Implication of rates of referral to a specialised inpatient neuropsychiatry team

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Finian M O'Brien ◽  
Pauline Devitt ◽  
Ciaran D Corcoran ◽  
Kieran C Murphy

AbstractObjectives: This study examined and compared the number and pattern of referrals from neurosurgery and neurology specialist services to the inpatient liaison neuropsychiatry service in the years 2002 and 2005. We estimated the prevalence of psychiatric illness and evaluated the results of subsequent psychiatric assessment and follow-up of all patients reviewed by the neuropsychiatry service.Methods: The medical notes of those patients referred to the neuropsychiatry team were retrospectively examined to obtain appropriate information on assessment and management of these cases.Results: There were 544 referrals over the two years selected for study. Rates of referral to the inpatient neuropsychiatry service increased overall by 35% between 2002 and 2005. Overall, referrals from neurology comprised 85%, neurosurgery 15%. Patients with epilepsy comprised the majority of referrals (36%). A total of 378 (73%) had an acute psychiatric disorder and this group had a significantly higher rate (p = 0.01) of past psychiatric disorder (40%) than that in those with no acute mental illness (33%). Depressive episode was the most frequent acute psychiatric diagnosis (38%), followed by anxiety and organic psychiatric disorder (both 15%). Overall, 21% of patients diagnosed with acute mental illness were referred on discharge to the neuropsychiatry outpatient clinic for specialist follow up and the remainder followed-up by either local mental health teams or their GP.Conclusions: These findings provide clear evidence that further resources should be allocated to expanding neuropsychiatry mental health services to improve detection and management of mental illness in this vulnerable patient group.

1993 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
On Lien

There are approximately 155,000 Vietnamese born people in Australia, with 46,000 in Victoria. The majority came to Australia as refugees. Many were subjected to the reality or threat of war, persecution, imprisonment, discrimination, economic deprivation, violence, the loss of family or other major stressors. These stressors have included the hazards of the escape, lengthy stays in refugee camps and, on arrival in Australia, lack of familiarity with English and with the culture. The Vietnamese Community in Australia was expected to have a high prevalence of mental illness, especially when newly arrived from refugee camps. In a study published in 1986 as “The Price of Freedom” [1] 32% of the young Vietnamese adult group was found to suffer from psychiatric disorder. At follow-up two years later, the prevalence of psychiatric disorder, without any major intervention, had dropped to 5–6%, a prevalence lower than that in the Australian-born community. In addition, the Vietnamese community's use of mental health services (inpatient and community-based) is lower than that of any other ethnic group.


Author(s):  
Luca Pingani ◽  
Sara Evans-Lacko ◽  
Sandra Coriani ◽  
Silvia Ferrari ◽  
Maria Filosa ◽  
...  

The primary aim is to describe the changes in the knowledge of mental health conditions, the attitudes toward the mentally ill, and the intended behaviour towards people with mental illness among the entire student population of the third year of a degree course in Psychology. A total of 570 students attended a seminar on stigma towards mental illness and were invited to complete an online survey which collected data on sociodemographic characteristics and three validated questionnaires evaluating different aspects of stigma at three different time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at one year follow up). A total of 253 students (44.39%) completed the questionnaires at t0, t1, and t2. The mean age of the sample was 23.7 (SD = ±5.89), and 86.96% (n = 220) were females. Between t0 and t1, a statistically significant improvement was observed for all three outcomes, while the intended behaviour outcome was no longer significant between t1 and t2 (Z = −0.70; p = 0.48). Females and who participated live at the seminar maintained a significant knowledge of mental illness and a better attitude toward community mental health care. The effects of the seminar focused on reducing stigma tended to diminish over time at one year follow-up, particular in relation to intended behaviour.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e040610
Author(s):  
Renée O'Donnell ◽  
Melissa Savaglio ◽  
Debra Fast ◽  
Ash Vincent ◽  
Dave Vicary ◽  
...  

IntroductionPeople with serious mental illness (SMI) often fail to receive adequate treatment. To provide a higher level of support, mental health systems have been reformed substantially to integrate mental healthcare into the community. MyCare is one such community-based mental health model of care. This paper describes the study protocol of a controlled trial examining the effect of MyCare on psychosocial and clinical outcomes and hospital admission and duration rates for adults with SMI.Methods and analysisThis is a multisite non-randomised controlled trial with a 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up period. The study participants will be adults (18–64 years of age) with SMI recruited from Hobart, Launceston and the North-West of Tasmania. The treatment group will include adults who receive both the MyCare intervention and standard mental health support; the control group will include adults who receive only standard mental health support. The primary outcome includes psychosocial and clinical functioning and the secondary outcome will examine hospital admission rates and duration of stay. Mixed-effects models will be used to examine outcome improvements between intake and follow-up. This trial will generate the evidence needed to evaluate the effect of a community mental health support programme delivered in Tasmania, Australia. If MyCare results in sustained positive outcomes for adults with SMI, it could potentially be scaled up more broadly across Australia, addressing the inequity and lack of comprehensive treatment that many individuals with SMI experience.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Tasmanian Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee. The findings will be disseminated to participants and staff who delivered the intervention, submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and shared at academic conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000673943.


1979 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 801-802
Author(s):  
M. K. Distefano ◽  
Margaret W. Pryer

The Opinions About Mental Illness Scale was administered to 28 psychiatric aides who were followed up 24 to 39 mo. after completion of a basic aide training program. Changes in attitude after training were stable at follow-up on three factors. Data suggested that the unfavorable change on one factor was associated with the post-training work experience of these aides.


