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.
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.
Subject terms:
medication, mental health problems, personality disorders, politics, post traumatic stress disorder, psychiatry, drug misuse;
Substance use is common in a wide range of psychiatric disorders, which can increase the risks of use developing into a substance use disorder. Conversely, substance use disorders are frequently accompanied by psychiatric symptoms. In some people these indicate formal psychiatric disorder. Whatever the causes, comorbidity may complicate treatment and resolution of both disorders, often presenting as a vicious circle that is difficult to break.
Substance use is common in a wide range of psychiatric disorders, which can increase the risks of use developing into a substance use disorder. Conversely, substance use disorders are frequently accompanied by psychiatric symptoms. In some people these indicate formal psychiatric disorder. Whatever the causes, comorbidity may complicate treatment and resolution of both disorders, often presenting as a vicious circle that is difficult to break.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, personality disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, substance misuse, alcohol misuse, bipolar disorder, drug misuse, dual diagnosis;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 184(5), May 2004, pp.416-421.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
The lack of prospective studies and data on male victims leaves major questions regarding associations between child sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology. The aim was to examine the association between child sexual abuse in both boys and girls and subsequent treatment for mental disorder using a prospective cohort design. Children (n=1612; 1327 female) ascertained as sexually abused at the time had their histories of mental health treatment established by data linkage and compared with the general population of the same age over a specified period. Both male and female victims of abuse had significantly higher rates of psychiatric treatment during the study period than general population controls (12.4% v. 3.6%). Rates were higher for childhood mental disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and major affective disorders, but not for schizophrenia. Male victims were significantly more likely to have had treatment than females (22.8% v.10.2%). This prospective study demonstrates an association between child sexual abuse validated at the time and a subsequent increase in rates of childhood and adult mental disorders.
The lack of prospective studies and data on male victims leaves major questions regarding associations between child sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology. The aim was to examine the association between child sexual abuse in both boys and girls and subsequent treatment for mental disorder using a prospective cohort design. Children (n=1612; 1327 female) ascertained as sexually abused at the time had their histories of mental health treatment established by data linkage and compared with the general population of the same age over a specified period. Both male and female victims of abuse had significantly higher rates of psychiatric treatment during the study period than general population controls (12.4% v. 3.6%). Rates were higher for childhood mental disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and major affective disorders, but not for schizophrenia. Male victims were significantly more likely to have had treatment than females (22.8% v.10.2%). This prospective study demonstrates an association between child sexual abuse validated at the time and a subsequent increase in rates of childhood and adult mental disorders.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, personality disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, psychiatry, anxiety, child abuse, child sexual abuse, children, conduct disorders, gender;
Dissociation is a defence mechanism. Its primary function is to help people to survive traumatic experiences. The bomb survivor, quoted opposite, is describing a normal dissociative response, which allowed her to focus on the things she needed to do to survive, including remembering where the nearest exit was. Dissociation can also occur as a side effect of some drugs, medication and alcohol. Dissociative disorders occur when people have persistent and repeated episodes of dissociation. These usually cause distressing internal chaos and may interfere with work, school, social, or home life. This is called the dissociation continuum. A person’s position on the continuum will depend on the severity and mix of the types of dissociation they experience.The dissociation continuum, ranges from everyday dissociation, to depersonalisation disorder and dissociative amnesia; dissociative fugue and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS) to dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Dissociation is a defence mechanism. Its primary function is to help people to survive traumatic experiences. The bomb survivor, quoted opposite, is describing a normal dissociative response, which allowed her to focus on the things she needed to do to survive, including remembering where the nearest exit was. Dissociation can also occur as a side effect of some drugs, medication and alcohol. Dissociative disorders occur when people have persistent and repeated episodes of dissociation. These usually cause distressing internal chaos and may interfere with work, school, social, or home life. This is called the dissociation continuum. A person’s position on the continuum will depend on the severity and mix of the types of dissociation they experience.The dissociation continuum, ranges from everyday dissociation, to depersonalisation disorder and dissociative amnesia; dissociative fugue and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS) to dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Subject terms:
memory, mental health problems, personality disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, psychology, self-concept, self-harm, traumas;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 182(5), May 2003, pp.373-375.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Emotional dysfunction is pervasive even in non-affective psychosis. Sometimes (and unhelpfully) referred to as 'comorbidity', these disorders include depression, usually accompanied by hopelessness and suicidal thinking; social anxiety, usually accompanied by social avoidance and problems in forming relationships; and traumatic symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD). There is also the distress (fear, anger, shame) attached to the experience of psychotic symptoms.
Emotional dysfunction is pervasive even in non-affective psychosis. Sometimes (and unhelpfully) referred to as 'comorbidity', these disorders include depression, usually accompanied by hopelessness and suicidal thinking; social anxiety, usually accompanied by social avoidance and problems in forming relationships; and traumatic symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD). There is also the distress (fear, anger, shame) attached to the experience of psychotic symptoms.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, personality disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, psychiatry, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, diagnosis;
The fourth survey of the mental health of adults living in private households in England, which are carried out every seven years using a large representative sample of 7,500 people, including those who do not access services. The report presents estimates on prevalence and trends in mental health conditions and contains information on age, sex, ethnicity, employment and benefit status, region, household composition, and the level and nature of mental health treatment and service use. Chapters cover common mental health disorders, mental health treatment and service users, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, personality disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, alcohol dependence, drug use and dependence, suicide attempts and self-harm, and comorbidity in mental and physical illness. Trends identified include: an increase in the numbers of women with common mental health disorders, with numbers in men remaining largely stable; young women emerging as a high-risk group, with high rates of common mental health disorders and self-harm. Most mental disorders were also more common in people living alone, people with poor physical health, and the unemployed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The fourth survey of the mental health of adults living in private households in England, which are carried out every seven years using a large representative sample of 7,500 people, including those who do not access services. The report presents estimates on prevalence and trends in mental health conditions and contains information on age, sex, ethnicity, employment and benefit status, region, household composition, and the level and nature of mental health treatment and service use. Chapters cover common mental health disorders, mental health treatment and service users, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, personality disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, alcohol dependence, drug use and dependence, suicide attempts and self-harm, and comorbidity in mental and physical illness. Trends identified include: an increase in the numbers of women with common mental health disorders, with numbers in men remaining largely stable; young women emerging as a high-risk group, with high rates of common mental health disorders and self-harm. Most mental disorders were also more common in people living alone, people with poor physical health, and the unemployed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
surveys, mental health problems, comorbidity, self-harm, substance misuse, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, autistic spectrum conditions, attempted suicide, personality disorders, mental health services, service uptake, health inequalities;
Child Abuse Review, 19(6), November 2010, pp.387-404.
