Treating suicidal risk in a post-healthcare reform era

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Jobes ◽  
Maureen Elizabeth Bowers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to fully consider the potential changes in clinical suicide prevention that may evolve after the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The authors argue that it is wise to anticipate demand for suicide-specific evidence-based treatments (EBTs) moving forward. The authors outline current best practices in clinical suicide prevention, and describe the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) as an example of how a suicide-focussed EBT can adapt to some predicted changes. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper first presents an overview of the main effects of ACA within the behavioral health care (BHC) system. Next, the authors review contemporary approaches to the treatment of suicidal patients, as well as current treatment limitations. The authors present CAMS as a model of a suicide-focussed EBT that holds promise for use in the post-ACA era. To close, the authors discuss anticipated changes in suicide treatment and illustrate that CAMS is adaptable to these changes. Findings – ACA mandates several changes: implementation of EBTs, better preventative care, integrated treatment models, and improved healthcare administration. A central effect of ACA in BHC is the increased use of EBTs. Therefore effective EBTs for suicide prevention are described. Originality/value – Anticipating how ACA will affect clinical suicide prevention is necessary, as it is historically a very challenging area of treatment within BHC and a significant public health concern. This paper highlights the importance of the use suicide-specific EBTs.

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Ann Potter

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of fathers in the management of sleeping problems in children with autism and their perspectives of the impact of these difficulties on family life. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with 25 UK-based fathers of children with autism were undertaken. Findings Two-thirds of fathers reported that their children experienced severe sleeping problems in the areas of bed-time resistance, sleep onset and night-time waking. Fathers were significantly involved in the management of these difficulties and reported a range of associated deleterious impacts on the family, including significant negative effects on paternal and maternal health, father’s employment, couple relationship and sibling experiences. Research limitations/implications The interview sample cannot be said to be representative of all fathers of children with autism since the backgrounds of those taking part were relatively homogeneous in respect of ethnicity, marital status and level of education. Practical implications Improvements in effective, family-centred provision are urgently needed which employ a co-parenting, gender-differentiated methodology. Social implications Given the severity and frequency of difficulties, sleeping problems in children with autism should be viewed as a significant public health concern. Originality/value This is one of the first studies, qualitative or quantitative, to explore the role and perspectives of fathers of children with autism in the important area of sleep management.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Thompson ◽  
Timothy Ando ◽  
James Jackson

Despite mammoth efforts toward the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders in the United States over the past 30 years, they remain a significant public health concern and an all-too-common comorbidity among people with other forms of mental illness. Continued research into genetics, pharmacotherapies, psychotherapies, and epidemiology for substance use disorders results in huge amounts of new information for clinicians to assimilate each year. This review summarizes current diagnostic and categorical standards in substance use disorders, epidemiology, genetic and physiologic factors in addiction for each class, clinically relevant laboratory testing, evidence-based treatments, and prognostic considerations in substance use disorders. Specifically, sections cover cannabinoids, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Key words: benzodiazepines, cannabis, drug dependence, hallucinogens, MDMA, substance abuse, substance dependence, synthetic cannabinoids 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha Joshi ◽  
Santosh Bhatta ◽  
Sunil Kumar Joshi ◽  
Julie Mytton

