scholarly journals Subjective mental health and need for care among psychiatric outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from an outreach initiative in Sweden

Author(s):  
Oskar Flygare ◽  
Volen Z. Ivanov ◽  
Roland Säll ◽  
Henrik Malaise ◽  
Christian Rück ◽  
...  

AbstractImportanceThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restricts access to care for psychiatric patients. The physical and mental well-being of patients with severe mental illness in the current circumstances is unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate physical and mental well-being, subjective mental health, and need for updated psychiatric management plans in a sample of patients with severe mental illness during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional study of structured telephone assessments conducted between April 23 and June 30, 2020.SettingRegional psychiatric outpatient care centre in Stockholm, Sweden.ParticipantsPatients who had not been in contact with their psychiatric clinic between April 9 and April 23, 2020. A total of 1071 patients were contacted by phone.ExposuresOccurrence of respiratory symptoms, changes in psychiatric symptoms, and the need for updated psychiatric management plans, as determined by the telephone assessors. Subjective mental health rated 0-100 by patients.Main Outcomes and MeasuresSelf-rated physical, respiratory and psychiatric symptoms according to a semi-structured interview. Subjective mental health rated on a scale from 0-100.ResultsPatients (n = 1071) were on average 45 years old (SD = 16.9), of which 570 (53%) were female. Neurodevelopmental disorders, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder were the most common diagnostic categories. The majority of respondents reported no respiratory symptoms (86%), and few reported light (10%) or severe (4%) respiratory symptoms. Similarly, most patients reported no worsening in psychiatric symptoms (81%). For those who reported a worsening of psychiatric symptoms (19%), the psychiatric management plans that were already in place were deemed appropriate in most cases (16.5%), whereas 22 patients (2.5%) reported a worsening of psychiatric symptoms that warranted an earlier or immediate follow-up by their psychiatric clinic. Patients rated their subjective mental health on a 0-100 scale as 70.5 [95% CI 69 - 71.9] on average (n = 841). Response rates to the questions of the structured assessment varied from 79% - 82%.Conclusions and RelevanceThe majority of patients reported no respiratory symptoms, no change in psychiatric symptoms and a rather high subjective well-being. Patients in psychiatric care with a mental health care plan experienced stability in the management of their psychiatric symptoms and general well-being, and only a minority were in need of acute support during the early pandemic phase in Stockholm, Sweden.Key PointsQuestionWhat is the physical and mental health of patients with severe mental illness during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic?FindingsIn this cross-sectional study that included 1071 patients at a psychiatric outpatient clinic, the proportion of patients reporting respiratory symptoms were 4%. In addition, 19% of patients reported a worsening of psychiatric symptoms, with 2.5% needing an earlier follow-up than was planned.MeaningPatients with severe mental illness experienced stability in the management of their psychiatric symptoms during the early pandemic phase in Sweden.

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Pinfold ◽  
Daryl Sweet ◽  
Ian Porter ◽  
Cath Quinn ◽  
Richard Byng ◽  
...  

IntroductionPolicy drivers in mental health to address personal recovery, stigma and poor physical health indicate that new service solutions are required. This study aimed to understand how connections to people, places and activities were utilised by individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) to benefit health and wellbeing.MethodsA five-module mixed-methods design was undertaken in two study sites. Data were collected from 150 network-mapping interviews and 41 in-depth follow-up interviews with people with SMI; in-depth interviews with 30 organisation stakeholders and 12 organisation leaders; and 44 telephone interviews with practitioners. We undertook a three-stage synthesis process including independent lived experience feedback, and a patient and public involvement team participated in tool design, data collection, analysis and write-up.ResultsThree personal network types were found in our study using the community health network approach: diverse and active; family and stable; formal and sparse. Controlled for other factors we found only four variables significantly associated with which network type a participant had: living alone or not; housing status; formal education; long-term sickness or disability. Diagnosis was not a factor. These variables are challenging to address but they do point to potential for network change. The qualitative interviews with people with SMI provided further understanding of connection-building and resource utilisation. We explored individual agency across each network type, and identified recognition of the importance and value of social support and active connection management alongside the risks of isolation, even for those most affected by mental illness. We identified tensions in personal networks, be that relationships with practitioners or families, dealing with the impact of stigma, or frustrations of not being in employment, which all impact on network resources and well-being. The value of connectedness within personal networks of people, place and activity for supporting recovery was evident in shaping identity, providing meaning to life and sense of belonging, gaining access to new resources, structuring routines and helping individuals ‘move on’ in their recovery journey.Health-care practitioners recognised that social factors were important in recovery but reported system-level barriers (workload, administrative bureaucracy, limited contact time with clients) in addressing these issues fully. Even practitioners working in third-sector services whose remit involved increasing clients’ social connection faced restrictions due to being evaluated by outcome criteria that limited holistic recovery-focused practices. Service providers were keen to promote recovery-focused approaches. We found contrasts between recovery ideology within mental health policy and recovery practice on the ground. In particular, the social aspects of supporting people with SMI are often underprioritised in the health-care system. In a demanding and changing context, strategic multiagency working was seen as crucial but we found few examples of embedded multisector organisation partnerships.ConclusionWhile our exploratory study has limitations, findings suggest potential for people with SMI to be supported to become more active managers of their personal networks to support well-being regardless of current network type. The health and social care system does not currently deliver multiagency integrated solutions to support SMI and social recovery.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trang Nguyen ◽  
Thach Tran ◽  
Sally Green ◽  
Arthur Hsueh ◽  
Tuan Tran ◽  
...  

