Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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The impact of Covid-19 on access to psychological services
- Authors:
- PURRINGTON Jack, SANTAMBROGIO Jacopo
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 15(4), 2021, pp.119-131.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The novel coronavirus and associated mitigation efforts have produced barriers to accessing services for adults with intellectual disabilities. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on access to psychological services. The paper evaluates monthly referral rates and psychological distress scores for service users awaiting therapy. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative service evaluation was completed in a psychology service based in the North of England which specialises in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. A single case experimental design was used to examine the impact of events in March 2020 on referral rates. Descriptive statistics and effect size calculations were used to examine the impact of prolonged waiting times on psychological distress scores. Findings: Referral rates were examined comparing a 5-year rolling average monthly referral rate for the 12 months prior to March 2020 with the 12 months following. Findings demonstrate that events starting in March 2020 have had a considerable impact on referral rates and rates have not recovered. Eight service users were contacted to determine the impact of prolonged waiting times with results demonstrating increases in psychological distress of large effect size. Originality/value: This is the only paper the authors are aware of examining the impact of the coronavirus on access to services and psychological distress for adults with intellectual disabilities. It is hoped that these findings will be able to inform both policy and practice as services continue to navigate the pandemic. (Edited publisher abstract)
From reflection to action: a case study of an art psychotherapy group which drew on occupational therapy perspectives
- Authors:
- COLES Ali, ELLIOTT Tom
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Review Journal, 25(3), 2020, pp.197-213.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to describe service user experiences of an art psychotherapy group which drew on occupational therapy perspectives to help adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties move forward in their recovery. Design/methodology/approach: A case study approach incorporating outcome data was used. The data gathered comprised attendance, facilitators’ clinical notes, photographs of participant artworks, the Psychological Outcome Profiles questionnaire (PSYCHLOPS: www.psychlops.org), a post-therapy feedback form, discussion at post-therapy individual review sessions and participants’ achievements post-group. Findings: All but one participant scored the group as “very helpful” or “helpful” and all felt that the group had helped them with the personal aims they had identified. The PSYCHLOPS questionnaire yielded a large average effect size, indicating positive change in terms of problems, functioning and well-being. Participants identified several ways in which the group was helpful, and their artwork and reflections indicate how they used the art making in the group to pursue their recovery goals. The service user experiences and outcomes suggest that this group was effective in facilitating recovery for these adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. Originality/value: This group was innovative in integrating approaches from the different professional specialisms and the findings encourage further investigation into this way of working. (Edited publisher abstract)
Therapeutic activities and psychological interventions by cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapists working with medically unexplained symptoms: a qualitative study
- Author:
- LUCA Maria
- Journal article citation:
- Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 12(2), 2012, pp.118-127.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), or signs of physical malfunction that cannot be accounted for by a physical disorder, weighs heavily on NHS resources and are difficult for psychological therapists to work with. The belief of some MUS clients that their symptoms are purely physical perpetuates this difficulty. The aim of this paper is to report on therapeutic activities and psychological interventions used to treat MUS clients by experienced cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapists. Twelve in-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews with psychotherapists, recruited from 2 NHS Departments, were conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed using grounded theory. The findings showed that therapists from 2 modalities share the following activities and interventions: working together with clients; sensitive, empathic responding and building trust; being flexible with techniques; keeping an open mind; and multi-disciplinary cooperation. They also use a number of modality specific interventions which differentiate them from their colleagues. While the therapists spoke of the difficulty that experienced in engaging MUS clients psychologically, they also felt that working together with clients produced more positive outcomes.
Service user views of long-term individual psychodynamic psychotherapy
- Authors:
- MERRIMAN Charlotte, BEAIL Nigel
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 3(2), June 2009, pp.42-47.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy is a costly service to provide, but many clinicians believe it is of benefit for people who have learning disabilities and psychological problems. There is also now some evidence for its effectiveness. However, the views of recipients is unknown. In this study, recipients of more than two years of psychodynamic psychotherapy were interviewed about their experiences and views. Themes emerged about the referral process, the experience and the outcome. Areas of strength were identified, as well as areas for improvement. The findings concur with previous findings on group therapy and help inform current and future provision of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Psychiatry’s 200th birthday
- Author:
- MARNEROS Andreas
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 192(7), July 2008, pp.1-3.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Professor Johann Christian Reil of Halle, Germany, first introduced the term ‘psychiatry’ in 1808. He argued that mental illness should be treated by physicians and that psychiatry required the very best medical practitioners. He stressed the important relationships between physical and mental factors in illness and the role of psychotherapy as one of the main treatment approaches in medicine. He was a strong advocate of humane treatment and reduction of stigma. Many of his ideas remain important today.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy: an effectiveness study
- Author:
- ROSEBOROUGH David J.