Abstract Background: Suicide is a significant public health concern in Nepal and there is a need for an evidence-based suicide prevention programme to facilitate stakeholders working towards suicide prevention in Nepal. Collaborative research between stakeholders focussing on shared priorities can help to prevent and control suicide. Hence, we aimed to develop a consensus list of research priorities for suicide prevention in Nepal. Methods: The Delphi expert consensus method was used to elicit the prioritized research questions for suicide prevention in Nepal. Participants comprised suicide prevention experts (psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, researchers and advocates) and people with lived experience. Three rounds of Delphi were conducted; round 1: constituted one to one interview involving open-ended questions used to generate research questions; round 2: ranking of the research questions using a 5-point Likert scale, and round 3: re-ranking of research questions in light of individual and group responses.Results: 42 participants participated in round 1 followed by 38 in round 2 and 39 in round 3. 522 research questions were generated through round 1 which were grouped together and reduced to 33 research questions sent for ranking in round 2. Using a cut off of at least 70% of the panel ranking questions as ‘very important’ or ‘important’, 22 questions were retained. These research questions were sent for re-rating in round 3 generating a final list of prioritized research questions.Conclusions: This is the first expert consensus study to identify the top research priorities for suicide prevention in Nepal and used experts in suicide prevention and those with lived experience. A consensus was reached regarding the research needed to improve suicide data quality, assess the burden and identify factors associated with suicide. A priority-driven approach to suicide prevention research may ensure that the research endeavour provides the most useful information for those whose day-t- day work involves trying to prevent suicide.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Thompson ◽  
Timothy Ando ◽  
James Jackson

Despite mammoth efforts toward the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders in the United States over the past 30 years, they remain a significant public health concern and an all-too-common comorbidity among people with other forms of mental illness. Continued research into genetics, pharmacotherapies, psychotherapies, and epidemiology for substance use disorders results in huge amounts of new information for clinicians to assimilate each year. This review summarizes current diagnostic and categorical standards in substance use disorders, epidemiology, genetic and physiologic factors in addiction for each class, clinically relevant laboratory testing, evidence-based treatments, and prognostic considerations in substance use disorders. Specifically, sections cover cannabinoids, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Key words: benzodiazepines, cannabis, drug dependence, hallucinogens, MDMA, substance abuse, substance dependence, synthetic cannabinoids 


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle J. Ingle ◽  
Patiyan Andersson ◽  
Mary Valcanis ◽  
Jessica Barnden ◽  
Anders Gonçalves da Silva ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT In Australia, cases of shigellosis usually occur in returned travelers from regions of shigellosis endemicity or in men who have sex with men. Resistance to multiple antibiotics has significantly increased in Shigella sonnei isolates and represents a significant public health concern. We investigate an outbreak of multidrug-resistant S. sonnei in Victoria, Australia. We undertook whole-genome sequencing of 54 extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing S. sonnei isolates received at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory between January 2019 and March 2020. The population structure and antimicrobial resistance profiles were identified by genomic analyses, with 73 previously characterized Australian S. sonnei isolates providing context. Epidemiological data, including age and sex of the shigellosis cases, were also collected. There was a significant increase in cases of ESBL S. sonnei from July 2019. Most of the ESBL S. sonnei isolates (65%) fell within a single cluster that was predominantly comprised of male cases that were characterized by the presence of the blaCTX-M-27 gene conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. These isolates were also multidrug resistant, including resistance to azithromycin and co-trimoxazole and reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Our data uncovered a prolonged clonal outbreak of ESBL S. sonnei infection that was likely first introduced by returned travelers and has subsequently been circulating locally in Australia. The emergence of a local outbreak of ESBL S. sonnei with a multidrug-resistant profile, including reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, represents a significant public health threat.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rusi Jaspal