Abstract Background People with severe mental illness (SMI) living in low and middle-income countries can experience extended delays to diagnosis, which hinder access to medical treatment. The aims of this study were to describe the interval to diagnosis among these people in rural Vietnam and its associated factors. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among people with SMI in two provinces in Vietnam. The delay to diagnosis was defined as the time between the first abnormal behaviour being observed by family members and the formal diagnosis of psychosis. A multilevel linear regression was used to examine the factors associated with the delay to diagnosis. Results Among 404 people with SMI from 370 households, the median delay to diagnosis was 11.5 months (IQR 0–168.0). Overall, 53.7% had a delay to diagnosis of less than one year (95% CI: 48.81–58.54). The financial burden of these people on their families was nearly USD 470/year. After adjusting for other factors at individual and household levels, living in a Northern province; older age, and having psychotic diagnosis before the implementation of the National Community Mental Health program (2003) were associated with a delay of more than twelve months to diagnosis. Conclusions These data indicate that the implementation of a national policy for community-based care has been effective in reducing the delay to diagnosis in rural Vietnam. Therefore, there is a need for strengthening the program and mental health policies, focusing on public communication to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma against SMI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129
Author(s):  
Retno Lestari ◽  
Ah Yusuf ◽  
Rachmat Hargono ◽  
Febri Endra Budi Setyawan

People with severe mental illness have complex disabilities affecting mental functions, daily activities, and social life, thus they need help from others in carrying out daily functional activities. Optimizing the recovery of severe mental illness requires a holistic approach and integration between mental health services and supportive communities so that sufferers can interact with others, have a positive self-concept, and improve their well-being. This study aims to describe a community-based model of recovery for people with severe mental illness. Several literature studies were obtained from 50 reference sources through Science Direct, Google Scholar, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, Proquest Nursing, and Allied Health Sources from 2009 to 2019. Results explain that the community provides an adequate support system in improving the care of people with severe mental illness. Support systems in the community involve social and physical aspects as well as the economic infrastructure through employment opportunities or financial support and a decent living. The interaction between community members and people with severe mental illness could be a positive thing in strengthening the motivation of people with severe mental illness to recover and be able to do their activities independently. The recovery process of severe mental illness requires strong motivation and commitment from the sufferer, the family, all society members, community mental health service team, and related policymakers. It can be concluded that people with severe mental illness need support from various parties in terms of future life planning, identifying strengths and weaknesses that they have, and recognizing multiple obstacles and support so that they recover and live independently.


2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Gulinelli ◽  
Lilian R C Ratto ◽  
Paulo Rossi Menezes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the social adjustment of individuals with severe mental illness living in the community in a large urban center of a developing country, and the characteristics associated with poor social functioning. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed in the city of Sao Paulo. Eligible subjects were residents of a defined geographic area, aged between 18 and 65, with a diagnosis of functional psychosis who had had contact with any public psychiatric service during a defined period. Structured assessments were used to obtain information on social-demographic characteristics, diagnosis (ICD-10), psychiatric symptoms (PANSS), and social adjustment (DAS). RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-eight subjects were included, of whom, 120 (63.8%) had some degree of impairment in social functioning. The most frequently affected areas of social functioning were work performance and sexual role. Twenty-four patients (12.8%) showed poor or very poor social adjustment in the month prior to the interview. Negative symptoms, number of previous admissions and general symptoms showed statistically significant associations with global social adjustment scores. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients showing any degree of impairment in social adjustment was as high as in more developed societies. In order to successfully implement the new mental health policy in Brazil, better provision of community-based mental health services for those with severe mental illnesses is needed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik Hjärthag ◽  
Karin Persson ◽  
Karin Ingvarsdotter ◽  
Margareta Östman

Background: Supporting families where one person suffers from long-term severe mental illness (SMI) is essential, but seems hard to reach. The aim of this study was to examine professionals’ views of supporting relatives of persons with SMI. Material: Individual interviews mirroring personal narratives and group interviews reflecting group-processed answers were conducted among 23 professionals and analyzed thematically. Results: Three themes emerged: (a) information and group interaction reduces stigma and increases well-being, (b) professionals need to feel secure and confident about how the support structure works and (c) collaboration is difficult but required on several levels. Conclusion: Trusting relationships with families were considered important, although seldom achieved; professionals wished to feel secure in their role toward relatives of a person with SMI; and professionals wanted to feel confident when working together with other services to support families.


