scholarly journals ‘Prescribing’ psychotropic medication to our rivers and estuaries

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 147-150
Author(s):  
Alex T. Ford ◽  
Helena Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
High Income ◽  
Benefit Ratio ◽  
The Individual

SummaryThe influence of pharmaceuticals on the environment is an increasing concern among environmental toxicologists. It is known that their growing use is leading to detectable levels in wastewater, conceivably causing harm to aquatic ecosystems. Psychotropic medication is one such group of substances, particularly affecting high-income countries. While these drugs have a clear place in therapy, there is debate around the risk/benefit ratio in patients with mild mental health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the wider implications as risks could extend beyond the individual to non-target organisms, particularly those in rivers and estuaries.Declaration of interestNone.

scholarly journals Perceived barriers to care for migrant children and young people with mental health problems and/or neurodevelopmental differences in high-income countries: a meta-ethnography

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e045923
Author(s):  
Vanessa Place ◽  
Benjamin Nabb ◽  
Ester Gubi ◽  
Karima Assel ◽  
Johan Åhlén ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
High Income ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Children And Young People

ObjectivesTo develop conceptual understanding of perceived barriers to seeking care for migrant children and young people (aged 0–25 years) with mental health problems and/or neurodevelopmental differences in high-income countries.DesignQualitative evidence synthesis using meta-ethnography methodology. We searched four electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Global Health and Web of Science) from inception to July 2019 for qualitative studies exploring barriers to care (as perceived by migrant communities and service providers) for migrant children and young people in high-income countries with neurodevelopmental differences and/or mental health problems. The quality of included studies was explored systematically using a quality assessment tool.ResultsWe screened 753 unique citations and 101 full texts, and 30 studies met our inclusion criteria. We developed 16 themes representing perceived barriers to care on the supply and demand side of the care-seeking process. Barriers included: stigma; fear and mistrust of services; lack of information on mental health and service providers lacking cultural responsiveness. Themes were incorporated into Levesque et al’s conceptual framework of patient-centred access to healthcare, creating a version of the framework specific to migrant children and young people’s mental health and neurodevelopmental differences.ConclusionsThis is the first qualitative evidence synthesis on barriers to care for mental health problems and/or neurodevelopmental differences in migrant children and young people in high-income countries. We present an adapted conceptual framework that will help professionals and policy-makers to visualise the complex nature of barriers to care, and assist in improving practice and designing interventions to overcome them. Similar barriers were identified across study participants and migrant populations. While many barriers were also similar to those for children and young people in general populations, migrant families faced further, specific barriers to care. Interventions targeting multiple barriers may be required to ensure migrant families reach care.

scholarly journals Rediscovering Recovery: Reconceptualizing Underlying Assumptions of Citizenship and Interrelated Notions of Care and Support

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Vandekinderen ◽  
Griet Roets ◽  
Rudi Roose ◽  
Geert Van Hove
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Social Service Delivery ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Conceptual Distinction ◽  
The Individual

Over the last few decades, research, policy, and practice in the field of mental health care and a complementary variety of social work and social service delivery have internationally concentrated onrecoveryas a promising concept. In this paper, a conceptual distinction is made between anindividualapproach and asocialapproach to recovery, and underlying assumptions of citizenship and interrelated notions and features of care and support are identified. It is argued that the conditionality of the individual approach to recovery refers to a conceptualization of citizenship asnormative, based on the existence of a norm that operates in every domain of our society. We argue that these assumptions place a burden ofself-governanceon citizens with mental health problems and risk producing people with mental health problems as nonrecyclable citizens. The social approach to recovery embraces a different conceptualization of citizenship asrelational and inclusiveand embodies the myriad ways in which the belonging of people with mental health problems can be constructed in practice. As such, we hope to enable social services and professionals in the field to balance their role in the provision of care and support to service users with mental health problems.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and the Mental Health of People From Refugee Backgrounds

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Rees ◽  
Jane Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Delivery ◽  
General Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Vulnerable Population ◽  
High Income ◽  
Health Practitioners

Approximately 1 in 10 of the current 26 million people who are refugees reside in high-income countries. They have commonly experienced trauma related to violence, insecurity, persecution and shortage of food and medicine. Our research suggests that COVID-19 and its health and social sequalae may be triggering past traumatic reactions, exacerbating mental health problems and undermining functioning. The purpose of this article is to promptly communicate these anecdotal findings to general health practitioners to ensure informed and sensitive health care delivery to this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Mental Health in the Workplace (2) – Mental Health and Discrimination in Employment

