Human rights and the use of psychiatric medication

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lourdes Rodriguez del Barrio ◽  
Rosana Onocko Campos ◽  
Sabrina Stefanello ◽  
Deivisson Vianna Dantas dos Santos ◽  
Céline Cyr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Formal Recognition

Purpose – Formal recognition of the human rights of people living with mental health problems has greatly progressed. We must ask ourselves, however, to what extent the formal recognition of these rights has transformed the culture of psychiatric care and improved their quality of life. Gaining Autonomy & Medication Management (GAM) is an approach that strives to empower service users and providers and promotes the exercise of users’ rights by transforming their relationship with the central component of psychiatric treatment in community services: psychopharmacology. The purpose of this paper is to show how GAM highlights the issues surrounding the establishment of a culture of rights. Design/methodology/approach – For this analysis qualitative data were collected in Brazil and in Quebec, Canada, through over 100 interviews done with people living with mental health issues and practitioners who participated in the different GAM implementation projects. Findings – Issues, challenges and obstacles facing the instauration of a human rights culture in mental health services are presented. The profound changes that the understanding and exercise of users’ rights bring to the lives of individuals are supported by excerpts illustrating recurring issues, situations and common experiences that appear in the various contexts of the two different countries. Research limitations/implications – This is not a parallel study taking place into two countries. The methodologies used were different, and as a consequence the comparative power can be limited. However, the results reveal striking similarities. Originality/value – There is scant research on human rights in mental health services in the community, and the issues surrounding the prescribing and follow-up of pharmacological treatment. The joint analysis of the researches in Brazil and in Canada, identified common challenges which are intertwined with the dominant approach of biomedical psychiatry.

“Walking wounded or wounded healer?” Does personal experience of mental health problems help or hinder mental health practice? A review of the literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Conchar ◽  
Julie Repper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Wounded Healer ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – A systematic review of the literature on “wounded healers” was undertaken to identify, define and interpret the term and its application within the mental health environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Eight key medical/social sciences databases were interrogated. In total, 835 papers were identified in the systematic database search and abstracts were obtained for each to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. In total, 237 sources were retrieved for critical reading, to assess relevance and value to the review, and 125 documents were subsequently included. Through thematic analysis a number of themes and sub themes were identified Findings – The archetypal image of the wounded healer originates in ancient mythology and crosses many cultures. There are many interpretations and applications of the belief that having healed their own wounds a person is in a better position to heal others, however, the evidence to support this is not so robust. Of more direct relevance to contemporary practice are reports of supporting staff with mental health problems to make a contribution to mental health services, most recently through the employment of peer support workers. Originality/value – As peer support workers are increasingly being employed in mental health services, it is helpful to consider the many existing staff who bring personal experience of mental health problems. This paper explores the evidence that their lived experience makes a difference to the way that they work and considers their employment support needs.

“When other people try to understand”: exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, who also have mental health problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Sasha Martine Mattock ◽  
Kieron Beard ◽  
Amy Baddeley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose Recent guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence highlight that service users (SUs) with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems rarely get the opportunity to share their experiences of mental health services. Over the past 20 years, policy documents have stated that these individuals (SUs) must be included in decisions about their care. Research suggests that often this is not the case. Therefore, this paper aims to create a space for SUs to share their experiences of mental health services, and what they found helpful. Design/methodology/approach A focus group was held with five SUs, two psychologists and two researchers. The audio recording of the discussion was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes were identified, namely, “relationships with others”, “inclusion and communication” and “challenges”. This focus group highlighted that although some SUs felt supported, they reported having little control in their lives and wanted to be listened to. Research limitations/implications Including a SU in the planning and facilitation of the focus group would have made this research more inclusive. Practical implications The implications of this research suggest that by listening to and involving SUs and developing more person-centred services, recovery rates may increase as the services provided would be more targeted. Originality/value Very little research has previously been conducted to explore SUs’ experiences. This paper highlights the value of being heard and the knowledge that is often lost if the authors do not take the time to listen to the people for whom a service is designed.

Young service users from refugee backgrounds: their perspectives on barriers to accessing Australian mental health services

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Claire Valibhoy ◽  
Josef Szwarc ◽  
Ida Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine barriers to accessing mental health services, from the perspective of young people of refugee background who have been service users, and to suggest strategies to improve access to mental health services. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was conducted with 16 young people (aged 18-25), who had been refugees and who had attended mental health professionals in Australia. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically to examine participants’ perspectives on what hinders initial access to mental health services. Findings Stigma about mental health problems was particularly prominent. Many believed a high level of disturbance was the threshold for entering services, and for some there was no knowledge of such services’ existence. Options for assistance other than mental health services were often preferred, according to young people’s explanatory models. Apprehension was expressed that sessions would be uncomfortable, distressing or ineffective. The desire to be self-reliant functioned as a further barrier. Finally, structural obstacles and social exclusion deterred some young refugees from accessing services. Practical implications Implications include the need for service providers to be equipped to provide culturally sensitive, responsive services that ideally offer both practical and psychological assistance. Potential referrers, including health professionals and community leaders, could facilitate increased access if trained to recognise and address barriers. Finally, findings indicate potential content for awareness-raising initiatives for young refugees about mental health problems and services. Originality/value This paper is original in its sample, method, topic and findings; being drawn from the first known qualitative research exploring views of young mental health service users who have been refugees about barriers to accessing mental health services.