2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622097886
Author(s):  
Nikela A Lalley ◽  
Sam H Manger ◽  
Felice Jacka ◽  
Tetyana Rocks ◽  
Anu Ruusunen ◽  
...  

Objective: This article aims to describe ‘The Mind-Body Well-being Initiative’, a residential mental health treatment model based on the Lifestyle Medicine paradigm, which comprises a mind and body well-being programme. In people with severe mental illness (SMI), particularly for those experiencing psychotic illness, the physical health and mortality gap is significant with greater presence of chronic disease and a 15–20-year life expectancy gap. Conclusions: Our AIM Self-Capacity model of care attempts to address the physical and mental health care needs for the promotion of our patients’ recovery.


Author(s):  
Abantika Bagchi ◽  
Paramita Sarkar ◽  
Rivu Basu

Background: Mental illness is a significant challenge and becoming more relevant in today’s fast paced world. According to WHO, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge about mental illness and attitude and practice of the public toward people with mental illness.  Methods: An observational, descriptive study with cross-sectional design was done among 200 adults of Bagh bazar slum, urban field practice area of department of Community Medicine, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India in May 2019 with a predesigned, pretested schedule.Results: Only 2.5% says that they are willing to live with a people with mental illness and only 1% has actually done so. Health-care seeking behavior shows that 54.5% will go to a general practitioner in case of any mental illness though only 2.5% believed that people with severe mental illness can fully recover.  Attitude toward mental illness showed mixed picture as also in knowledge.Conclusions: Health education and public awareness regarding mental illness can decrease the stigma, prejudice; discrimination attached with it and improves help-seeking behaviour of the community. This study provides insights into the cognitive and affective aspect of mental illness among adult population of the study area. It will also help in implementing better policies for increasing public awareness regarding mental illness.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seid Shumye ◽  
Tadele Amare ◽  
Habtamu Derajew ◽  
Merdia Endris ◽  
Wondwosen Molla ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Severe mental illness is strongly associated with an impaired quality of life. This intern can affect the treatment adherence and outcomes of the illness. However, there are insufficient studies in the literature pertaining to the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness in Ethiopia. Therefore, assessing the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness and its correlates is a yardstick measure of the effectiveness of the mental health service. Methods An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 16, 2019 at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get a total number of 387 samples. Data were collected using interview-administered questionnaires; World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Morisky Medication Adherence Screening Tool, Oslo Social Support Scale, and Jacoby Stigma Scale. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the contributing factors of quality of life in the participants and B coefficient with 95% CI confidence interval was used. The statistical significance was accepted at p value < 0.05. Results The result showed that the Mean quality of life score of patients with severe mental illness for each domain (mean ± SD) was 41.3 ± 7.5, 42.8 ± 8.2, 38.9 ± 8.9, and 41.8 ± 6.5 for physical, psychological, social and environmental, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that age of participants was strongly positively correlated with all domains of quality of life. It predicts above 45% of the variability in each domain. Social support is also another strong predictor which was negatively correlated with all domains of quality of life, except physical. Conclusion This study revealed that the mean score quality of life of patients with severe mental illness in each domain was low. This demonstrates a need for improving the quality of life of people with severe mental illness by integration of a positive mental health approach and bio-psychosocial view with biological treatment of severe mental illness. Moreover, in Collaboration with medical professionals, people with severe mental illness should screen and managed for any comorbid medical conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-658
Author(s):  
Teguh Pribadi ◽  
Evi Indrayana ◽  
Satrio Kusumo Lelono

