scholarly journals Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Gavin ◽  
J. Lyne ◽  
F. McNicholas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Full Extent ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Effects

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed the greatest global challenge in a generation. The full extent of the mental health impact is, as yet, unknown, but is anticipated to be severe and enduring. In this Special Issue dedicated to mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to lay the foundation for an improved understanding of how COVID-19 is affecting mental health services both in Ireland and globally. This Special Issue highlights how the mental health effects of COVID-19 stretch to almost every element of society. The issue includes perspectives from several countries across multiple disciplines and healthcare settings. The drive for rapid innovation and service development is clearly evident throughout and provides hope that by working collaboratively we can positively impact population mental health in the months and years ahead.

Clinical update on managing media exposure and misinformation during COVID-19: recommendations for governments and healthcare professionals

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622096394
Author(s):  
Jeffrey CL Looi ◽  
Stephen Allison ◽  
Tarun Bastiampillai ◽  
Paul A Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Effects

Objectives: To provide a clinical update on the mechanisms of, and potential population mental health risks of, excessive media exposure and misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. To outline guidance for government, health services, psychiatrists and health professionals in managing mental health effects of COVID-19 media exposure. Conclusions: Social and traditional media businesses attract interest by reporting threats and negativity, and heavy media exposure during disasters is associated with increased depressive and post-traumatic symptoms. There are three main recommendations for mitigation of the adverse population mental health effects of excessive media exposure and misinformation. Clear, authoritative communication from governments, health authorities and health professionals is essential, combined with correction of misinformation and addressing mistrust. Specific warnings by governments, health authorities and clinicians of the potential adverse mental health consequences of excessive COVID-19 media consumption are needed. Limitation of exposure to media and disinformation regarding COVID-19 is crucial – the less, the better. Healthcare professionals can advise patients to check information once daily, and be guided by reliable public health authorities, as part of interventions for managing the mental health impact of COVID-19.

scholarly journals A scoping review of international policy responses to mental health recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire McCartan ◽  
Tomas Adell ◽  
Julie Cameron ◽  
Gavin Davidson ◽  
Lee Knifton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
International Health ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s physical and mental health. Quarantine and other lockdown measures have altered people’s daily lives; levels of anxiety, depression, substance use, self-harm and suicide ideation have increased. This commentary assesses how international governments, agencies and organisations are responding to the challenge of the mental health impact of COVID-19 with the aim of informing the ongoing policy and service responses needed in the immediate and longer term. It identifies some of the key themes emerging from the literature, recognises at-risk populations and highlights opportunities for innovation within mental health services, focusing on the published academic literature, international health ministry websites and other relevant international organisations beyond the United Kingdom and Ireland. COVID-19 has challenged, and may have permanently changed, mental health services. It has highlighted and exacerbated pre-existing pressures and inequities. Many decision-makers consider this an opportunity to transform mental health care, and tackling the social determinants of mental health and engaging in prevention will be a necessary part of such transformation. Better data collection, modelling and sharing will enhance policy and service development. The crisis provides opportunities to build on positive innovations: the adaptability and flexibility of community-based care; drawing on lived experience in the design, development and monitoring of services; interagency collaboration; accelerating digital healthcare; and connecting physical and mental health.

scholarly journals Demystifying the pathway of assessment and treatment for bipolar disorder – utilising co-production and algorithms to personalise the approach

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S150-S150
Author(s):  
Jessica Nicholls-Mindlin ◽  
Digby Quested ◽  
Matthew Taylor ◽  
Lauren Fuzi ◽  
David Gee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Patient And Public Involvement ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Nice Guideline

AimsTo develop an evidence based, patient centred treatment pathway for people experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD), modifiable to include local resources.MethodThis project was developed in line with current approaches to service development such as coproduction, with patient and public involvement (PPI) and enhancing personalisation of treatment in medicine. As part of a local initiative, a multi-disciplinary team was brought together to understand and analyse the current local pathway for those affected by BD. It was found that the approach to assessment and management was not consistent between locality teams. Two experts by experience who have a diagnosis of BD were invited to become involved with the development of the pathway. Meetings were set up to enable coproduction and elicit information from those with the diagnosis. The responses provided insight into the effectiveness of different approaches used nationally to inform the methods and resources that are most helpful and appropriate to comprehensively support those with the illness.NICE guideline evidence was used to create two algorithms to streamline the care of those with BD in both primary and secondary care. These algorithms include pharmacological, psychological and social approaches. It also considers the junctions at which referrals should be made and the criteria on which decisions are based.ResultOne algorithm was designed for use in primary care and will be distributed to local GPs to clarify the initial steps for assessment and management of BD and the criteria for referral. A second decision tree will be made available to all doctors working in mental health services with detailed medication options, when they are appropriate and whether additional psychological intervention should be considered e.g. post-discharge groups. Other specialist options such as Early Intervention for Psychosis and Perinatal Mental Health Services were also included. An information pack was created to be offered to all those with a diagnosis or possible diagnosis of BD. This contains useful resources such as skills and exercises that patients may find of benefit, external resources and websites regarding additional support and further information on BD, its nature and management.ConclusionThe approach and resources collated here will help to streamline the management of those with bipolar disorder whilst also ensuring a more consistent approach. The involvement of experts by experience and the incorporation of NICE guidelines ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive set of documents that will be helpful to both clinicians and patients.