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 16(2), March 2006, pp.166-175.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This effectiveness study used a secondary analysis of data from a multidisciplinary, psychodynamic mental health clinic in the United States. It used a single-group, within-subjects longitudinal design. The psychometrically validated Outcome Questionnaire was used as a measure of change. A linear mixed and random effects model was used to analyze the data. The aims of this study were (a) to look at whether patients improve and (b) if so, at what variables moderate outcome. Findings suggest that psychodynamic treatment, provided within this practice configuration, is effective over time, producing moderate effect sizes, and points to the particular importance of the first 3 months.
Evidence based practice and psychotherapy research
- Author:
- REYNOLDS Shirley
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 9(3), June 2000, pp.257-266.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
This paper outlines the concept and the process of evidence based practice and discusses the potential role of evidence based practice in the development of psychotherapy research. Despite concerns that evidence based practice may impede the clinical freedom of clinicians, the argument presented in this paper is that this approach provides new opportunities for psychotherapy research. Although most attempts to develop evidence based practice have been focused on applying the results of qualitative research to practice there are emerging opportunities to broaden the scope of evidence based practice. This can and should include neglected methods of research, for example qualitative methods, and neglected topics of research including the treatment of individuals with enduring and severe mental health problems.
Ask how I am: supporting emotional health among people living with long-term conditions
- Authors:
- WILTON Jo, BELL Andy
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 39
- Place of publication:
- London
This research set out to develop a clearer picture of the emotional needs of people living with long-term conditions; to explore the impact of long-term illness on people’s psychological wellbeing; to understand what would make the most difference, in terms of reducing this impact; and to address the barriers to providing and accessing effective support. The report finds that people with long-term conditions have too few opportunities to ask for help with their mental health. Short appointments, over-stretched services and stigma all make it hard for people to say they are struggling. Having a long-term condition affects people’s mental health in a number of ways, including coming to terms with the illness and its effects; living with it day-to-day, and for many years; the burden of having to go through repeated appointments, treatments and procedures; and the effects on people’s relationships. People’s experiences varied according to a number of factors. There was as much difference between people living with the same conditions as there was between different types of illness. Key factors included age; racial discrimination; poverty and financial difficulty; and fluctuating and progressive conditions, which mean people’s experiences and needs change over time. Key elements of an effective system of support for people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health included: making emotional support a standard part of care for their long-term condition; psychological interventions; joined-up mental and physical healthcare; a holistic, whole-person approach; being offered help proactively, not having to search for support; peer support; opportunities to give support to others; help for carers and family members. (Edited publisher abstract)
A racist attack managing complex relationships with traumatised service users – a psychodynamic approach
- Author:
- STEVENSON Stuart
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Practice, 34(3), 2020, pp.225-235.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Notions of whiteness, white supremacy and racial hatred such as the recent multiple racist murders by a white supremacist in New Zealand are at the forefront of public consciousness. How do whiteness and racism play out in a clinical and social welfare context? This article illustrates the impact of trauma on a vulnerable young white woman who although was not the direct target of a racist assault was left traumatised by witnessing it. It discusses how initially she sought refuge in a racist solution synonymous with a psychic retreat to her own detriment. Working with such complex, unconscious and bewildering dynamics is extremely challenging for clinicians. It describes the impact of these dynamics on a clinician of colour who attempted to work with this young woman in a child and adolescent mental health service after the family was referred as a consequence of her assaulting her child shortly after witnessing the racist attack. The unconscious responses to trauma and challenges for clinicians and clinician of colour in particular when working with racism in the consulting room are also discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Significant therapy events with clients with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- WILLS Sarah, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 12(5-6), 2018, pp.173-183.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore significant events in psychotherapy with clients with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Design/methodology/approach: Four therapy dyads, each consisting of one client and one therapist, were recruited. Following the brief structured recall procedure (Elliott and Shapiro, 1988), semi-structured interviews focused on helpful events in psychotherapy, using video of particular sessions as a stimulus to help prompt recall of that session. Findings: Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, five super-ordinate themes were identified: “The Uniqueness of the Therapeutic Relationship”; “Using adaptations to Express Emotions”; “Client Behaviour/Therapist Behaviour”; “Hope and Paternalism”; and “Meaning-Making”. The results provide additional evidence that significant therapy events occur for clients with IDs. Furthermore, the research enabled insights to be gained about the process of therapy for this client group and for exploration of therapeutic factors that may be involved in facilitating a significant therapy event. Research limitations/implications: This study highlights the need for therapists to work in such a way as to facilitate significant events in therapy. Whilst this study was a necessary first step, owing to the non-existence of research in this area, the sample size and qualitative design may limit any wider generalisation of the findings. Originality/value: Significant events have not previously been explored in psychotherapy with clients with IDs. This research could therefore make an important contribution to our understanding of the process of psychotherapy for this client group. (Publisher abstract)