The 10th EAMHID International Congress: integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective – the mental health care evolution timeline

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco O. Bertelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
International Congress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of main outcomes of the 10th EAMHID International Congress and a critical overview of some key contributions. Design/methodology/approach – A discussion on the impact of the neurodevelopmental perspective on mental health care achievements and failures in the field of intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Findings – The considerable progress in the field of mental health care for people with ID that has been made in the last 30 years and that is reflected through the 350 papers presented in this Congress represents the continuation of the work of great pioneers, such as Frank Menolascino, Felix Platter or William I. Gardner, who have been honoured by the EAMHID in the naming of the congress rooms, and the dedication of the poster award. The neurodevelopmental perspective was confirmed to be the current most valued conceptual framework to explain relations across systems and to support multi-level, transnosographic, life-long, interdisciplinary approaches in the production of aetiological insight and good-quality intervention for mental health problems; on the other hand it might determine a premature abandonment of the traditional nosology and the appearance of very broad spectrum conditions covering the full range of psychopathology. Also psychopharmacology was extensively considered, with the explicit aim to raise the attention of researchers and clinicians on this neglected topic. Unfortunately, adults with ID/ASD are still deprived of the right to receive treatments that are based on strong evidence, as it is for the general population. Originality/value – This editorial outlines the second part of a special issue that offers a comprehensive and varied collection of papers from the contributions to the 10th International Congress of the EAMHID.

Mental health and intellectual disability: integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
Marco O. Bertelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
International Congress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perspective Drawing ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical overview of some main implications of the neurodevelopmental perspective for the field of the mental health in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Design/methodology/approach – A discussion surrounding the importance of integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective, drawing on sources from the paper proposals to the 10th International Congress of the European Association in Mental Health and Intellectual Disability (EAMHID), and the literature. Findings – At present, the neurodevelopmental perspective seems to be the most appropriate and valued conceptual framework to support multi-level, interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the aetiologies of mental health problems as well as when and how to intervene. It inherently exemplifies a dimensional approach, which can capture variations between individuals, their developmental time course, brain-behaviours associations and functional significance better than categorical approaches, and diagnostic measures. Originality/value – This editorial outlines a special issue that offers a comprehensive and varied collection of papers from the contributions to the 10th International Congress of the EAMHID.

Self-injurious behaviour in forensic mental health care: a study into the prevalence and characteristics of incidents of self-injury

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivienne de Vogel ◽  
Nienke Verstegen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Incidents of self-injury by forensic psychiatric patients often have a deleterious impact on all those involved. Moreover, self-injurious behaviour is an important predictor for violence towards others during treatment. The aim of this study is to analyse methods and severity of incidents of self-injury of patients admitted to forensic psychiatry, as well as the diagnoses of self-injuring patients. Design/methodology/approach All incidents of self-injury during treatment in a forensic psychiatric centre recorded between 2008 and 2019 were analysed and the severity was coded with the modified observed aggression scale+ (MOAS+). Findings In this period, 299 incidents of self-injury were recorded, displayed by 106 patients. Most of these incidents (87.6%) were classified as non-suicidal. Methods most often used were skin cutting with glass, broken plates, a razor or knife and swallowing dangerous objects or liquids. Ten patients died by suicide, almost all by suffocation with a rope or belt. The majority of the incidents was coded as severe or extreme with the MOAS+. Female patients were overrepresented and they caused on average three times more incidents than male patients. Practical implications More attention is warranted for self-injurious behaviour during forensic treatment considering the distressing consequences for both patients themselves, supervisors and witnesses. Adequate screening for risk of self-injurious behaviour could help to prevent this behaviour. Further research is needed in different forensic settings into predictors of self-injurious behaviour, more specifically, if there are distinct predictors for aggression to others versus to the self. Originality/value Incidents of self-injury occur with some regularity in forensic mental health care and are usually classified as severe. The impact of suicide (attempts) and incidents of self-injurious behaviour on all those involved can be enormous. More research is needed into the impact on all those involved, motivations, precipitants and functions of self-injurious behaviour and effective treatment of it.