Mental health, social inclusion and the development of vocational services in the NHS – what can be learnt?

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bertram
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Personal Bias ◽  
Vocational Goals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the learning from a historical NHS vocational service development that focused on: mental health, employment and social inclusion – in an inner city area – involving service users, staff and commissioners. Design/methodology/approach It is a descriptive case study. A range of historical documents was content analysed and described through a first-person narrative: service user consultations, service specifications, audit records, outcome frameworks, internal service evaluations and published literature. Findings When vocational NHS service developments are grounded in what service users say helps them (person-centred, networked and co-ordinated approaches) the evidence indicates people can achieve their vocational goals. Research limitations/implications The range of documents described is factual, although the learning insights from some of the service developments are based on personal judgements. The author was the responsible manager – personal bias is high. There is not enough robust evidence to warrant generalisation. Practical implications When employment and social inclusion are prioritised, as core business in NHS, outcomes and health impact can increase. Greater detail is needed from healthcare policy makers – focusing on who exactly should undertake this work and what the key commissioning social inclusion performance indicators are. Originality/value The bulk of literature on employment support focuses on promoting evidence from one model: individual placement and support. Evidence here indicates a broader range of activity (education, training and volunteering) can have value and health impact.

scholarly journals Mental health and poverty in the UK – time for change?

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jed Boardman ◽  
Nisha Dogra ◽  
Peter Hindley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
The Uk

Poverty and income inequality have increased in the UK since the 1970s. Poverty and mental ill-health are closely associated and disadvantage can have long-term consequences. In addition, the recent recession and austerity measures have had a detrimental effect on people with mental health problems and the mental health of the population. Mental health services can play a role in addressing the problems of poverty and inequality.

scholarly journals Old age mental health services in Southern Balkans: Features, geospatial distribution, current needs, and future perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Alexopoulos ◽  
A. Novotni ◽  
G. Novotni ◽  
T. Vorvolakos ◽  
A. Vratsista ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Teaching ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Background Healthcare services are increasingly confronted with challenges related to old age mental disorders. The survey aimed to provide an overview of existing psychogeriatric services in Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia. Methods After identification of psychogeriatric units across the four countries, their head physicians were asked to provide data on their clinical, teaching, and research activity, as well as staff composition. Moreover, the attitudes of head physicians to current needs and future service development were explored. Results A total of 15 psychogeriatric units were identified (3 in Bulgaria, 8 in Greece, and 4 in North Macedonia). Results show wide variation regarding the location, team size and composition, service availability, numbers of patients attending, and inpatient treatment length. Most head physicians underscored the urgent need for breakthroughs in the graduate and postgraduate education in psychogeriatrics of medical and nonmedical professionals, as well as in the interconnection of their units with community primary healthcare services and long-term care facilities for seniors via telemedicine. They would welcome the development of national standards for psychogeriatric units, potentially embodying clear pointers for action. A number of head physicians advocated the development of nationwide old age mental health registries. Conclusions Regional disparities in resources and services for seniors’ mental health services were unveiled. These data may enrich the dialogue on optimizing psychogeriatric services through planning future cross-border collaborations mainly based on telemedicine services, especially in the era of the novel coronavirus pandemic, and training/education in psychogeriatrics of mental health professionals.

Challenges in Developing Community Mental Health Services in Sri Lanka

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suman Fernando ◽  
Chamindra Weerackody
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Development ◽  
2004 Tsunami

There are several issues to be faced in developing mental health services in South Asia if they are to be culturally and socially appropriate to the needs of the communities in the region. The meanings of mental health relevant to culturally appropriate service development can be obtained by exploring local notions of well-being, systems of care available to people and current practices among those seeking help for mental health problems. Participatory research carried out in communities in Sri Lanka affected by prolonged armed conflict and by the 2004 tsunami clarified the nature of well-being as perceived by communities themselves. Subsequent development of mental health services for Sri Lanka can be based on community consultation, using methodologies and interventions that involve the participation of the communities and their local institutions, and adapting relevant western approaches to the Sri Lankan context.

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