Lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals experience of mental health services - a systematic review

Purpose Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience higher rates of mental health difficulties in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts (Meyer, 2003; Plöderl and Tremblay, 2015). This is in part due to the experience of homophobia and stigmatisation within society. This discrimination has also been perpetuated within the mental health field, where LGB individual’s sexuality has been pathologised. In response to this historical stigmatisation a number of policies have been created to develop ethical practice while working with this minority group (APA, 2012; BPS, 2019; HSE, 2009; PSI, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to capture the experience of LGB individuals within mental health services and examine if these guidelines are being adhered to. Design/methodology/approach This study is a meta-narrative synthesis of 13 empirical papers, published between 1999 and 2019. Findings This study has found both negative and positive experiences of service users. The paper discusses major themes, implications for practice and directions for future research. Originality/value This is the first systematic review to look at the experiences of clients who have attended mental health services.

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Research watch: what really helps recovery in relation to severe mental health difficulties?

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-11-2019-0037 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 6-12

Author(s):

Sue Holttum

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Support Service ◽

Health Condition ◽

Service Users ◽

Content Type ◽

Inpatient Settings ◽

Mental Health Difficulties

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine three recent papers on mental health services and how they support recovery following a diagnosis of a severe mental health condition. Design/methodology/approach A search was carried out for recent papers on mental health and recovery. The author selected three papers that seemed to advance understanding of not only whether, but also how recovery of a meaningful life may be best supported in mental health services. Findings One paper suggested how staff were able to support service users’ personal goals and focus on recovery in acute inpatient settings, and what got in the way. The author suggests practical ways to address the barriers. A second paper reported the testing of a new model for supporting staff in primary and secondary care to work together so that service users with a diagnosis of bipolar or schizophrenia were better supported to work towards valued goals. A third paper reviewed 40 studies of how people can experience positive change after a first diagnosis of psychosis, and how change happened. Originality/value By studying the issues in detail, all three papers show how improved support for recovery and inclusion can be implemented against the backdrop of many years of service shortcomings.

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Optimization of community-based mental health services: a systematic review

Mental Health Review Journal ◽

10.1108/mhrj-01-2020-0006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 221-239

Author(s):

Ahmad Anas Almi ◽

Jamilah Hanum Abdul Khaiyom

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Health Systems ◽

Health Centre ◽

Mental Health Systems ◽

Community Based ◽

Content Type ◽

Facilitating Factors

Purpose This paper aims to review the literature of community-based mental health services (CMHS) optimization in Malaysia that focus on the aspects of perceived challenges or barriers and facilitating factors for community-based mental health centre (CMHC). Design/methodology/approach Relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified and being reviewed in three databases and one local journal. Findings Nine studies were eligible for inclusion and the extracted data were summarized into a narrative review. The evidence provided for what constituting an optimal implementation of CMHS in Malaysia appeared lacking. However, there are adequate recommendations and suggestions on the component of facilitating factors; on how to increase service user’s engagement towards the improvement of mental health systems. Research limitations/implications Research in the literature had focussed on the optimization aspects from the perspective of the service user. Additionally, this had been discussed through the lens of a variety of mental health systems and not specifically on the community-based perspectives. Originality/value This current systematic review provides valuable and important evidence that further explorations of the existing experiences of the mental health care professionals in delivering CMHS in Malaysia CMHC. The review serves as the foundation for future research to explain the local explanatory framework on what are the best practise models for local CMHS.

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“We need to slowly break down this barrier”: understanding the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-12-2019-0099 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 63-81

Author(s):

Tamara Nadine Sancho ◽

Michael Larkin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Critical Incident ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Future Research ◽

Sociocultural Factors ◽

Content Type ◽

The Uk

Purpose Undergraduates are highly susceptible to the development of mental health difficulties. Afro-Caribbean students are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of university yet are less likely than other ethnic groups to receive early intervention. This paper aims to understand the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Critical Incident Technique was used as the qualitative method because it explores the critical factors that contribute to or detract from a specific experience. Seventeen Afro-Caribbean undergraduates participated in five focus groups. This involved engaging in a novel psychosocial activity that incorporated vignettes to encourage the identification of barriers and facilitators to service access. The data were analysed thematically to generate categories of critical incidents and wish-list items. Findings Analysis revealed rich data from a sub-group rarely researched within UK literature. Fifteen barriers, eleven facilitators and five wish-list items were identified. The importance of mental health literacy, social networks, cultural sensitivity and concerns surrounding services underpinned many categories. Originality/value Findings provide a new perspective on barriers reported in previous literature. Novel facilitators were highlighted where, although psychological and sociocultural factors were deemed valuable, structural changes were most desired. Recommended changes illustrate innovative interventions that could make services accessible for young adult Afro-Caribbean populations. Future research should explore the barriers and facilitators identified by Afro-Caribbean undergraduates across various universities who have successfully accessed and engaged with services. This could provide a holistic perspective on viable facilitators enabling access despite the presence of barriers.

