Editorial: Bullying and Suicide Risk: Restructuring Prevention, Identification, and Treatment to Address a Global Mental Health Crisis

The potential of smartphone apps to improve quality and increase access to mental health care is increasingly clear. Yet even in the current global mental health crisis, real-world uptake of smartphone apps by clinics or consumers remains low. To understand this dichotomy, this paper reviews current challenges surrounding user engagement with mental health smartphone apps. While smartphone engagement metrics and reporting remains heterogeneous in the literature, focusing on themes offers a framework to identify underlying trends. These themes suggest that apps are not designed with service users in mind, do not solve problems users care most about, do not respect privacy, are not seen as trustworthy and are unhelpful in emergencies. Respecting these current issues surrounding mental health app engagement, we propose several solutions and highlight successful examples of mental health apps with high engagement. Further research is necessary to better characterise engagement with mental health apps and identify best practices for design, testing and implementation.

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Can Mental Health Apps Be Effective for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress During a Pandemic?

10.31234/osf.io/zy2ct ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Robert L. Longyear ◽

Kostadin Kushlev

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Low Income ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Low Cost ◽

Economic Recession ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Face To Face ◽

Health Apps

Covid-19 is poised to exacerbate the global mental health crisis as social isolation, unemployment, and economic recession are risk factors for negative mental health consequences. Since the need for social distancing can make face-to-face services less accessible, people may turn to mental health apps as an accessible and inexpensive solution. But are the claims about the efficacy of these apps supported by evidence? We identified 19 published articles on PubMed of peer-reviewed randomized clinical trials of mental health apps focused on stress, anxiety, and depression. Despite some evidence for the effectiveness of mental health apps, it remains unclear how effective these apps are compared to standard of care. Populations studied so far also lack diversity, making it difficult to generalize any benefits to racial minorities and low-income individuals—the very people who have been most negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and traditionally have higher barriers to mental health services. While apps are not a substitute for face-to-face therapy, further evidence is warranted given their potential for delivering scalable, low-cost care to patients. We call for regulatory oversight as a means to ensure mental health apps demonstrate safety and effectiveness prior to marketing.

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Harnessing Technology to Address the Global Mental Health Crisis

10.1596/31766 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amirali Batada ◽

Rene Leon Solano

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis

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Leveraging Convergence Science to Address Global Mental Health Challenges

Convergence Mental Health ◽

10.1093/med/9780197506271.003.0002 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 7-28

Author(s):

Erin Smith ◽

Helen Lavretsky ◽

Charles F Reynolds III ◽

Michael Berk ◽

Harris A Eyre

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Early Stage ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

New Era ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

The World ◽

Medical Educators

The world is in the throes of a global mental health crisis with severe physical, societal, and economic ramifications. This has only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Modern mental health problems are characterized by their complexity, multisystemic nature, and broad societal impact, making them poorly suited to siloed approaches of thinking and innovation. To solve the unprecedented complexities and challenges associated with the current global mental health crisis, a paradigm shift is needed. Convergence science integrates knowledge, tools, and thought strategies from various fields and is the point where novel insights arise. In the context of mental health, convergence involves integration of scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticists, global health experts, engineers, technology entrepreneurs, medical educators, caregivers, and patients; synergy between government, academia, and industry is also vital. A convergence mental health approach will lead to improved outcomes for patients and healthcare systems. Predicate examples of convergence science in adjacent fields to mental health provide a model for the path forward. Further, within the field of mental health, there are examples of convergence science currently in action that include early-stage companies, neuroscience initiatives, public health projects, and unconventional funding mechanisms. The world has a historic opportunity to leverage convergence science to lead to a new era of innovation and progress in global mental health.

