Geriatric Psychiatry and Human Rights in Romania - Involuntary Treatment

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
N. Tataru ◽  
A. Dicker
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
World Health ◽  
Involuntary Commitment ◽  
Ethical Aspect ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Ambulatory Treatment

The protection of human rights and the dignity of persons with mental disorders has not a relatively short history in Romania. We have a short review of legislation and of conditions of hospitalization concerning involuntary commitment of the mentally ill people during our history before and after 1989, having more than 30 years experience in the field. Since 1989 it has been necessary to create committees to investigate abuse during involuntary commitment. On the other hand, before 1989 some persons with (or even without) mental disorders were committed to a psychiatry department to protect them. Generally, Romania's legislation is in keeping with principles set out by the World Health Organisation, United Nations and so on, concerning the protection of people with mental illnesses. The legislation calls for adequate treatment and respect for the human rights of the persons with mental disorders.Standards and practice regarding involuntary commitment in a psychiatric department and also involuntary ambulatory treatment of person with mental disorders have been improved since the introduction of the new mental health law in 2002. We discuss about the assessment of competence in the elderly and ethical aspect of care and research, and about involuntary commitment of incompetent elderly patients. We also refer to the complications and difficulties when trying to apply the civil commitments compulsive hospital admission measure. Involuntary commitment of incompetent patients took in the consideration the best interest of the patient, but also the well-being of the family and the potential risk for others.

Forensic Psychiatry in the Elderly-ethical Issues

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
N. Tataru
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Forensic Psychiatry ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Involuntary Commitment ◽  
Ethical Aspect ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Care Needs

We discuss about psychiatric and psychological expertise exams and about the assessment of competence in the elderly and ethical aspect of care and research in elderly demented or not demented people and about involuntary commitment of incompetent patients.We also refer to the complications and difficulties when trying to apply the civil commitments compulsive hospital admission measure, foreseen in the law for mental health, when the dementia diagnostic falls within this age group. Historically, involuntary commitment of incompetent patients took in the consideration the best interest of the patient, but also the well-being of the family and the potential risk for others.After a short review of legislation and of conditions of hospitalization concerning involuntary commitment of the mentally ill people during our history before and after 1989, we'll analyze the activity on involuntary commitment in a Forensic Psychiatry Hospital in district Bihor, in last five years from a 30 years experience working in the field. Standards and practice in our country regarding the involuntary commitment have been changed more that three times after the second War and has been improved in 2002, when there appeared the new Mental Health Law, emphasizing protection of patients’ rights. There are legal and ethical limits to involuntary hospitalisation, because involuntary treatment and hospitalisation restricts a person's liberty. There should be a lot of things to do to improve the quality standards: improvement of elementary care needs, improvement of their quality of life.

The scale of the problem

Psychiatry ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca McKnight ◽  
Jonathan Price ◽  
John Geddes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Social ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization

One in four individuals suffer from a psychiatric disorder at some point in their life, with 15– 20 per cent fitting cri­teria for a mental disorder at any given time. The latter corresponds to around 450 million people worldwide, placing mental disorders as one of the leading causes of global morbidity. Mental health problems represent five of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in mid 2016 that ‘the global cost of mental illness is £651 billion per year’, stating that the equivalent of 50 million working years was being lost annually due to mental disorders. The financial global impact is clearly vast, but on a smaller scale, the social and psychological impacts of having a mental dis­order on yourself or your family are greater still. It is often difficult for the general public and clin­icians outside psychiatry to think of mental health dis­orders as ‘diseases’ because it is harder to pinpoint a specific pathological cause for them. When confronted with this view, it is helpful to consider that most of medicine was actually founded on this basis. For ex­ample, although medicine has been a profession for the past 2500 years, it was only in the late 1980s that Helicobacter pylori was linked to gastric/ duodenal ul­cers and gastric carcinoma, or more recently still that the BRCA genes were found to be a cause of breast cancer. Still much of clinical medicine treats a patient’s symptoms rather than objective abnormalities. The WHO has given the following definition of mental health:… Mental health is defined as a state of well- being in which every individual realizes his or her own po­tential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.… This is a helpful definition, because it clearly defines a mental disorder as a condition that disrupts this state in any way, and sets clear goals of treatment for the clinician. It identifies the fact that a disruption of an individual’s mental health impacts negatively not only upon their enjoyment and ability to cope with life, but also upon that of the wider community.

