effectiveness of meaningful activity for people with mental health problems
- Authors:
- HARFLETT Naomi, JENNINGS Yasmin, LINSKY Kate
- Publisher:
- National Development Team for Inclusion
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
This short scoping review identifies research on the impact and effectiveness of meaningful activity for people with mental health problems. Due to the lack of consensus on what is meant by the terms ‘meaningful activity’ or ‘meaning activity’, the review focused on different activities, such as unpaid work and volunteering, horticulture, woodwork, arts and music, physical exercise and leisure. Searches were on a range of databases, including Social Care Online, and organisational websites for UK based research published from 2000. The review provides an overview of the quantity and quality of the research and a table summarising the 33 studies reviewed and their key findings. It also provides a summary of areas identified for future research. The review found that in the vast majority of the studies found people experience positive outcomes from participating in meaningful activity or occupation. These included: a sense of purpose or meaning to life, a structure or routine to the day, acquisition of skills, a sense of identity, social interaction and increased social networks, improved wellbeing, access to employment or education, improved confidence and improved self-esteem. However it notes that due to the high proportion of small-scale qualitative research studies, positive outcomes may be overstated. It also found no conclusive evidence to show that volunteering resulted in positive outcomes for people with mental health problems. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social prescribing: a review of the evidence
- Author:
- KINSELLA Sarah
- Publisher:
- Wirral Borough Council
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 12
- Place of publication:
- Wirral
A brief review of the literature on social prescribing. Social prescribing is a way of linking primary care patients with psycho-social issues, with sources of appropriate, non-medical support in the community. Suitable referrals to social prescribing initiatives are vulnerable and at risk groups such as: people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety; low income single parents; recently bereaved older people; people with long term conditions and frequent attendees in primary and secondary care. The review highlights that prescribed activities have typically included arts and creative activities, physical activity, learning and volunteering opportunities and courses, self-care and support with practical issues such as benefits, housing, debt and employment. The evidence on the impact of social prescribing is currently limited and inconsistent. While some initiatives have shown improved outcomes for patients and potential for cost-savings (in the longer term), few have been subject to economic analysis or the kind of rigorous evaluation which would inform commissioners. The report recommends that any new, local social prescribing initiatives should aim to add to the current evidence base and conduct transparent and thorough. (Edited publisher abstract)
Physical activity and mental health promotion: the natural partnership
- Author:
- FOX Kenneth R.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 2(1), February 2000, pp.4-12.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The case for physical activity has been established through its impact on reduction in the risk of physical ill-health such as coronary heart disease. However, there is increasing interest in its potential for a) treating and preventing mental illness and also b) the promotion of mental well-being in the general public. The topic is now widely studied with over 30 published narrative or meta-analytic reviews of research into the effect of exercise on constructs such as clinical or sub-clinical depression or anxiety, self-esteem, affect and mood, resilience to stress, cognitive function or sleep. This paper provides a summary and appraisal of the evidence for the effect of exercise on mental health and addresses key issues that face the use of exercise as a medium for health promotion.