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Increase in prevalence of current mental disorders in the context of COVID-19: analysis of repeated nationwide cross-sectional surveys

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796020000888 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

P. Winkler ◽

T. Formanek ◽

K. Mlada ◽

A. Kagstrom ◽

Z. Mohrova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Scale Up ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis

Abstract Aims The United Nations warned of COVID-19-related mental health crisis; however, it is unknown whether there is an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders as existing studies lack a reliable baseline analysis or they did not use a diagnostic measure. We aimed to analyse trends in the prevalence of mental disorders prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We analysed data from repeated cross-sectional surveys on a representative sample of non-institutionalised Czech adults (18+ years) from both November 2017 (n = 3306; 54% females) and May 2020 (n = 3021; 52% females). We used Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as the main screening instrument. We calculated descriptive statistics and compared the prevalence of current mood and anxiety disorders, suicide risk and alcohol-related disorders at baseline and right after the first peak of COVID-19 when related lockdown was still in place in CZ. In addition, using logistic regression, we assessed the association between COVID-19-related worries and the presence of mental disorders. Results The prevalence of those experiencing symptoms of at least one current mental disorder rose from a baseline of 20.02 (95% CI = 18.64; 21.39) in 2017 to 29.63 (95% CI = 27.9; 31.37) in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of both major depressive disorder (3.96, 95% CI = 3.28; 4.62 v. 11.77, 95% CI = 10.56; 12.99); and suicide risk (3.88, 95% CI = 3.21; 4.52 v. 11.88, 95% CI = 10.64; 13.07) tripled and current anxiety disorders almost doubled (7.79, 95% CI = 6.87; 8.7 v. 12.84, 95% CI = 11.6; 14.05). The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in 2020 was approximately the same as in 2017 (10.84, 95% CI = 9.78; 11.89 v. 9.88, 95% CI = 8.74; 10.98); however, there was a significant increase in weekly binge drinking behaviours (4.07% v. 6.39%). Strong worries about both, health or economic consequences of COVID-19, were associated with an increased odds of having a mental disorder (1.63, 95% CI = 1.4; 1.89 and 1.42, 95% CI = 1.23; 1.63 respectively). Conclusions This study provides evidence matching concerns that COVID-19-related mental health problems pose a major threat to populations, particularly considering the barriers in service provision posed during lockdown. This finding emphasises an urgent need to scale up mental health promotion and prevention globally.

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Digital Mental Health: The Answer to the Global Mental Health Crisis?

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/18472 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. e18472 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Brittany N Rudd ◽

Rinad S Beidas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Health Prevention ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Prevention And Intervention ◽

Mental Health Interventions

Digital mental health interventions are often touted as the solution to the global mental health crisis. However, moving mental health care from the hands of professionals and into digital apps may further isolate individuals who need human connection the most. In this commentary, we argue that people, our society’s greatest resource, are as ubiquitous as technology. Thus, we argue that research focused on using technology to support all people in delivering mental health prevention and intervention deserves greater attention in the coming decade.

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Impact of Pandemics/Epidemics on Emergency Department Utilization for Mental Health and Substance Use: A Rapid Review

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.615000 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Julie Munich ◽

Liz Dennett ◽

Jennifer Swainson ◽

Andrew J. Greenshaw ◽

Jake Hayward

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Substance Use ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

System Level ◽

Rapid Review ◽

Emergency Department Utilization ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Impact

Background: A prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to trigger a global mental health crisis increasing demand for mental health emergency services. We undertook a rapid review of the impact of pandemics and epidemics on emergency department utilization for mental health (MH) and substance use (SU).Objective: To rapidly synthesize available data on emergency department utilization for psychiatric concerns during COVID-19.Methods: An information specialist searched Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and Scopus on June 16, 2020 and updated the search on July 24, 2020. Our search identified 803 abstracts, 7 of which were included in the review. Six articles reported on the COVID-19 pandemic and one on the SARS epidemic.Results: All studies reported a decrease in overall and MH related ED utilization during the early pandemic/epidemic. Two studies found an increase in SU related visits during the same period. No data were available for mid and late stage pandemics and the definitions for MH and SU related visits were inconsistent across studies.Conclusions: Our results suggest that COVID-19 has resulted in an initial decrease in ED visits for MH and an increase in visits for SU. Given the relative paucity of data on the subject and inconsistent analytic methods used in existing studies, there is an urgent need for investigation of pandemic-related changes in ED case-mix to inform system-level change as the pandemic continues.