Nursing care in mental health: Human rights and ethical issues

2020 ◽  
pp. 096973302095210
Author(s):  
Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura ◽  
Wendy Austin ◽  
Bruna Sordi Carrara ◽  
Emanuele Seicenti de Brito
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Mental Health Nursing ◽  
Mental Health Nurses

People with mental illness are subjected to stigma and discrimination and constantly face restrictions in the exercise of their political, civil and social rights. Considering this scenario, mental health, ethics and human rights are key approaches to advance the well-being of persons with mental illnesses. The study was conducted to review the scope of the empirical literature available to answer the research question: What evidence is available regarding human rights and ethical issues regarding nursing care to persons with mental illnesses? A scoping review methodology guided by Arksey and O’Malley was used. Studies were identified by conducting electronic searches on CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS and Hein databases. Of 312 citations, 26 articles matched the inclusion criteria. The central theme which emerged from the literature was “Ethics and Human Rights Boundaries to Mental Health Nursing practice”. Mental health nurses play a key and valuable role in ensuring that their interventions are based on ethical and human rights principles. Mental health nurses seem to have difficulty engaging with the ethical issues in mental health, and generally are dealing with acts of paternalism and with the common justification for those acts. It is important to open a debate regarding possible solutions for this ethical dilemma, with the purpose to enable nurses to function in a way that is morally acceptable to the profession, patients and members of the public. This review may serve as an instrument for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to reflect about how to fulfil their ethical responsibilities towards persons with mental illnesses, protecting them from discrimination and safeguarding their human rights, respecting their autonomy, and as a value, keeping the individual at the centre of ethical discourse.

Promoting Spiritual Health and Holistic Wellness

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-233
Author(s):  
Ghanshyam Dass Ghiya
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Spiritual Health ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
World Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Holistic Wellness ◽  
Spark Plug ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Lifestyle Diseases

Promoting spiritual health is essential for achieving holistic wellness. The modern era has recorded a sharp increase in lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, allergic disorders, psychosomatic disorders, mental illnesses and diseases associated with low immunity. The goal of positive health for all remains unachieved as the World Health Organization (WHO) has not included ‘spiritual health’ in its definition of health. The basic pathophysiology of most of the diseases could be explained scientifically through the primary respiratory mechanism (PRM). The PRM is ‘breathe spark plug’. If strengthened, it could influence and decline occurrence of lifestyle diseases and lead to a positive health status. Recent emphasis on yoga, meditation and wellness by the Government of India are some of the available methods to achieve positive health. This article discusses the role of PRMs to understand and improve health and well-being. We propose that the inclusion of yoga and meditation in the primary health care as promoted by the Government of India is one of the best available methods to achieve positive health and holistic wellness.

scholarly journals Introduction: Mental Health and Human Rights: Social Policy and Sociological Perspectives

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Social Policy ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Recognition of the effects of social, economic, political and cultural conditions on mental health and the personal, social and economic costs of a growing global mental health crisis (WHO, 2001; EC, 2005) mean that mental health and well-being are a current feature of social policy agendas at UK, European and world levels, with debate increasingly becoming framed in human rights terms. In the UK, policy drives to address social exclusion and health inequalities as key social and economic rights issues have encompassed attention to mental health and distress (DoH, 2003; Social Exclusion Unit, 2004) and mental health has been identified as a priority area for the new Equality and Human Rights Commission (Diamond, 2007; DRC, 2007). At the European level too, rights-based social policy approaches to promoting social cohesion (European Committee for Social Cohesion, 2004) and policy directives on the ‘right to health’ (Commission of the European Communities, 2007) have been centrally concerned with mental health and well-being, and have been accompanied by a European strategy on mental health for the EU (EC, 2005). At a global level, the World Health Organisation has declared enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health to be a fundamental human right (WHO, 2006). It has launched a new appeal on mental health which draws attention to the impact of human rights violations and cites social isolation, poor quality of life, stigma and discrimination as central issues for those with mental health needs (Dhanda and Narayan, 2007; Horton, 2007; WHO, 2007).