scholarly journals Experiences of living with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a coproduced, participatory qualitative interview study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Gillard ◽  
Ceri Dare ◽  
Jackie Hardy ◽  
Patrick Nyikavaranda ◽  
Rachel Rowan Olive ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPurposeResearch is beginning to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Our paper addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring their experiences and perceptions of how life has changed at this time.MethodsWe used qualitative interviews (N=49) to explore experiences of the pandemic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In a participatory, coproduced approach, researchers with lived experiences of mental health conditions conducted interviews and analysed data as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.ResultsExisting mental health difficulties were exacerbated for many people. People experienced specific psychological impacts of the pandemic, struggles with social connectedness, and inadequate access to mental health services, while some found new ways to cope and connect to community. New remote ways to access mental health care, including digital solutions, provided continuity of care for some but presented substantial barriers for others. People from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities experienced heightened anxiety, stigma and racism associated with the pandemic, further impacting their mental health.ConclusionThere is a need for evidence-based solutions to achieve accessible and effective mental health care in response to the pandemic, especially remote approaches to care. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to understanding inequalities of impact on mental health, especially for people from BAME communities.

scholarly journals The familiar stranger of mental health

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-247
Author(s):  
Matthew Sydney Long
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Service User ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Mental Health Facility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the debate about the closure of institutional mental health-care facilities, from an experiential perspective of a former mental health inpatient, ongoing service user and campaigner for retention of such facilities. It argues that auto-ethnographic accounts of mental illness by those with multiple social identities can have a greater role in terms of future training of mental health-care professionals. Design/methodology/approach The paper offers an experiential account of the impact of mental health facility bed closures as a patient admitted to institutional mental health facilities; as a mental health campaigner, fighting for the provision of both places of safety and “safe space” within his own local community; and as an ongoing service user. The research is in the interpretivist tradition of social science in taking an auto-ethnographical methodological stance. Findings This paper is underpinned by two key theoretical notions. Firstly, Stuart Hall’s concept of the Familiar Stranger (2017) is used to explore the tensions of self-identity as the author SHIFTS uncomfortably between his three-fold statuses. Secondly, the notion of “ontological insecurity” offered by Giddens (1991) is used with the paper exploring the paradox that admission to a mental health facility so-called “place of safety” is in fact itself a disorientating experience for both patient and carer(s). Research limitations/implications No positivistic claims to reliability, representativeness or generalisability can be made. It is the authenticity of the account which the reader feels should be afforded primacy in terms of its original contribution to knowledge. Practical implications This paper should have practical use for those tasked with developing educational and training curriculums for professionals across the mental health-care sector. Social implications This paper implicitly assesses the political wisdom of the policy of mental health bed closures within the wider context of the deinstitutionalisation movement. Originality/value This paper is underpinned by original experiential accounts from the author as patient, campaigner for places of safety and onging service-user of mental health care provision.

scholarly journals Impact of economic crises on mental health care: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Silva ◽  
D. M. Resurrección ◽  
A. Antunes ◽  
D. Frasquilho ◽  
G. Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aims Unmet needs for mental health treatment are large and widespread, and periods of economic crisis may increase the need for care and the treatment gap, with serious consequences for individuals and society. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the empirical evidence on the association between periods of economic crisis and the use of mental health care. Methods Following the PRISMA statement, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Open Grey and Cochrane Database were searched for relevant publications, published between 1990 and 2018, from inception to June 2018. Search terms included (1) economic crisis, (2) use of mental health services and (3) mental health problems. Study selection, data extraction and the assessment of study quality were performed in duplicate. Results Seventeen studies from different countries met the inclusion criteria. The results from the included articles suggest that periods of economic crisis might be linked to an increase of general help sought for mental health problems, with conflicting results regarding the changes in the use of specialised psychiatric care. The evidence on the use of mental health care specifically due to suicide behaviour is mixed. The results also suggest that economic crises might be associated with a higher use of prescription drugs and an increase in hospital admissions for mental disorders. Conclusions Research on the impact of economic crises on the use of mental health care is scarce, and methodologies of the included papers are prone to substantial bias. More empirical and long-term studies on this topic are needed, in order to adapt mental health care systems to the specific needs of the population in times of economic crisis.

