Timely Endings and the Ethics of “Being Heard”

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Psychiatric Ward ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Post Traumatic

The author reflects on her bout of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) as well as her encounters with psychiatrists/psychotherapists and other mental health professionals. She recalls first being admitted to a psychiatric ward in 1996, to be followed by many more admissions for crisis intervention, self-harm, and suicide attempts. She says the therapy she received was sometimes traumatic and exacerbated the distress of her symptoms, while also significantly delaying her recovery. She thinks that the mental health care professionals, including psychiatrists, did not seem to understand what she was telling them about her thyroid illness. Had this been diagnosed and treated properly, its impact on her life would not have been as great as it was. Finally, she stresses the importance of a holistic approach in helping patients recover, recognizing when it is time to stop therapy, and the ethics of listening and “being heard” as part of psychotherapy.

scholarly journals Paranoia in patients attending child and adolescent mental health services

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742098141
Author(s):  
Jessica C Bird ◽  
Emma C Fergusson ◽  
Miriam Kirkham ◽  
Christina Shearn ◽  
Ashley-Louise Teale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Peer Difficulties

Objective: Paranoia may be particularly prevalent during adolescence, building on the heightened social vulnerabilities at this age. Excessive mistrust may be corrosive for adolescent social relationships, especially in the context of mental health disorders. We set out to examine the prevalence, symptom associations, and persistence of paranoia in a cohort of young people attending child and adolescent mental health services. Method: A total of 301 patients (11–17 years old) completed measures of paranoia, affect, peer difficulties and behavioural problems. Clinicians also rated each participant’s psychiatric symptoms. Patterns of association were examined using linear regressions and network analyses. In total, 105 patients repeated the measures several months later. Results: Most of the adolescents had affective disorders ( n = 195), self-harm/suicidality ( n = 82), or neurodevelopmental conditions ( n = 125). Few had suspected psychosis ( n = 7). Rates of paranoia were approximately double compared with previous reports from the general population. In this patient sample, 35% had at least elevated paranoia, 15% had at least moderate paranoia, and 6% had high paranoia. Paranoia had moderate associations with clinician-rated peer difficulties, self-harm, and trauma, and small associations with clinician-rated social anxiety, depression, generalised anxiety, and educational problems. Network analyses showed paranoia had the strongest unique relationship with peer difficulties. Paths from peer difficulties to anxiety, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and behavioural problems were all via paranoia. Both self-harm and post-traumatic stress disorder were solely associated with paranoia in the network. Paranoia remained persistent for three-quarters and was associated with greater psychological problems over time. Conclusion: Paranoia is relatively common and persistent across a range of clinical presentations in youth. When paranoia occurs alongside emotional problems, important peer interactions may be adversely affected. Wider consideration of paranoia in adolescent patients is needed.

scholarly journals Victimes d’actes criminels : une intervention professionnelle

Criminologie ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frema Engel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Crime Victims ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Syndrome ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Victims Of Crime

Victims of crime suffer tremendous psychological damage as a result of the trauma that they experience. The effects can be totally debilitating and can destroy their lives. The author discusses the reactions, symptoms of acute stress and stages of recovery of crime victims. She also discusses post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and the kind of help victims need to recover from their injuries. Finally, she suggests how mental health professionals in particular and society in general could better respond to crime victims.

Identification and Referral of Patients at Risk for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Literature Review and Retrospective Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 904-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Bolduc ◽  
Brice Hwang ◽  
Christopher Hogan ◽  
Varun K. Bhalla ◽  
Elizabeth Nesmith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Post Traumatic

