Psychiatric nurses’ attitudes towards children visiting their parents in psychiatric inpatient units

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Houlihan ◽  
D. Sharek ◽  
A. Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychiatric Nurses ◽  
Child Friendly ◽  
Practitioner Education

BackgroundThe provision of care for children of parents with a mental health problem is an area that is frequently neglected by health-care practitioners.ObjectivesThe aim of the overall study was to explore psychiatric nurses’ knowledge of, attitudes and practice towards the support needs of children whose parent has a mental health problem. This paper specifically addresses the views of psychiatric nurses towards children visiting their parent in a mental health inpatient facility.MethodThis study employed a self-completion survey design with a sample of 114 registered psychiatric nurses from one integrated mental health service in Ireland.ResultsThe majority of participants were in favour of children visiting their parent when in hospital, but were of the view that the visiting areas should be away from the main ward location and designed to be child-friendly. Many expressed concerns about the standard of visiting facilities and worried about the potentially negative impact of a visit on the child's well-being. In relation to education on child-care issues, a significant majority of the participants reported not having received any education in the child-care issues identified and, as a likely consequence, rated their knowledge as insufficient.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for further work in the areas of practitioner education, child-friendly visiting facilities, and the development of policy and practice guidelines around children whose parents experience a mental health problem.

scholarly journals LONGITUDINAL CHANGES IN WELL-BEING OF PARENTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S488-S489
Author(s):  
Carlie J Sloan ◽  
Marsha R Mailick ◽  
Jinkuk Hong ◽  
Jung-Hwa Ha ◽  
Jan S Greenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Developmental Disability ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Longitudinal Changes

Abstract The negative impact of having a child with special needs on parental well-being is well documented. Previous research has suggested age attenuation of these impacts. However, this has not yet been examined longitudinally in late life. Therefore, it is unclear how the effect of having a child with a developmental disability or mental health problem changes as parents age and children become less likely to live at home. Using responses from the Study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), this study investigates: (1) longitudinal changes in the effect of having a child with a developmental or mental health problem on parental well-being, (2) age and gender moderations on these effects, and (3) the unique impact of factors directly related to the child’s condition. Multiple linear regressions revealed that having a child with a developmental disability was predictive of higher negative affect, more somatic symptoms, and lower psychological well-being longitudinally. Additionally, there was a main effect of having a child with a mental health problem in predicting higher negative affect. However, age moderations were revealed such that the effect of having a child with a developmental disability or mental health problem was diminished for older parents. Additionally, within-group analyses revealed that longer duration of developmental disabilities and later parental age of onset of mental health problems were predictive of better outcomes. Overall, results suggest that although having a child with special needs is related to poorer well-being, these effects can attenuate as parents age and adapt.

scholarly journals Relationships between Physical and Social Behavioural Changes and the Mental Status of Homebound Residents in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6653
Author(s):  
Ben Y. F. Fong ◽  
Martin C. S. Wong ◽  
Vincent T. S. Law ◽  
Man Fung Lo ◽  
Tommy K. C. Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Strain

In Hong Kong, social distancing has been adopted in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the changes in physical health, mental health, and social well-being experienced by local residents who were homebound during the pandemic. An online questionnaire in both Chinese and English versions was completed by 590 eligible participants from 24 April to 13 May 2020. The questionnaire found that individuals aged 18 to 25 years spent more time resting and relaxing but experienced more physical strain. Working status was associated with social contact, with participants working full-time jobs scoring higher in “maintaining social communication via electronic means” and “avoiding social activities outside the home”. Additionally, approximately one third of the participants (29.7%) had moderate to severe depression, and participants aged 18 to 25 were found to have higher scores in PHQ-9. Changes in physical health and social contact were significantly associated with developing depressive symptoms. From the results, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to exert a negative impact on the mental health status of individuals.

Youth mental health competencies in regional general practice

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622097005
Author(s):  
Oliver Smith ◽  
Jessica Bergmann ◽  
Ulrich Schall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Young Person ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Hunter Region

Objective: General practitioners (GPs) are key health professionals for referrals to mental health specialists. Youth mental health issues are particularly challenging, requiring a competent assessment and understanding of appropriate referral pathways. We surveyed local GPs about their understanding of youth mental health problems and needs to competently look after young patients. Methods: GPs working in the Hunter region were contacted via email, fax and post over a 6-month period in 2019. Results: Seventy-five GPs participated. They reported 577 of 1698 (34%) of young people seen 2 weeks prior to being surveyed presented with a mental health problem. Predominantly, referrals were to private practice psychologists and Headspace. Almost a third (31%) reported having limited understanding of ‘at-risk mental state’ and are ‘not always comfortable’ when facing a young person with a mental health problem. Nearly all (95%) expressed interest in attending specialised training. GPs identified treatment costs, scarce access to psychiatrists and limited patient engagement as the main obstacles to help young people. Conclusions: Effective treatment of a mental health problem relies on early identification. GPs are seeing young people on a regular basis but don’t feel well equipped for this task and are keen to up-skill, which needs to be addressed by targeted training.

When Being Upset Is Not A Mental Health Problem

Psychiatry ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Wessely
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem
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