scholarly journals Experiences of living with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a coproduced, participatory qualitative interview study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Gillard ◽  
◽  
Ceri Dare ◽  
Jackie Hardy ◽  
Patrick Nyikavaranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Research is beginning to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Our paper addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring their experiences and perceptions of how life has changed at this time. Methods We used qualitative interviews (N = 49) to explore experiences of the pandemic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In a participatory, coproduced approach, researchers with lived experiences of mental health conditions conducted interviews and analysed data as part of a multi-disciplinary research team. Results Existing mental health difficulties were exacerbated for many people. People experienced specific psychological impacts of the pandemic, struggles with social connectedness, and inadequate access to mental health services, while some found new ways to cope and connect to the community. New remote ways to access mental health care, including digital solutions, provided continuity of care for some but presented substantial barriers for others. People from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities experienced heightened anxiety, stigma and racism associated with the pandemic, further impacting their mental health. Conclusion There is a need for evidence-based solutions to achieve accessible and effective mental health care in response to the pandemic, especially remote approaches to care. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to understanding inequalities of impact on mental health, especially for people from BAME communities.

Awareness and accessibility of the Dutch mental health care system for people with borderline intellectual functioning or mild intellectual disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 114-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannelien Wieland ◽  
Mascha ten Doesschate
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Intellectual Functioning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Borderline Intellectual Functioning ◽  
High Prevalence

Purpose In The Netherlands, curative mental health care and supportive care for people with an intellectual disability (ID) are organised in separate domains. Prevalence of mental health problems is known to be high among people with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) or mild intellectual disabilities (MID). By contrast, according to recent findings, prevalence of BIF and MID is high among patients in mental health care (17.5–58 per cent). In The Netherlands, a new quality standard of care (QSOC) on mental health care for people with BIF or MID is developed. It is designed to supplement existing guidelines on mental health care so that they can be used appropriately in people with BIF or MID and meant for use in both mental health care organisations (MHCO) as in organisations for ID care. To a large extent, the QSOC should describe the existing practice. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach To assess the existing practice in current mental health care for people with BIF or MID in The Netherlands, the authors examined the views and accessibility of MHCO on the mental health care for patients with and IQ<85. In addition, the authors reviewed published criteria for in- and exclusion of all 39 top clinical mental health care departments for criteria on BIF or (mild) ID. Findings The authors found there is a clear awareness of the high prevalence of BIF and MID among large Dutch MHCO. Dutch MHCO estimate the prevalence of BIF and MID among their patients to be around 30 per cent. Nonetheless, most MCHO surveyed (76 per cent) indicated they do not routinely estimate or measure IQ among their patients and 53 per cent of MHCO indicated not having knowledge and expertise on the dual diagnoses of mental health problems and BIF or MID. Fitting in with the new QSOC most of the MHCO (59 per cent) agreed on the statement in the survey that professionals should be able to treat patients with BIF or ID and all but one of the MHCO stated to have some form of collaboration with an institute for ID care. Originality/value The authors concluded there is a clear awareness of the high prevalence of BIF and MID among large Dutch MHCO. The new QSOC on mental health care for people with BIF or MID can help improve accessibility and quality of mental health care for these patients.