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-established psychological disorder after severe traumatic injury but remains poorly recognized. Recent changes in the “Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Trauma Patient 2014” stress the need for comprehensive screening and referral for PTSD and depression after injury. Our purpose was to review the current PTSD literature and perform a retrospective chart review to evaluate screening at our institution. We hypothesized a lack of documentation and thus referral of these patients to mental health professionals. We performed a literature review of 43 publications of risk factors for PTSD in the civilian adult population followed by a retrospective review. Records were analyzed for basic demographics, risk factors found in the literature, and referrals to mental health providers. Risk factors included amputation, dissociative symptoms, female gender, history of mental health disorder, and peri-traumatic emotionality. Traumatic amputation status and gender were recorded in all patients. History of mental health disorder was present in 11.5 per cent patients, absent in 80.75 per cent, and not recorded in 7.75 per cent with an overall documentation of 91.75 per cent. Dissociative symptoms and peri-traumatic emotionality were recorded in 0.5 per cent and 1.0 per cent of patients, respectively. Only 13 patients of 400 (3.25%) were referred to mental health professionals. Despite extensive evidence and literature supporting risk factors for the development of PTSD, identification and treatment at our level 1 trauma center is lacking. There is a need for consistent screening among trauma centers to identify PTSD risk factors and protocols for risk reduction and referrals for patients at risk.

Acknowledging Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Utilisation Amongst Israeli Bedouin and Jewish Combat Veterans

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shai Shorer ◽  
Yael Caspi ◽  
Hadass Goldblatt ◽  
Faisal Azaiza
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Treatment Utilisation ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Many veterans coping with combat-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refrain from seeking psychological treatment. We explored the nature of illness recognition and treatment utilisation in two different cultural groups of Israeli veterans—Bedouin and Jewish. Using qualitative research methods, we interviewed twenty veterans dealing with PTSD (ten Bedouin and ten Jewish) and ten mental health professionals. Participants shared their experiences of symptoms, the ways they coped, and their perception of the costs and benefits of psychological treatment. Two main themes emerged: (i) ‘Veterans’ Perceptions of Their Mental Injury’. In stark contrast to their Jewish counterparts, Bedouin participants described extreme lack of understanding regarding the relationship between their exposure to combat trauma and their distress; (ii) ‘Veterans’ Perceptions of the Mental Health Services’. Bedouin veterans expressed fear of the stigma associated with PTSD and its detrimental social implications, for them and their families. Jewish veterans emphasised the beneficial and informative role of therapy. The findings underscore the impact of different cultural codes on help-seeking behaviours and on the ability to benefit from psychological treatment. It is recommended that mental health practitioners consider cultural backgrounds and individual differences when implementing trauma interventions, to fine-tune their suitability to veterans facing excessive barriers to care.

Cyberbullying and post-traumatic stress symptoms in UK adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (10) ◽  
pp. 951-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ainoa Mateu ◽  
Ana Pascual-Sánchez ◽  
Maria Martinez-Herves ◽  
Nicole Hickey ◽  
Dasha Nicholls ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Traditional Bullying ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic

ObjectiveCyberbullying involvement carries mental health risks for adolescents, although post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms have not received strong attention in the UK. This study aimed to assess the overlap between cyber and traditional (ie, face-to-face) bullying, and the relationship to PTS symptoms in UK adolescents.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingFour secondary schools in London,UK.Participants2218 secondary school students (11–19 years).Main outcome measuresThe Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and the Children Revised Impact of Events Scale.ResultsThere was a significant overlap between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. However, cyberperpetrators were less frequently involved in concurrent traditional bullying. Of 2218 pupils, 46% reported a history of any kind of bullying (34% were involved in traditional bullying and 25% in cyberbullying), 17% as victims, 12% as perpetrators, and 4% as both victims and perpetrators. A significant proportion of those who were cybervictims (n=280; 35%), cyberbullies (n=178; 29.2%) or cyberbully-victims (n=77; 28.6%) presented clinically significant PTS symptoms. Cybervictims (both cyber-only and cyberbully-victims) suffered more intrusion (p=0.003; p<0.001) and avoidance (p=0.005; p<0.001) than cyberbullies. However, cyberbullies still suffered more PTS symptoms than the non-involved (intrusion: z=−3.67, p=0.001; avoidance: z=−3.57, p=0.002). Post-traumatic stress symptoms were significantly predicted (R2=13.6) by cyber and traditional victimisation.ConclusionsCyberbullying, as victim only or as a victim-perpetrator, seems to be associated with multiple types of PTS symptoms. Cyber and traditional victimisation significantly predicted intrusion and avoidance. Paediatricians, general practitioners and mental health professionals need to be aware of possible PTS symptoms in young people involved in cyberbullying. Screening and early cost-effective treatments could be implemented.

