New Technologies in Suicide Prevention

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S148-S149
Author(s):  
M. Pompili
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionThe use of new technologies is beginning to be embraced by volunteers and professionals, from crisis lines, suicide prevention centers, mental health centers, researchers and politicians.ObjectivesNew technologies have entered the field of suicide prevention with high expectations for the future, despite a relatively slow start. Internet, smartphones, apps, social networks and self-help computer programs have a strong potential to achieve, sustain and help people at risk of suicide, their families, teachers, health professionals and for the survivors.AimsTo provide comprehensive overview on the role of new technologies in suicide prevention.MethodsGiven the relatively early and underdeveloped state of this area of inquiry, the author viewed his task as gathering and critically appraising the available research relevant to the topic, with the aim of formulating a hypothesis to be tested with further research.ResultsNew cheaper services will soon be available to effectively reach and assist the most vulnerable people and prevent suicides. The potential to help vulnerable people who do not use conventional mental health services and people in regions with inadequate psychiatric facilities represents an attractive target with favourable perspectives for suicide prevention Smartphone, apps, websites, avatar coach, and virtual suicidal subjects are important for both delivering help as well as to educate mental health professionals as in the case of role playing.ConclusionsShadows and lights are emerging through the use of new technologies. If more people can be reached there are however concern for improper use of social network and pro-suicide websites.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Attitude of person living with psychosis towards MH professionals: A qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s843-s843
Author(s):  
K. Vaiphei ◽  
P. Sreedaran ◽  
V. Sathyanarayanan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Relationship

AimsStudies investigating attitudes of people with mental illness are scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate person living with psychosis on their attitudes and perception towards the mental health professionals in contact with mental health services.MethodsAn in-depth interview was used to explore their lived experiences and attitude towards mental health professionals.ResultsBoth negative and positive attitudes were prevalent among the patients. Most negative attitudes concerned on not giving time, the MHPs are most interested in financial gains. They felt attitude changes according to diagnosis, psychosis perceived as diagnosis with violence; they are more interested in protecting themselves, perception that treating symptoms and not cause of illness. On the contrary, they felt positive on the relationship and time given to them.Discussion and conclusions The PLWI's attitude to MHPs could be a product of the type of admission (forced upon), symptoms related or on the type of service settings. The present study is purely qualitative, single settings, could not be generalised. However it points on the need for sensitization of MHPs and relationship building oriented intervention.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Mental Health Systems Development in UAE

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S488-S489 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Haque
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Mental Health Practice ◽  
Cultural Considerations ◽  
Federal Laws ◽  
Competing Interest

BackgroundThis paper examines the historical development of mental health services in the UAE including formation of federal laws associated with mental health and ministerial decrees. It also discusses cultural considerations in mental health practice in a society that is highly pluralistic and populated mainly by foreigners. The sharia aspects of mental health are also addressed.AimsThe aims of the paper are to familiarize readers in above areas and encourage further work in the area of mental health in UAE.MethodsThe research is based on literature review.ResultsAll federal laws and ministerial decrees are listed and local cultural considerations and sharia laws discussed, as they are unique to his country and region.ConclusionAlthough mental health is traditionally neglected in this country it is developing very fast and it is essential to keep track of and encourage such growth for the benefit of consumers and mental health professionals.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Attachment and survival in the face of Covid-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-187
Author(s):  
Arturo Ezquerro
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Current Health ◽  
Psychotherapy Practice ◽  
The Social ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
The Face

This article aims to explore some of the implications of the coronavirus pandemic on attachment-based psychotherapy practice, in the wider context of lockdown in a traumatised society fighting for survival. In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, it is a duty for psychotherapists and other mental health professionals to carry on working with emotionally vulnerable people, maximising the use of digital technology. The article suggests that this traditional duty may fall short under exceptional circumstances and, so, it might become necessary to go beyond the comfort of the consulting room — in order to address problems effectively in the social, cultural, and political arenas. This article includes an ongoing piece of online clinical work with a patient recovering from psychosis, whilst further reflecting on the current health, economic, and social emergency.

scholarly journals Affirmative competence and practices of mental health professionals with LGB clients: An Ibero-American study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s906-s906
Author(s):  
H. Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Political Orientation ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionThere are not many studies about affirmative competence and practices among mental health professionals working with lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (LGB) clients.ObjectivesThe objectives of this research are to assess the levels of affirmative competence and practices of professionals in Ibero-American countries.AimWe aim to compare differences regarding gender, country of origin, religious beliefs, political orientation, sexual orientation, age, education, marital status, and possessing specific training related to working with LGB clients, in order to determine the predictive association of the variables under study.MethodsThe sample consists of 630 therapists from various countries various Ibero-American countries: 23% from Portugal, 23.2% from Brazil, 19.1% from Spain, 6.7% from Mexico, 6.7% from Argentina and 18.6% from other countries. Ages ranged from 19 to 75 years old, with a mean age of 41.46 years. The socio-demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale, and the Affirmative Practice Questionnaire were the measures used.ResultsThe results show statistically significant differences when comparing marital status, sexual orientation, political orientation, religious beliefs, level of education, and specific training concerning LGB issues. Age, gender, and country of residence show no statistically significant differences. The linear regression model demonstrates that there is a significant predictive value between affirmative competence and practices with LGB clients.ConclusionsThis study indicates that mental health professionals should undergo some type of academic or professional training and/or possess experience in regards to working with LGB clients, in order to enhance their approach when working with this population.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Suicide mitigation: a compassionate approach to suicide prevention