Purpose Chemsex constitutes a significant public health concern among gay and bisexual men (GBM). Using the identity process theory, this study focuses on GBM’s motivations for engaging in chemsex and the functions that the practice performs for constructing a positive sense of self and for coping with psychological stress. Design/methodology/approach Sixteen GBM were interviewed, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Individuals reported facing various stressors, such as homonegativity, rejection and HIV stigma, which were threatening for self-esteem and distinctiveness. There was habitual use of deflection (e.g. denial and self-concealment) for coping with these stressors. Chemsex enabled some interviewees to engage in more elaborate forms of deflection, such as transient depersonalization, compartmentalization and fantasy. Originality/value In contrast to the risk-focused analyses of chemsex, this study provides a novel identity-based approach to understanding GBM’s motivations for engaging in chemsex and focuses on the functions that chemsex may perform for identity processes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 180-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Kosyluk ◽  
Annie Schmidt ◽  
Sara Abelson ◽  
Alison Malmon ◽  
Patrick Corrigan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the evaluation of a set of potential logos for a campaign aimed at promoting an environment of solidarity and support on college campuses for students with mental illness. Design/methodology/approach – Participants completed an online survey responding to statements about college students and mental illness by selecting the logo they thought best represented each statement. Findings – One-sample χ2 tests were conducted to assess difference in frequency of brand endorsement by statement. Research limitations/implications – Through use of the scientific method to evaluate three potential logos designed to represent this campaign, it is more likely that the campaign will have its intended impact, and avoid potential deleterious effects. Limitations of the study include the representativeness of the sample, and the fact that endorsement of statements may not translate to behavior, the ultimate outcome of interest. Future studies should include population research strategies. Practical implications – A campaign such as the one described here, with a scientifically selected brand, may have a greater effect on stigma surrounding mental illness, a significant public health concern. Originality/value – This is the first study of its kind to scientifically evaluate the brand for an anti-stigma program. The findings of this study would be of value to advocates, college and university administrators, staff, and educators, and college student with mental illness seeking to promote supportive environments on college and university campuses for students with mental illness.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Thompson ◽  
Timothy Ando ◽  
James Jackson

Despite mammoth efforts toward the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders in the United States over the past 30 years, they remain a significant public health concern and an all-too-common comorbidity among people with other forms of mental illness. Continued research into genetics, pharmacotherapies, psychotherapies, and epidemiology for substance use disorders results in huge amounts of new information for clinicians to assimilate each year. This review summarizes current diagnostic and categorical standards in substance use disorders, epidemiology, genetic and physiologic factors in addiction for each class, clinically relevant laboratory testing, evidence-based treatments, and prognostic considerations in substance use disorders. Specifically, sections cover cannabinoids, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. This review contains 3 figures, 6 tables and 60 references Key words: benzodiazepines, cannabis, drug dependence, hallucinogens, MDMA, substance abuse, substance dependence, synthetic cannabinoids


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 326-333
Author(s):  
Bayu Anggileo Pramesona ◽  
Surasak Taneepanichskul

Purpose In spite of being a significant public health concern, quality of life (QoL) amongst elderly in nursing home (NH) settings is rarely analyzed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of QoL and factors influencing QoL amongst elderly NH residents in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted amongst 181 elderly at three NHs in three districts in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used for the study site and sample collection. Face-to-face interviews were performed using the WHO Quality of Life BREF Indonesian version questionnaire to assess elderly QoL. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the factors influencing the QoL amongst elderly NH residents. Findings The response rate was 66.3 percent. A total of 64.1 percent of elderly had a fair level of QoL, whereas 16.6 percent still had a poor level of QoL. A total of 86.7 percent of elderly lived in an NH due to compulsion, and more than half (53.6 percent) perceived inadequacy of care. The QoL was significantly low amongst those who live in NHs due to compulsion, no social support resources, not receiving any kind of support, having three chronic diseases and perceived inadequacy of care (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that perceived adequacy of care reasons for living in NH was associated with QoL (p<0.001). Originality/value Perceived adequacy of care and reason for living in an NH were highlighted as predictors of QoL amongst elderly NH residents. Improving adequate healthcare services and developing treatment strategies to enforce the adaptation process is required in order to maintain the QoL in elderly NH residents.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
Venkata Vijaya K. Dalai ◽  
Jason E. Childress ◽  
Paul E Schulz

Dementia is a major public health concern that afflicts an estimated 24.3 million people worldwide. Great strides are being made in order to better diagnose, prevent, and treat these disorders. Dementia is associated with multiple complications, some of which can be life-threatening, such as dysphagia. There is great variability between dementias in terms of when dysphagia and other swallowing disorders occur. In order to prepare the reader for the other articles in this publication discussing swallowing issues in depth, the authors of this article will provide a brief overview of the prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, current treatment options, and implications for eating for the common forms of neurodegenerative dementias.


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