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Convergence Mental Health

10.1093/med/9780197506271.001.0001 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Global Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Focal Point ◽

Early Stage ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Asia Pacific ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The World

The world is in the throes of a global health, economic, and mental health crisis with severe physical, societal, and economic ramifications. Modern mental health problems are characterized by their complexity, multisystemic nature, and broad societal impact, making them poorly suited to siloed approaches of thinking and innovation. To solve the unprecedented complexities and challenges associated with the current global crisis, a paradigm shift is needed. Convergence science integrates knowledge, tools, and thought strategies from various fields and is the focal point where novel insights arise. In the context of mental health, convergence involves integration of scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticists, global health experts, engineers, technology entrepreneurs, medical educators, caregivers, and patients; synergy between government, academia, and industry is also vital. A convergence mental health approach will lead to improved outcomes for patients and healthcare systems. Predicate examples of convergence science in adjacent fields to mental health provide a model for the path forward. Further, within the field of mental health, there are examples of convergence science currently in action that include early-stage companies, neuroscience initiatives, public health projects, and unconventional funding mechanisms. The world has a historic opportunity to leverage convergence science to lead to a new era of innovation and progress in global mental health. Contributions for this book come from authors affiliated with the Milken Institute, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the National Academies of Science, Medicine and Engineering, Stanford University, and Harvard University. This book is written for practitioners and leaders in mental health innovation, including clinicians, researchers, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Emergency Utilization for Mental Health and Substance Use: A Rapid Review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24606 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Julie Munich ◽

Elizabeth Dennett ◽

Jennifer Swainson ◽

Andrew Greenshaw ◽

Jake Hayward

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Substance Use ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

System Level ◽

Rapid Review ◽

Emergency Department Utilization ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND A prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to trigger a global mental health crisis increasing demand for mental health emergency services. We undertook a rapid review of the impact of pandemics and epidemics on emergency department utilization for mental health (MH) and substance use (SU). OBJECTIVE To rapidly synthesize available data on emergency department utilization for psychiatric concerns during COVID-19. METHODS An information specialist searched Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and Scopus on June 16, 2020 and updated the search on July 24, 2020. Our search identified 803 abstracts, 7 of which were included in the review. Six articles reported on the COVID-19 pandemic and one on the SARS epidemic. RESULTS All studies reported a decrease in overall and MH related ED utilization during the early pandemic/epidemic. Two studies found an increase in SU related visits during the same period. No data were available for mid and late stage pandemics and the definitions for MH and SU related visits were inconsistent across studies. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that COVID-19 has resulted in an initial decrease in ED visits for MH and an increase in visits for SU. Given the relative paucity of data on the subject and inconsistent analytic methods used in existing studies, there is an urgent need for investigation of pandemic-related changes in ED case-mix to inform system-level change as the pandemic continues. CLINICALTRIAL None

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Digital Mental Health: The Answer to the Global Mental Health Crisis? (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18472 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Brittany N Rudd ◽

Rinad S Beidas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Health Prevention ◽

Mental Health Crisis ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Prevention And Intervention ◽

Mental Health Interventions

UNSTRUCTURED Digital mental health interventions are often touted as the solution to the global mental health crisis. However, moving mental health care from the hands of professionals and into digital apps may further isolate individuals who need human connection the most. In this commentary, we argue that people, our society’s greatest resource, are as ubiquitous as technology. Thus, we argue that research focused on using technology to support all people in delivering mental health prevention and intervention deserves greater attention in the coming decade.

Download Full-text