scholarly journals Mental health and human trafficking: responding to survivors' needs

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sukran Altun ◽  
Melanie Abas ◽  
Cathy Zimmerman ◽  
Louise M. Howard ◽  
Sian Oram
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Mental health professionals have opportunities to intervene and provide care for trafficked people. Research shows that mental health problems – including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder – are prevalent among trafficked people, and that at least some trafficked people come into contact with secondary mental health services in England.

scholarly journals Clinical Correlates of Deliberate Self-Harm Among Migrant Trauma-Affected Subgroups

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Baralla ◽  
Martina Ventura ◽  
Nikolay Negay ◽  
Anteo Di Napoli ◽  
Alessio Petrelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Deliberate Self Harm ◽  
History Of ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Resilience Capabilities

Introduction: Studies have shown that exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during the migration process has serious consequences on mental health. Migrants with a history of PTEs are more likely to inflict deliberate self-harm (DSH), a spectrum of behavior that includes non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). With reference to a nonclinical sample of trauma-exposed migrants, this study aims to explore the prevalence of DSH and to assess the association with sociodemographic characteristics and clinical conditions, with particular attention to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, resilience capabilities, and feelings of hopelessness.Methods: A sample of migrants underwent a baseline evaluation at an outpatient department of the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (INMP). Migrants with a history of torture, rape, or other severe forms of psychological, physical, or sexual violence were invited to undergo screening at the Institute's Mental Health Unit. Trauma-exposed migrants completed a series of self-report questionnaires that assessed the presence of PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, resilience, and feelings of hopelessness, in addition to DSH. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial regression models were used to test the association of age and clinical characteristic of migrants with DSH. Prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p-values were estimated.Results: A total of 169 migrants (76.9% males), aged between 18 and 68 years, M = 28.93; SD = 8.77), were selected. Of the sample, 26.6% were frequently engaging in some form of DSH, and 30.2% were diagnosed with at least one trauma-related disorder. DSH behaviors were most common in single and unemployed migrants as well as in subjects with post-traumatic stress symptoms, feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, low capability of resilience, and suicidal ideation. Taking into account age and hopelessness, we found that PTSD and low resilience capabilities were associated with a higher risk of DSH [PR adj: 2.21; 95% CI: (1.30–3.75) and PR adj: 2.32; 95% CI: (1.16–4.62), respectively].Conclusion: Given the association between trauma exposure and DSH among migrants, exploring the presence of DSH behavior within the immigrant community is crucial for the implementation of measures to develop intervention in a clinical setting.

scholarly journals Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Burnout in Health Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparing Mental Health Professionals and Other Healthcare Workers

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 635
Author(s):  
Isabella Giulia Franzoi ◽  
Antonella Granieri ◽  
Maria Domenica Sauta ◽  
Monica Agnesone ◽  
Marco Gonella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Traumatic

The psychological impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers has been assessed worldwide, but there are limited data on how mental health professionals (MHPs) have been affected. Thus, this paper aims to investigate anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and burnout in a sample of MHPs. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study on 167 participants: 56 MHPs, 57 physicians working closely with COVID-19 patients, and 54 physicians not working closely with such patients. MHPs reported good overall mental health. Most MHPs reported no post-traumatic stress, and their scores were significantly lower compared to HPs working closely with COVID-19 patients. MHPs’ hyperarousal scores were also significantly lower compared to HPs working closely with COVID-19 patients, while their intrusion scores were statistically significantly lower than those of all other professionals. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that MHPs had lower odds of exhibiting state anxiety and low personal accomplishment compared to HPs not working closely with COVID-19 patients. In sum, MHPs seem to show almost preserved mental health. Thus, given the high mental healthcare demand during a pandemic, it would be useful to rely on these professionals, especially for structuring interventions to improve and support the mental health of the general population and other healthcare workers.

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