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Ford ◽  
C. Parker ◽  
J. Salim ◽  
R. Goodman ◽  
S. Logan ◽  
...  

BackgroundChildren with poor mental health often struggle at school. The relationship between childhood psychiatric disorder and exclusion from school has not been frequently studied, but both are associated with poor adult outcomes. We undertook a secondary analysis of the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys from 2004 and its follow-up in 2007 to explore the relationship between exclusion from school and psychopathology. We predicted poorer mental health among those excluded.MethodPsychopathology was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, while psychiatric disorder was assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment and applying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM IV) criteria. Exclusion from school and socio-demographic characteristics were reported by parents. Multi-variable regression models were used to examine the impact of individual factors on exclusion from school or psychological distress.ResultsExclusion from school was commoner among boys, secondary school pupils and those living in socio-economically deprived circumstances. Poor general health and learning disability among children and poor parental mental health were also associated with exclusion. There were consistently high levels of psychological distress among those who had experienced exclusion at baseline and follow-up.ConclusionsWe detected a bi-directional association between psychological distress and exclusion. Efforts to identify and support children who struggle with school may therefore prevent both future exclusion and future psychiatric disorder.


2007 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Herbert Hendin ◽  
Charles Reynolds ◽  
Dan Fox ◽  
Steven I. Altchuler ◽  
Phillip Rodgers ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A number of factors appear to discourage physicians from seeking help for mental illness. This reluctance may be exacerbated by fears – well-founded or imagined – that by seeking help, physicians may put their medical license in jeopardy. To examine this risk, an analysis of all state medical board (SMB) license applications was followed by a seven-item survey mailed to SMB executive directors, and 70 percent responded. Follow up interviews were conducted with a sample of those not responding and also with a small group of directors whose responses were problematic. Thirteen of the 35 SMBs responding indicated that the diagnosis of mental illness by itself was sufficient for sanctioning physicians. The same states indicated that they treat physicians receiving psychiatric care differently than they do physicians receiving medical care. In follow-up interviews all 13 indicated that without evidence of impairment or misrepresentation any such sanctioning was likely to be temporary. A significant percentage (37 percent) of states sanction or have the ability to sanction physicians on the basis of information revealed on the licensing application about the presence of a psychiatric condition rather than on the basis of impairment. The same percentage state they treat physicians receiving psychiatric care differently than they do those receiving medical care. Physicians’ perceptions of this apparent discrimination is likely to play a role in their reluctance to seek help for mental health-related conditions. Suggestions are made for how SMBs and state physician health programs and state and county medical societies might collaborate in ways that while protecting patients decreases barriers to physicians help seeking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Athi Linda Yani ◽  
Mohamad Ali Murtadho

Bongkot village has many people suffering from mental disorders. There are around fifty people suffering from mental disorders. Prediction of mental disorders at table three is usually done through interviews. Cadres need to fill out the form provided on the Towards Healthy Soul Card (KMSJ) at the interview. The form needs to be filled out based on the results of the interview to predict whether the interviewee has a mental illness or not. If the results of the interview are predicted to have a mental disorder, the cadre will recommend appropriate follow-up. This process is certainly prone to mistakes because it only depends on cadre knowledge. Predictions will certainly affect the recommendations given. in this community service program, the authors propose to apply Information Technology (IT) to reduce the risk of such errors. The system is named the Mental Health Posyandu Management Information System (SIM). The system is expected to be able to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services at the posyandu, the output of this service produces an online-based application related to the service of mental health posyandu with the address www. poskeswa.com.


Author(s):  
Meghamala S. Tavaragi

It has been known that psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent among prisoners. Many people with identifiable psychiatric illness do conflict with the law, often by no fault of their own but because of symptoms of their psychiatric illness and end up in jails. Poor communication between the prison, court, and hospital systems hinders the assessment and management of the mentally disordered offender, and medical intervention can actually delay release from custody. In conclusion Prisons are detrimental to mental-health, and the standards of psychiatric care are significantly lower than those for the general public. Certain remedial measures are to be implemented for a better future of prison and community because ultimately these prisoners will be released from prison and become a part of community. Beginning of reforms is the immediate need as a long journey ahead.


Author(s):  
Meghamala S Tavaragi

It has been known that psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent among prisoners. Many people with identifiable psychiatric illness do conflict with the law, often by no fault of their own but because of symptoms of their psychiatric illness and end up in jails. Poor communication between the prison, court, and hospital systems hinders the assessment and management of the mentally disordered offender, and medical intervention can actually delay release from custody. In conclusion Prisons are detrimental to mental-health, and the standards of psychiatric care are significantly lower than those for the general public. Certain remedial measures are to be implemented for a better future of prison and community because ultimately these prisoners will be released from prison and become a part of community. Beginning of reforms is the immediate need as a long journey ahead.


2020 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Mula ◽  
Andres M Kanner ◽  
Nathalie Jette ◽  
Josemir W. Sander

ABSTRACTPurposeof review: To review the latest evidence concerning the epidemiology, clinical implications and management of psychiatric disorders in epilepsy.Recent findings:People with epilepsy have a 2 to 5 times increased risk of developing any psychiatric disorder and 1 in 3 patients with epilepsy have a lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Psychiatric comorbidities represent a poor prognostic marker as they have been associated with a poor response to treatment (drugs and surgery), increased morbidity and mortality. Validated screening instruments are available for mood and anxiety disorders in adults as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children with epilepsy.Summary:All patients with epilepsy should be routinely screened for psychiatric disorder at the onset and at least once a year. Patients with epilepsy and their relatives should be informed of the risk of mental health problems and the implications.


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