scholarly journals Promotion of Human Rights in Mental Health – Youth’s Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamini Gowda P.C ◽  
Sandra Sunitha Lobo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Quality Health Care

There exists a global human rights emergency in mental health. The stigma, myths and misconceptions associated with mental disorders negatively affect the lives of people with mental disorders leading to denial of even the most basic human rights. Worldwide, people with mental disabilities experience an ambit of human rights violations. They are denied access to basic mental health care and treatment. They are not only discriminated against and stigmatized but are also subjected to abuse in both mental health facilities and the community. Several violations in community-based mental health care go unreported. Victims of discrimination are particularly vulnerable to restrictions in economic, social and cultural rights that make it difficult to be integrated into mainstream society. A sense of alienation can affect a person’s dignity and self-esteem, which is detrimental to one’s well-being. A qualitative approach was employed to understand the role of youth in promoting and protecting human rights in mental health. A Focus Group Discussion was done on a sample of 10 respondents who willing first BA students of Psychology – 2 males and 8 females aged 18–20 years. Results were analyzed using narratives. The objectives were to understand the threats to dignity in mental health care and ways to promote it. It was expressed that mental health inequalities lie even outside the health sector and thus inter-sectoral action is required to redress the issue. It was advocated to raise mental health issues on the agenda of political, religious and community arenas. Health facilities ought to be person-centred, privacy maintained, equitable and equal. The study has implications for mental health professionals to be more humane and ethical in practice and improve quality health care. Besides, mental health literacy should be imparted at various levels of education.

IMPLEMENTATION OF MUROTTAL AL-FATIHAH AGAINST CLIENTS RISK OF VIOLENCE AT THE CLENDER HOSPITAL, EAST JAKARTA

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-63
Author(s):  
Amrullah Amrullah ◽  
Asih Minarningtyas ◽  
Hani Fauziah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
World Health ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Central Java ◽  
The World ◽  
West Sumatra ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
National Prevalence

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) (2009) estimates that 450 million people worldwide experience mental disorders, about 10% of adults experience mental disorders and  25% of the population is estimated to experience mental disorders at a certain age during their life. This age usually occurs in young adults between the ages of 18-21 years. Other data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that the rate of mental disorders reaches 13% of the disease as a whole and is expected to grow to 25% in 2030. The highest prevalence of mental disorders in Indonesia is in the province of the Special Capital Region (DKI) Jakarta (24, 3%), followed by Nagroe Aceh Darussalam (18.5%), West Sumatra (17.7%), NTB (10.9%), South Sumatra (9.2%), and Central Java (6.8%). while based on data Basic Health Research (2007). It shows that the national prevalence of mental disorders reaches 5.6% of the population, four to five people are suffering from mental illnesses. Based on these data, Indonesia's annual data that experience mental disorders is always increasing (MOH (2008). The increase in the proportion of mental disorders in the data obtained in Riskesdas 2018 is quite significant compared to Riskesdas in 2013, increasing from 1.7% to 7% of Indonesia's population (Riskesdas, 2018). In our country, there are approximately 2,400,000 children with mental disorders.  