Publisher:
Wiley
In this research funded by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 247 adult survivors of severe institutional abuse in Ireland were interviewed with a standard assessment protocol which included instruments which assessed history of child abuse and current psychological functioning. Participants were aged 40 to 83 years, 54.7% were male; on average they had spent 10 years living in an institution and it had been 22-65 years since they had suffered institutional abuse. Profiles were identified for subgroups that described severe sexual (n=60), physical (n=102), or emotional (n=85) abuse as their worst forms of maltreatment. Significant intergroup differences were found for gender, age, length of time living with family before entering an institution, reasons participants believed they were placed in institutions and institutional management. Survivors of severe sexual abuse were found to have the most abnormal profile, which was characterised by higher rates of all forms of child maltreatment and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder, trauma symptoms and life problems. Survivors of severe emotional abuse were better adjusted than the other two groups. The profiles of survivors of severe physical abuse occupied an intermediate position between the other two groups. Implications for future research, practice and policy are discussed. The authors comment that a thorough assessment of abuse history and current functioning should be conducted when providing services to adult survivors of institutional abuse. Survivors of severe sexual abuse may require more intensive services.
In this research funded by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 247 adult survivors of severe institutional abuse in Ireland were interviewed with a standard assessment protocol which included instruments which assessed history of child abuse and current psychological functioning. Participants were aged 40 to 83 years, 54.7% were male; on average they had spent 10 years living in an institution and it had been 22-65 years since they had suffered institutional abuse. Profiles were identified for subgroups that described severe sexual (n=60), physical (n=102), or emotional (n=85) abuse as their worst forms of maltreatment. Significant intergroup differences were found for gender, age, length of time living with family before entering an institution, reasons participants believed they were placed in institutions and institutional management. Survivors of severe sexual abuse were found to have the most abnormal profile, which was characterised by higher rates of all forms of child maltreatment and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder, trauma symptoms and life problems. Survivors of severe emotional abuse were better adjusted than the other two groups. The profiles of survivors of severe physical abuse occupied an intermediate position between the other two groups. Implications for future research, practice and policy are discussed. The authors comment that a thorough assessment of abuse history and current functioning should be conducted when providing services to adult survivors of institutional abuse. Survivors of severe sexual abuse may require more intensive services.
Subject terms:
institutional abuse, mental health, looked after children, mental health problems, personality disorders, physical abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, residential child care, substance misuse, survivors, traumas, adults, child abuse, child sexual abuse, emotional abuse;
Describes a model for treating dual diagnosis patients and looks at the necessary training involved.
Describes a model for treating dual diagnosis patients and looks at the necessary training involved.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, models, needs, personality disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, severe mental health problems, treatment, therapy and treatment, alcohol misuse, depression, drug misuse;
Within the context of the growing demands for ethical, legal, and fiscal accountability in psychosocial practices, this book provides a comprehensive resource for social workers and other human service professionals. Examining both adult disorders and problems and disorders of couples, children, and families, the book looks at how to 1) conduct clinical assessments informed by current human behaviour science; 2) implement interventions supported by current outcome research; and 3) engage in evaluation as part of daily practice to ensure effective implementation of evidence-based practices. Sample assessment/evaluation instruments (contributed by leading experts) allow practitioners and students to better understand their use as both assessment and evaluation tools. Case studies and sample treatment plans help the reader bridge the gap between clinical research and everyday practice. Overall, the book provides practitioners and students with a thoroughly researched yet practice-oriented resource for learning and implementing effective assessment, intervention and evaluation methods for a wide array of psychosocial disorders and problems-in-living in adults, children and families.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Within the context of the growing demands for ethical, legal, and fiscal accountability in psychosocial practices, this book provides a comprehensive resource for social workers and other human service professionals. Examining both adult disorders and problems and disorders of couples, children, and families, the book looks at how to 1) conduct clinical assessments informed by current human behaviour science; 2) implement interventions supported by current outcome research; and 3) engage in evaluation as part of daily practice to ensure effective implementation of evidence-based practices. Sample assessment/evaluation instruments (contributed by leading experts) allow practitioners and students to better understand their use as both assessment and evaluation tools. Case studies and sample treatment plans help the reader bridge the gap between clinical research and everyday practice. Overall, the book provides practitioners and students with a thoroughly researched yet practice-oriented resource for learning and implementing effective assessment, intervention and evaluation methods for a wide array of psychosocial disorders and problems-in-living in adults, children and families.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
social work, evidence-based practice, research implementation, assessment, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, anti-social behaviour, personality disorders, substance misuse, mental health problems, adults, children, conduct disorders, child abuse, child neglect, eating disorders, young people;