History of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Women’s Mental Health Special Interest Group

Author(s):  
Jane Mounty ◽  
Anne Cremona ◽  
Rosalind Ramsay

This chapter describes the evolution of the Women’s Mental Health Special Interest Group of the RCPsych since its inception in 1996. Themes discussed. include understanding the specific needs of women patients, developing women’s mental health services, and improving the work−life balance of psychiatrists. Support for single-sex accommodation on in-patient wards and supporting carers, ethnic minority groups, and those with gender-specific and non-specific mental health problems are covered. The early establishment of a job-share register, and support for flexible training and working was followed by commitment to the gender equality initiatives of the Royal College, and following the ten-year anniversary, action through mentoring and role-modelling to support women psychiatrists aiming for top positions in their field whether clinical, academic, or managerial. The recent re-emergence of the Group under Dr Nicola Byrne and its goals for the future are described but there is still much work to be done.

1995 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 321-321
Author(s):  
Deenesh Khoosal ◽  
Parimala Moodley

A one-day symposium was held at the Royal College of Psychiatrists on 4 October 1994 by the Transcultural Special Interest Group (TSIG) entitled The Practice of Psychiatry in a Multi-Cultural Context’. Speakers included Yvonne Christie of the Regional Race Programme for the NHS Mental Health Task Force, Drs Suman Fernando, Sashidharan, Ndegwa, Nasirullah, and Mahadeshwar.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107780122092193
Author(s):  
Nicole Moulding ◽  
Suzanne Franzway ◽  
Sarah Wendt ◽  
Carole Zufferey ◽  
Donna Chung

This article reports on mixed methods research into intimate partner violence (IPV) and women’s mental health. Using an online national survey and life history interviews, quantitative and qualitative data analysis demonstrates how IPV negatively impacts women’s sense of self, with other multiple losses in relation to income, work, housing, and social participation further undermining recovery into the long term. The feminist concept of sexual politics is used to critically examine current responses to mental health problems after IPV, and a feminist-informed response is outlined that addresses the gender inequalities underpinning IPV and the psychological distress it produces.


2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desire Urindwanayo

Immigrant women constitute a relatively large sector of Canadian society. In 2011, immigrant women made up a fifth of Canada's female population, the highest proportion in 100 years; based on the current trends of immigration, this proportion is expected to grow over the next 20 years. As women immigrate and find themselves simultaneously experiencing an unfamiliar environment, being unacquainted with societal norms, and lacking vital social networks, they become vulnerable to mental health problems. This article aims to undertake a narrative review of the literature on immigrant women's mental health in Canada during antenatal and postpartum care by employing the transnational theory as a theoretical framework. The article starts with an overview of the theoretical framework, followed by a discussion on a literature review that particularly talks about culture, isolation and social support network, social determinants of health, and access to health care as elements to consider in avoiding mental health problem among immigrant women in antenatal and postpartum care. The literature shows a high number of depression among immigrant women, and mental health problems are higher among visible minorities than Caucasians. The highest antenatal and postpartum depression recorded are 42% and 13%, respectively. As Canada has long been and continues to be the land of immigrants, addressing the multiple factors affecting immigrant women's mental health is paramount to Canada truly achieving “health for all.”


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Perwitasari Perwitasari ◽  
Mohammad Hakimi ◽  
Anjarwati Anjarwati

Physiological and psychological changes in pregnancy have a considerable effect on mother’s wellbeing. Hence, in this period pregnant women are vulnerable to develop mental health difficulties due to hormonal alterations and other external factors. Mental health problems during pregnancy may impact to child’s growth and psychological development. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) education on the scores of mental health disorders among pregnant women. This study was quasy-experimental. The sample were 55 pregnant women (28=control group, 27=experimental group) who registered in Community Health Centers. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling technique. Data collection tools were EPDS, SRQ, SSQ-6, and demographic questionnaire. These questionnaires were filled out by both groups as pre-test and two weeks later. The data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test in SPSS/20 with significant levels p0,05). This study indicated that maternal-fetal attachment education might contribute in improving pregnant women’s mental health. The future study should be tested in larger sample sizes with more than two weeks follow up to confirm these results.


2019 ◽  
Vol 214 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Poole ◽  
Christopher C. H. Cook ◽  
Robert Higgo

SummaryThe consensus within psychiatry is that patients' religion/spirituality are legitimate topics in assessment and treatment. Religion/spirituality can help people cope with mental illness, but their use as therapeutic tools is controversial. Despite the publication of position statements by national and international psychiatric organisations, there is no clarity over therapeutic boundaries.Declaration of interestR.P. and R.H. are atheists. C.C.H.C. is an ordained Anglican and a past Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group. He writes here in a personal capacity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Bernard Janse van Rensburg

<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> The State Employed Special Interest Group (SESIG) of SASOP was established in Durban during the national congress in September 2000. Issues of concern at the time included: suboptimal physical conditions in state hospitals and clinics; stalling of the essential drug list (EDL) review process; and understaffing and difficulties to recruit and retain mental health medical personnel in the state sector. During the past 2 years, attention was given to liaising with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) as a medical labour organisation; standards for psychiatric inpatient structures, services and care; and scheduling a national SESIG strategic workshop. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> Ethics clearance was obtained for a retrospective quantitative review of the demographic and occupational profile of SESIG’s members, as captured by the SASOP database of current and potential members. The investigation included a review of the policies and process by which strategic activities, priorities and measures for progress were identified within the different areas of SESIG’s mandate. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> In 2007, 38% (n=144) of the potential total number of stateemployed psychiatrists (380) were paid-up SESIG members; and 53% (n=202) of the potential total number (378) in 2011. The Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Gauteng subgroups had the biggest percentage of members per region in 2007, which changed in 2011 to Northern Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. In 2011, 40% of the total membership were psychiatric registrars. Presentations and discussion during the first national strategic meeting of state employed psychiatrists in 2012 covered: the scope of state sector practice; pertinent policies for state practice; planning per region; teaching and research; accepted principles for care; and strategic mobilisation (details in the supplement of this issue of the SAJP). <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Eleven position statements were formulated to guide SASOP/SESIG activities during 2012 - 2014, including statements on: national mental health policy; psychiatry and mental health; infrastructure and human resources; standard treatment guidelines and EDL; HIV in children and adults; substance abuse and addiction; community psychiatry and referral levels; recovery and re-integration; culture, mental health and psychiatry; the specialty status of South African psychiatry; and forensic psychiatry.</p>


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