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Using digital mood monitoring technology to support the assessment, engagement and empowerment of young people presenting to mental health services with mood instability

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.764 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S545-S545

Author(s):

M. Dubad ◽

S. Marwaha ◽

C. Winsper

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Young People ◽

Health Services ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Future Research ◽

Monitoring Technology ◽

Mood Instability ◽

Monitoring Applications

BackgroundDigital mood-monitoring technology, such as mood-monitoring applications, is increasingly advocated within clinical research and is a potentially effective method to engage and empower youth. However, limited evidence is available on this type of technology.Objectives(1) To assess the evidence for the use of mobile mood-monitoring applications in youth; (2) to explore what available smartphone application would be most suitable to monitor mood from the perspective of young people; (3) to examine whether mood-monitoring applications are useful for investigating mood instability in youth; (4) to explore the utility and acceptability of using the mood-monitoring application from young people's and clinicians’ perspectives.AimTo investigate how mood-monitoring applications can be used to support the assessment, engagement and empowerment of young people presenting to mental health services with a range of diagnoses in which mood instability forms a key component.MethodsA systematic review using a Cochrane methodology was conducted. After obtaining ethical approval, this study will also employ a mixed methods approach, through which quantitative findings (e.g., digital mood-monitoring data) will be furnished with an in-depth understanding of young people's views on digital mood-monitoring technology.ResultsFindings from a systematic review focusing on the evidence for the psychometric properties, usability and clinical impacts of applications in youth will be presented. Preliminary results from consultations groups and plans for future research will also be discussed.ConclusionsEvidence acquired through this research can potentially influence mental health policies and result in more innovative (adjunct) interventions and improved outcomes for young people with mood instability.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Review: Unaccompanied refugee minors’ perception of mental health services and professionals: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Child and Adolescent Mental Health ◽

10.1111/camh.12486 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gwladys Demazure ◽

Céline Baeyens ◽

Nicolas Pinsault

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors ◽

Refugee Minors

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Living with Psychosis without Mental Health Services: A Narrative Interview Study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045661 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e045661

Author(s):

Rose McGranahan ◽

Zivile Jakaite ◽

Alice Edwards ◽

Stefan Rennick-Egglestone ◽

Mike Slade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Interview Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Psychotic Experiences ◽

Making Sense ◽

Narrative Interview ◽

External Sources ◽

Past Experiences

ObjectivesLittle research has looked at how people who do not use mental health services experience psychosis. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the experiences and views of people with psychosis who have neither sought nor received support from mental health services for at least 5 years.DesignA narrative interview study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.SettingEngland.ParticipantsTwenty-eight participants with self-defined psychotic experiences were asked to provide a free narrative about their experiences.ResultsFive themes were identified: (1) Perceiving psychosis as positive; (2) Making sense of psychotic experiences as a more active psychological process to find explanations and meaning; (3) Finding sources of strength, mainly in relationships and the environment, but outside of services; (4) Negative past experiences of mental health services, leading to disengagement and (5) Positive past experiences with individual clinicians, as an appreciation of individuals despite negative views of services as a whole.ConclusionsPerceiving psychosis as something positive, a process of making sense of psychotic experiences and the ability to find external sources of strength all underpin—in addition to negative experiences with services—a choice to live with psychosis outside of services. Future research may explore to what extent these perceptions, psychological processes and abilities can be facilitated and strengthened, in order to support those people with psychosis who do not seek treatment and possibly also some of those who are in treatment.

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Experiences of men with psychosis participating in a community-based football programme

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1108/ijot-06-2017-0015 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 100-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Moloney ◽

Daniela Rohde

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Based ◽

Health Service Provision ◽

Content Type

Purpose Physical activity is associated with both physical and mental health benefits for people with psychosis. However, mental health services have been criticised for failing to adequately promote physical activities. Occupational Therapy, with its focus on meaningful everyday occupations, is well placed to incorporate physical activity interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of men with psychosis participating in an Irish community-based football programme. Design/methodology/approach Six men with psychosis participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analysed thematically. Findings Participants identified many benefits of engaging in the programme. Football became a valued part of weekly routines and fostered re-engagement with previously valued roles. Participants identified improvements in social confidence and motor and process skills, as well as a positive impact on their mental and physical health. Originality/value This study highlights the value and meaning of participation in football for men with psychosis, as well as demonstrating the longer-term feasibility of football as a therapeutic medium in Occupational Therapy mental health service provision. Findings could help to promote the routine use of sports interventions to mental health services.

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A day in the life of a peer support worker: re-entry

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-05-2016-0014 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 149-152

Author(s):

Emma Watson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Peer Support ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Narrative Approach ◽

Personal Recovery ◽

Support Worker ◽

Content Type ◽

Returning To Work

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of a peer support worker over the course of a day working in mental health services. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative approach has been taken to structure reflections based on the experience of returning to work after taking sick leave. Findings – Reflections are offered based on the process of returning to work and the way that this experience sheds light on personal recovery. Originality/value – This paper adds to the small number of accounts of the experiences of peer support working in mental health services and as such is highly original.

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The transition between mental health services in Scotland

Mental Health Review Journal ◽

10.1108/mhrj-05-2017-0020 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 12-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Juliette van der Kamp

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Transition Period ◽

Organisational Development ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Experience Difficulty

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the barriers and facilitators to an effective transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS). It also presents a new entry into considering how the transition can be improved. Design/methodology/approach Insights into the transition from CAMHS to AMHS were gathered through eight semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals. Two methods of data analysis were employed to explore the emerging themes in the data and the observed deficit approach to organisational development. Findings The findings identified a vast volume of barriers in comparison to facilitators to the transition. Adolescents who transition from CAMHS to AMHS initially experience difficulty adapting to the differences in the services due to the short duration of the transition period. However, despite the established barriers to the transition, adolescents tend to adapt to the differences between the services. Findings also showed a negative framing towards the transition amongst the mental health professionals which resembles a deficit approach to organisational development. Originality/value This paper explores mental health professionals’ perspectives regarding the transition in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The transition is increasingly recognised as an area in health care that requires improvement. This research provides a new way to consider the transition by exploring the perceived deficit approach to organisational development in the services.

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