The risk of risk management: adopting critical theories to explore clinical risk concerns in mental health care

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Deering ◽  
Jo Williams ◽  
Rob Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Risk ◽  
Critical Theories ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline several critical risk theories and explore their application to risk concerns in mental health care. This will contribute to the on-going debate about risk management practices and the impact these might have on recovery and social inclusion. Notably, while risks like suicide can be therapeutically addressed, risk management may involve paternalistic practices that exclude the participation needed for recovery. Design/methodology/approach A viewpoint of key risk theories will be presented to provide a critical eye about some clinical risk concerns in mental health care. Implications for recovery and social inclusion will then be discussed alongside direction for practice and research. Findings Clinical concerns seemed to involve difficulties with uncertainty, holding onto expertise, and the othering of patients through risk. These concerns suggest the patient voice might become lost, particularly within the backdrop of clinical fears about blame. Alternatively, a relational approach to risk management could have merit, while patient expertise may develop understanding in how to improve risk management practices. Originality/value Clinical concerns appear more than managing potential harms; it can involve appraising behaviours around societal norms, explaining to an extent why mental illness might be addressed in terms of risks. While the points raised in the paper support existing findings about risk management, the underlying reasons drawing on the critical risk theories are less explored.

Cultivating compassion through compassion circles: learning from experience in mental health care in the NHS

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Clark ◽  
Andy Bradley ◽  
Laura Simms ◽  
Benna Waites ◽  
Alister Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Current Concerns ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the importance of compassion in health care and experiences of Compassion Circles (CCs) in supporting it, placing this into the national policy context of the National Health Service (NHS), whilst focusing on lessons from using the practice in mental health care. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is a discussion of the context of compassion in health care and a description of model and related concepts of CCs. This paper also discusses lessons from implementation of CCs in mental health care. Findings CCs were developed from an initial broad concern with the place of compassion and well-being in communities and organisations, particularly in health and social care after a number of scandals about failures of care. Through experience CCs have been refined into a flexible model of supporting staff in mental health care settings. Experience to date suggests they are a valuable method of increasing compassion for self and others, improving relationships between team members and raising issues of organisational support to enable compassionate practice. Research limitations/implications This paper is a discussion of CCs and their conceptual underpinnings and of insights and lessons from their adoption to date, and more robust evaluation is required. Practical implications As an emergent area of practice CCs have been seen to present a powerful and practical approach to supporting individual members of staff and teams. Organisations and individuals might wish to join the community of practice that exists around CCs to consider the potential of this intervention in their workplaces and add to the growing body of learning about it. It is worth further investigation to examine the impact of CCs on current concerns with maintaining staff well-being and engagement, and, hence, on stress, absence and the sustainability of work environments over time. Social implications CCs present a promising means of developing a culture and practice of more compassion in mental health care and other care contexts. Originality/value CCs have become supported in national NHS guidance and more support to adopt, evaluate and learn from this model is warranted. This paper is a contribution to developing a better understanding of the CCs model, implementation lessons and early insights into impact.

Implementing a collaborative mental health care model: the MHPN

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Gibbs ◽  
Barbara Murphy ◽  
Deepika Ratnaike ◽  
Kate Hoppe ◽  
Harry Lovelock
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and experience of the Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) in building and supporting a national interdisciplinary professional development platform in community mental health to enhance practitioner response to the needs of consumers. Design/methodology/approach The key components of the MHPN model are described highlighting effective ways of engaging practitioners and supporting interdisciplinary practice. The MHPN has two key programs – Face-to-Face Interdisciplinary Practitioner Networks and an Online Professional Development Program. Findings The MHPN model has had significant uptake in communities across Australia and continues to grow. Practitioners report positive outcomes in engaging with other practitioners, improving their professional knowledge and having gained increased confidence in the provision of mental health care to patients. Practical implications The progress and learnings to date offer some useful insights that can be applied to other settings to support integrated care for patients with mental health problems through enhancing collaborative care among practitioners at the primary care level. Originality/value MHPN is a unique, national, successful platform delivering opportunities for interdisciplinary professional development in the primary mental health sector. The model is cost effective, practitioner driven, and transferable to other settings.

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