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (16) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Kay Wheat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Employment Protection ◽  
Basic Premise ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Discrimination In Employment ◽  
Disability Discrimination Act ◽  
The Individual

<p align="LEFT">People with mental health problems are stigmatised and in particular there is concern about stigmatisation in employment. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (“the Act”) was introduced to address the problems of disabled people, both in employment and in the provision of education, goods and services and the legislation is concerned with mental as well as physical health. However, its basic premise is that disability has to be long-term and must be defined in terms of the individual disabled person. Many people with mental health problems are not disabled within the meaning of the Act, and because of the individualised approach what has been described as institutionalised discrimination has not been addressed. This article examines the current employment protection for those with mental health problems offered by the Act and elsewhere. It will be argued that there are particular problems associated with mental health that are not addressed by the current law and that recent attempts to address these have resulted in a missed opportunity, and that a more radical approach is necessary because of the nature of mental health and the perceptions and prejudices surrounding this area. </p>

scholarly journals Association between social capital and mental health among older people living with HIV: The Sichuan Older HIV-Infected Cohort Study (SOHICS)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiayu Han ◽  
Peng Jia ◽  
Yuling Huang ◽  
Bo Gao ◽  
Bin Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Probable Depression

Abstract Background: Mental health problems are common among older people living with HIV and associated with poorer health outcomes. Social capital is an important determinant of mental health problems but under-studied in this population. This study investigated the association between social capital and mental health problems among older people living with HIV in China. Methods: The study was based on the baseline data of a cohort study investigating mental health among older people living with HIV in Sichuan, China during November 2018 to February 2019. Participants were people living with HIV aged ≥50 years living in Sichuan province. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to recruit participants from 30 communities/towns; 529 out of 556 participants being approached completed the face-to-face interview. Social capital was measured by two validated health-related social capital scales: the Individual and Family scale and the Community and Society scale. Presence of probable depression (CES-D-10 score ≥10) and probable anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥5) were used as dependent variables. Two-level logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between social capital and probable depression/anxiety. Results: The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety was 25.9% (137/529) and 36.3% (192/529) , respectively. After adjusting for significant covariates, the individual/family level of social capital was inversely associated with both probable depression (odds ratios (OR): 0.89, 95%CI: 0.84-0.93, p <0.001) and probable anxiety (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.86-0.95, p <0.001). The community/society level social capital was associated with probable depression (OR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99, p <0.001) but not probable anxiety ( p >0.05). Conclusions: Interventions building up social capital should be considered to improve mental health of older people living with HIV. Some useful strategies include cognitive processing therapy, improving community networking and engagement, and promoting social bonding with neighborhood.

Maddi Faith in conversation with Jerome Carson

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Maddi Faith ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Maddi Faith. Design/methodology/approach In this single case study, Maddi gives a short background and the origins of her mental health issues and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Maddi tells the authors how her problems developed in her childhood and of the journey she has been on since. Research limitations/implications Single case studies provide a single perspective. Yet are they of any less value than a commentary by an academic? On the contrary, many offer unique insights into how the authors provide services for people with mental health problems, and of better ways to help them. Practical implications Maddi raises the issue of “falling between services”, with the result that the individual concerned does not receive the help they need. Social implications The persistent stigma of mental health problems is an issue that will need to be addressed for decades if it is to be overcome. Personal witness is vital in tackling this issue. Maddi has already done a lot to address this through her work at University. Originality/value The Trust the second author worked for, for many years used to have a staff “Made a Difference” award. Maddi surely deserves such an award for her own efforts to develop our understanding of the realities of mental health problems.

scholarly journals Exploring causal pathways of child behavior and maternal mental health in families with a child with congenital heart disease: a longitudinal study

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (16) ◽  
pp. 3421-3433 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Landolt ◽  
E. Ystrom ◽  
K. Stene-Larsen ◽  
H. Holmstrøm ◽  
M. E. Vollrath
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Causal Pathways ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
The Individual