The profile and risks of suicidal behaviours in the Nigerian Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 821-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
OYE GUREJE ◽  
LOLA KOLA ◽  
RICHARD UWAKWE ◽  
OWOIDOHO UDOFIA ◽  
ABBA WAKIL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
First Year ◽  
Childhood Adversities ◽  
History Of Childhood ◽  
History Of

Background. Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide but information about it is sparse in Sub-Saharan Africa. Suicide-related behaviours can provide an insight into the extent of this compelling consequence of mental illness.Method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of persons aged 18 years and over (n=6752) in 21 of Nigeria's 36 states (representing about 57% of the national population). Suicide-related outcomes, mental disorders, as well as history of childhood adversities were assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).Results. Lifetime prevalence estimates of suicide ideation, plan and attempts were 3·2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·4–6·5], 1·0% (95% CI 0·4–7·5) and 0·7% (95% CI 0·5–1·0) respectively. Almost two of every three ideators who made a plan went on to make an attempt. The highest risks for transition from ideation to plan and from plan to attempt were in the first year of having ideation or plan respectively. Mental disorders, especially mood disorders, were significant correlates of suicide-related outcomes. Childhood adversities of long separation from biological parents, being raised in a household with much conflict, being physically abused, or being brought up by a woman who had suffered from depression, anxiety disorder, or who had attempted suicide were risk factors for lifetime suicide attempt.Conclusions. History of childhood adversities and of lifetime mental disorders identify persons at high-risk for suicide-related outcomes. Preventive measures are best delivered within the first year of suicide ideation being expressed.

scholarly journals Improving Mental Health Care as the Most Pressing Public Health Issue

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 184-194
Author(s):  
N. Akpysharov
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Kyrgyz Republic

Mental disorders are an acute public health problem in the WHO European region, affecting 25% the entire population every year. WHO activities in the area of mental health promotion at the level of individuals and society as a whole are aimed at improving human mental well-being, preventing mental disorders, protecting human rights and caring for people with mental disorders. The WHO European Conference on Mental Health (2005), 66th Session of the World Health Assembly (2013), 63rd Session of the WHO European Regional Committee (2013) have focused on mental health. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the State policy to change the system of assistance to persons with mental disabilities, to establish a unified mental health service and to change the attitude of society towards mental health and the mentally ill is reflected in the National Program Mental health of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2001–2010, the National Health Reform Program of the Kyrgyz Republic Den Sooluk for 2012–2018, for the Sustainable Development Goals up to 2030, adopted at the Summit by UN members, the Program for Mental Health Protection of the Population of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2030. Given the negative trends in the mental health care system, an important element in addressing the shortcomings is the increased use of new institutional forms of mental health care, such as the Medical Rehabilitation Unit, Intensive Mental Health Care Unit, Psychiatric Dispensaries and Outpatient Psychiatric Rooms, in dispensary monitoring. Priority in the further development of psychiatric care should be given to the most effective and less costly forms of its provision, ahead of the development of outpatient level, inter-agency interaction and integration of psychiatric service with other levels of regional health and social protection.

Rights of people with mental disorders: Realities in healthcare facilities in Tunisia

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 439-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayssa Rekhis ◽  
Abir Ben Hamouda ◽  
Sami Ouanes ◽  
Rym Rafrafi
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Achievement Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
The Right

Background: Mental disorders have been associated worldwide with human rights’ violations. Controversially, many occur in mental health facilities. Aim: This work aimed to assess the rights of people with mental disorders in healthcare facilities in Tunisia. Methods: A cross-sectional study, using the World Health Organization (WHO) quality-rights toolkit, assessed the human rights levels of achievement in Elrazi Hospital, the only psychiatric hospital in Tunisia, in comparison with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The framework was the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The assessment was carried through observation, documentation review, and interviews with service users, staff, and family members. The sample was composed of 113 interviewees. Results: In Elrazi Hospital, three out of the five evaluated rights were assessed as only initiated: the right to an adequate standard of living, to exercise legal capacity and to be free from inhuman treatment. By comparison, these rights were partially achieved in the NIN. The right to enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health was partially achieved and the right to live independently and to be included in the community was not even initiated. These last two rights were at the same level of achievement in the NIN. Conclusion: Significant improvements are needed to adapt the practice in Elrazi Hospital to comply with human rights, especially since the achievement level of these rights is lower than in a non-psychiatric hospital. Our study emphasizes the importance of spreading the CRPD as a standardized framework.

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