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alys Cole-King ◽  
Gill Green ◽  
Linda Gask ◽  
Kevin Hines ◽  
Stephen Platt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Everyday Clinical Practice ◽  
Suicidal Person ◽  
Do So

SummaryThe death of a patient by suicide can severely affect mental health professionals, particularly if it occurs despite major efforts to intervene. Notwithstanding the difficulties faced by clinicians, suicide prevention remains of paramount importance in order to help save lives. This article seeks to promote a pragmatic and compassionate biopsychosocial response using evidence-based interventions to reduce suicide. It introduces practical strategies that psychiatrists can use in everyday clinical practice, in particular the paradigm shift of suicide mitigation to help prevent suicide. We believe that every encounter with a suicidal person is an opportunity to intervene to reduce their distress and, potentially, to save a life. We believe that it is no longer acceptable for clinicians to state that if patients wish to kill themselves they can do so, in the absence of any attempt at a compassionate intervention.

scholarly journals THE CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION: EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-44
Author(s):  
Maryke Woolf ◽  
Jason Bantjes ◽  
Ashraf Kagee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
South African ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
School Based

Youth suicidal behaviour poses a significant public health concern. Mental health care professionals working in schools have an important role to play in youth suicide prevention initiatives, although little is known of the experiences of this group of professionals in low and middle income countries (LMIC’s). The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mental health professionals working in South African schools and to document their insights, attitudes and beliefs regarding youth suicidal behaviour. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven school-based mental health care professionals and data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Participants reported that they relied on a reactive strategy by responding to youths who were in crisis. They were challenged by a lack of support from faculty staff, a lack of access to resources, and heavy caseloads. Findings highlight the need for a proactive and collaborative approach to suicide prevention among mental health care professionals, teachers and parents in South African schools and improved training and supervision.

Practitioner Experiences Responding to Suicide Risk for Survivors of Human Trafficking in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110628
Author(s):  
Laura Cordisco Tsai ◽  
Catherine Carlson ◽  
Rhea Baylosis ◽  
Elizabeth Hentschel ◽  
Terriann Nicholson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Culturally Adapted ◽  
Prevention Interventions

Human trafficking survivors experience elevated suicide risk in comparison to the general population. Anti-trafficking service providers in the Philippines have identified capacity building in suicide prevention as a critical priority given the insufficient number of trained mental health professionals and lack of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions in the Philippines. We conducted a focused ethnography exploring the experiences of non-mental health professionals working in the anti-human trafficking sector in the Philippines in responding to suicidality among survivors of human trafficking ( n = 20). Themes included: emotional burden on service providers, manifestations of stigma regarding suicide, lack of clarity regarding risk assessment, lack of mental health services and support systems, transferring responsibility to other providers, and the need for training, supervision, and organizational systems. We discuss implications for training service providers in the anti-human trafficking sector, as well as cultural adaptation of suicide prevention interventions with human trafficking survivors in the Philippines.

Psychoeducational Family Intervention: Benefits and Obstacles Reported by Mental Health Professionals

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S88-S88
Author(s):  
B. Pocai ◽  
M. Savorani ◽  
G. Borriello ◽  
V. Del Vecchio ◽  
G. Sampogna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Bipolar I Disorder ◽  
Health Centres ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionDespite several guidelines recommend the use of psychoeducational family interventions (PFIs) as add-on in the treatment of patients with bipolar I disorder (a), their implementation on a large scale remains limited (b).ObjectivesTo identify benefits and obstacles in implementing a PFI in the clinical routine care.MethodsThis was a multicentre, real-world, controlled, outpatient trial, carried out in 11 randomly recruited Italian mental health centres. Mental health professionals received a training on PFI and provided the intervention to patients with bipolar I disorder and their relatives. Difficulties and benefits in performing PFI were collected through an ad-hoc schedule, which was administered at baseline and 5 times during the different stages of the intervention.ResultsMental health professionals report significant improvements in the intervention-related benefits over time (T0 = 5.3 ± 2.0 vs. T5 = 7.9 ± 0.9; P < .0001), in particular in their professional skills (T0 = 6.5 ± 2.3 vs. T5 = 8.0 ± 0.8; P < .01). They also report to be more satisfied with their own work (T0 = 6.6 ± 2.3 vs. T5 = 8.0 ± 1.3; P < .05). The most relevant difficulties were related to the need to integrate the PFI with other work responsibilities and to the lack of time, which did not decrease overtime.ConclusionsPFIs are feasible in routine care for the treatment of patients with bipolar I disorder and their relatives, and main obstacles are related to the organization of mental health centres, and not to the characteristics of the intervention itself.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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