Background.A congenital heart defect (CHD) can increase the risk of mental health problems in affected children and their parents. The extent to which risk factors for these problems are shared in families or are specific to the individual family member is unclear.Method.Prospective data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa; n = 93 009) were linked with a nationwide CHD registry, and 408 children with CHD were identified. Mothers' reports on child internalizing problems and their own distress were assessed by questionnaires at child ages 6, 18 and 36 months. A structural model was applied to distinguish between familial (shared) factors and individual-specific factors for mental health problems.Results.CHD was a substantial risk factor for problems in children and their mothers at all time points. CHD contributed on average 31% and 39% to the variance in children's and mothers' problems respectively. Both shared familial and individual-specific factors unique to CHD families contributed to risk for mental health problems. Whereas individual-specific risk factors contributed to the stability of problems in mothers, the effect of these factors lasted only a short time in children. Mutual influences over time were found between the mother's and the child's mental health at 18 and 36 months.Conclusions.The burden of CHD in a child is shared between family members but is also specific to the individual. This study points to a need for both an individual and a family-based approach to provide psychological support to children with CHD and their parents.

Psychotropic medication use in former ICU patients with mental health problems: A prospective observational follow-up study

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 112-117
Author(s):  
Debbie G.A. Janssen ◽  
Joep Jonker ◽  
Diederik van Dijk ◽  
Eibert R. Heerdink ◽  
Toine C.G. Egberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Follow Up Study

scholarly journals Current Problems in the Mental Health Field

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
Kilda Çela Gusha ◽  
Irena Shala ◽  
Remila Kalo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Infrastructure Health

Mental health problems are conditions that do not meet the criteria for disease but affect the normal quality and continuity of everyday life. They are the emotional and psychological difficulties of the individual, which occur as a result of circumstantial or persistent stresses or of a reflection of the emotions between the individual and the environment where he lives (WHO, 2005). Health is seen as "not just a lack of sickness or disability," but rather as "a complete physical, mental and social well-being." This definition significantly expands the concept of mental health, which should not be defined in a restrictive manner as the absence of mental disorders, but should be defined in a positive and comprehensive view (WHO, 1985). Ultimately, mental health is defined as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own potential, is able to cope with daily life concerns, is productive and fruitfully in his work, and is capable of delivering his contribution to the community where he lives (WHO, 2001). Mental health problems are usually associated with important concerns in social, professional, or other important activities. In many cases, there appears to be a continuity between mental health problems and mental disorders, making the diagnosis even more complex (CDC, 2011). Policies and Legislative Frameworks. Law on MS – 1996. Implementation of LLL remains low as a consequence of inadequate infrastructure (health, social and legal). There is no national or local body to monitor human or patient rights in the institutions of the MS.Policy on the Development of Mental Health Services in Albania - March 2003. Action Plan for the Development of Mental Health Services in Albania - May 2005. Mental and emotional problems are a concern for many elderly people. Depression often occurs as a result of the death of a spouse or close friends. Even this kind of loss and even more important and more common is the loss of respect of others. With retirement an individual does not feel more useful to his family, to society, and even more to himself.

The impact of the economic crisis on the use of psychotropic medication in Portugal: Preliminary results of the national mental health survey follow-up

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S579-S579 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Silva ◽  
A. Antunes ◽  
D. Frasquilho ◽  
G. Cardoso ◽  
J.M. Caldas-de-Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Survey ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionEconomic crises can contribute to a worsening of mental health problems and, consequently, to a possible increase of the use of psychotropic medication.ObjectivesTo assess the use of psychotropic medication in Portugal before and after the onset of the economic crisis, and to better understand the impact of the economic crisis in this highly hit country.MethodsThis 2015 follow-up epidemiological study re-interviewed a probability sub-sample of respondents to the 2008 national mental health survey, the first nationally representative study of psychiatric morbidity and treatment patterns in Portugal. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were assessed using a structured interview in 2008 (n = 2060) and 2015 (n = 911). All participants were questioned about the last 12 month use of psychotropic medication for mental health problems. Descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the use of psychotropic medication by group and gender in 2008 and 2015.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2015 there was an overall increase in the use of the main groups of psychotropic medication (22.5% to 28.6%), with a particularly relevant increase in the consumption of anti-depressants and anxiolytics. The use of psychotropic medication was higher among women in 2008 and 2015 (31.1% and 36.7%) compared to men. However, the increase in consumption was more relevant in men (13.3% to 20.0%), particularly in relation to anxiolytics (6.0% to 11.6%).ConclusionsThe economic crisis was associated with a substantial increase of psychotropic medication's use in Portugal, consistent with the increased prevalence of mental health problems that this study also found.FundingEEA Grants Programa Iniciativas em Saúde Pública.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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