A retrospective evaluation: Follow-up of patients with severe mental illness and the role of community mental health workers among cadres of non-specialist health workersBackground : The default of regular treatment can cause a recurrence of patients with mental disorders. As an effort to increase participation in medicine, one of them is increasing the role of mental health cadres. Based on the results of a pre-survey study conducted in the work area of Way Mili Health Center in December 2018 - January 2019, found it out that 39 patients who actively took part in mental health programs were only 38.46%. And out of 5 mental health cadres, only 1 cadre has an ideal role and the remaining role is less ideal due to individual busyness and cadre incentives that are not under the responsibilities given.Purpose: Knowing the relationship between follow-up of patients with severe mental illness and the role of community mental health workers among cadres of non-specialist health workersMethod: This type of research is a retrospective evaluation, quantitative, analytic survey with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study was caregiver of patient with mental disorders. The questionnaire to determine the role of mental health cadres contains 15 questions and looking at medical records / treatment cards to find the consistency of follow up of patients at the public health centre. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate (chi square).Results : It is knowing that all cadres totaling 30 have a mean age of 35.33 years with a standard deviation of ± 3.05 with an age range of 30-40 years and are mostly educated in junior high school (70%) and work as housewives (60%). respondents where the role of cadres was in the low category and 66.7% with follow-up of patients in the irregular category (63.3%). The results of statistical tests on the education variable of the cadres p-value = 0.01; work p-value = 0.002 and patient visits p-value = 0.009 which means <α, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the Role of Mental Health Cadres and Visits of Mental Disorders Patients in the Work Area of Way Mili Community Health Center, Gunung Protector District, East Lampung Regency, 2019. OR value 8,250 means respondents with low cadre roles have an 8 times greater risk of irregular visits when with high cadre roles.Keywords: A retrospective evaluation; Follow-up of patients; Severe mental illness; Role; CadresPendahuluan: Kekambuhan pasien dengan gangguan jiwa dapat diakibatkan karena gagalnya keberlanjutan pengobatan secara rutin. Sebagai upaya meningkatkan partisipasi dalam pengobatan salah satunya peningkatan peran kader kesehatan jiwa. Berdasarkan hasil pra survey penelitian yang dilakukan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Way Mili Desember 2018 – Januari 2019 diketahui dari 39 pasien yang ikut aktif dalam berpartisipasi dalam program kesehatan jiwa hanya sebanyak 38,46%. Dan dari 5 kader kesehatan jiwa didapatkan hanya 1 kader yang berperan ideal dan sisanya berperan kurang ideal dikarenakan kesibukan individu dan insentif kader yang kurang sesuai dengan tanggung jawab yang diberikan.Tujuan : diketahui hubungan peran kader kesehatan jiwa dengan kunjungan pasien gangguan jiwa di wilayah kerja puskesmas Way Mili Kecamatan Gunung Pelindung Kabupaten Lampung Timur Tahun 2019.Metode : Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah evaluasi retrospektif, kuantitatif, survey analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perawat pasien gangguan jiwa. Kuesioner untuk mengetahui peran kader kesehatan jiwa berisi 15 pertanyaan dan melihat rekam medis / kartu pengobatan untuk mengetahui konsistensi tindak lanjut pasien di puskesmas. Data dianalisis secara univariat dan bivariat (chi square).Hasil : Diketahui bahwa semua kader yang berjumlah 30 memiliki usia rata-rata 35,33 tahun dengan standar deviasi ± 3,05 dengan rentang usia 30-40 tahun dan sebagian besar berpendidikan SMP (70%) dan bekerja sebagai ibu rumah tangga (60%) ). responden dimana peran kader dalam kategori rendah dan 66,7% dengan tindak lanjut pasien dalam kategori tidak teratur (63,3%). Hasil uji statistik variabel pendidikan kader p-value = 0,01; kerja p-value = 0,002 dan kunjungan pasien p-value = 0,009 yang berarti <α, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada hubungan antara Peran Kader Kesehatan Jiwa dengan Kunjungan Penderita Gangguan Jiwa di Wilayah Kerja Kesehatan Masyarakat Way Mili. Center, Kecamatan Gunung Protector, Kabupaten Lampung Timur, 2019. OR bernilai 8.250 artinya responden dengan peran kader rendah memiliki risiko 8 kali lebih besar untuk melakukan kunjungan tidak teratur bila dengan peran kader tinggi.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. 633-640
Author(s):  
O Lederman ◽  
A G Cashin ◽  
H Fibbins ◽  
J Gaston ◽  
S Rosenbaum ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Burnout and compassion fatigue (CF) are common among mental health practitioners. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) provide clinical services to individuals experiencing mental illness, increasing their likelihood of experiencing burnout and CF. Aims To examine the prevalence of burnout and CF among AEPs working with people experiencing mental illness. Methods An anonymous online cross-sectional survey of AEPs working with people experiencing mental illness was distributed via the Exercise and Sports Science Australia Mental Health Special Interest Group Facebook page between July and November 2019. In addition to demographics and caseload data, respondents completed the Professional Quality of Life scale and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Results are reported using descriptive statistics. Results Sixty-two AEPs (68%, n = 42 female) completed the survey. Most (n = 53, 86%) reported delivering services to consumers with severe mental health conditions. Less than half (n = 27, 44%) reported working in a dedicated mental health facility. Moderate levels of burnout and CF were experienced by 60% and 30% of respondents, respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of moderate burnout and CF symptoms in AEPs is comparable with other mental health professionals. Strategies to preserve psychological well-being such as enhancing mental health training for undergraduates and formalized supervision structures discussed.


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