scholarly journals The Deinstitutionalization of Lithuanian Mental Health Services in Light of the Evidence-based Practice and Principles of Global Mental Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (15) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Ugnė Grigaitė
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Major Step ◽  
Current Form

During this time, in which Lithuania is going through the deinstitutionalization of its mental health services, the principles of Global Mental Health are especially relevant. This global field for study, research and practice places a priority on improving mental health outcomes as well as reducing respective inequities for all people worldwide. Scaling-up support services for persons who have mental health problems based on both scientific evidence and human rights has become one of the main focuses for action globally, and the key principles of Global Mental Health apply to the situation in Lithuania as much as they do in a number of other countries. This article explores the critical need to effectively reform the existing mental health care system in the country, which in its current form often results in human rights violations. It points to the idea, based on the global evidence base, that different Lithuanian authorities and other key stakeholders could start working together in an intersectoral way in order to reorganize mental health services from institutional to community-based models of care. It is suggested by this article that a sensible, local application of the broad key principles of Global Mental Health could be a mature and rational step taken by Lithuania. This has the potential to be a major step toward the improvement of human rights and mental health outcomes in the country.

Transition from child to adult mental health services: a French retrospective survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 286-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Schandrin ◽  
Delphine Capdevielle ◽  
Jean-Philippe Boulenger ◽  
Monique Batlaj-Lovichi ◽  
Frédérick Russet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Retrospective Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adult Mental Health

Purpose Adolescents and young adults’ mental health problems are an important health issue. However, the current organisation of the care pathway is not robust enough and transition between child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services (AMHS) has been identified as a period of risk. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective survey was conducted in Montpellier University Hospital concerning transitions organised between CAMHS and AMHS between 2008 and 2009. The aim was to assess if transitions met four criteria identified in literature as warranting an optimal transition. Findings In total, 31 transitions were included. Transition was accepted by AMHS in 90 per cent of cases but its organisation was rarely optimal. Relational continuity and transition planning were absent in 80 per cent of cases. The age boundary of 16 often justified the triggering of the transition regardless of patient’s needs. Discontinuity was observed in 48 per cent of transition cases, with an average gap of three months without care. Psychiatrists reported difficulties in working together. Finally, at the moment of the survey (one to three years later), 55 per cent of patients were lost to follow-up. Research limitations/implications This is a retrospective study on a small sample but it reveals important data about transition in France. Practical implications Transition process should include collaborative working between CAMHS and AMHS, with cross-agency working and periods of parallel care. Social implications Transition-related discontinuity of care is a major socioeconomic and societal challenge for the EU. Originality/value Data related to the collaboration between CAMHS and AMHS services are scarce, especially regarding the transition in France.

scholarly journals Analysis of the mental health response to COVID-19 and human rights concerns in the occupied Palestinian territories

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Helbich ◽  
Samah Jabr
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
The Political ◽  
Human Rights Violations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Palestinian Territories ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Israeli Occupation

Purpose The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has devastating effects around the world, influencing daily life and putting communities into unprecedented situations of anxiety, hardship and loss. It has a particularly severe effect on the mental health of individuals and highlights pre-existing challenges in mental health provision in different countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mental health response to COVID-19 in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) in relation to mental health concerns and the political situation. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes the double struggle of Palestinians not only dealing with COVID-19 but with the ongoing Israeli occupation and human rights violations and focuses on the challenges in providing mental health services due to existing inequalities, systemic discrimination and lack of resources as a result of the political system of oppression. The findings are based on previously published articles concerning mental health related to the COVID-19 outbreak in other countries, as well as the authors’ clinical experience in the oPt and direct involvement in providing mental health services. Findings The paper highlights how the current pandemic is being used to further attempts of annexation and political gains in Israel and how it exacerbated human rights violations due to the occupation. Emphasis is also put on the challenges in providing a Palestinian mental health response due to the high number of actors involved and the lack of preparedness at the level of mental health response provision. Originality/value The value of the works lies in putting the current pandemic in relation to human rights violations in the oPt due to the ongoing Israeli occupation and in highlighting how a mental health response to COVID-19 can be implemented during a state of emergency and despite a lack of preparedness in response services in the oPt.

Remarkable lives: Stacey Withington in conversation with Jerome Carson

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey Withington ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Gift ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Stacey Withington. Design/methodology/approach In this case study, Stacey provides a short account of her life and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Stacey details how she was able to transform her life, despite the traumas experienced in her life. Research limitations/implications Although many of us will not have experienced the difficulties that Stacey has, we are all able to empathise with her story. We now have the gift of her story, to borrow the phrase from Dr Julie Leibrich (Leibrich, 1999). Practical implications How many times must people complain about the delay in accessing counselling and mental health services before something is done to tackle the problem? Social implications A mother, a partner and a son, backed up by wonderful tutors and friends, helped Stacey find the strength and talent that she possessed within. Originality/value Stacey is the first person featured in this series to be called a SHEro. In truth and as Patricia Deegan has stated, “try and see the person with mental health problems that you are working with as a hero” (Deegan, 1996). As Pat also says, “Could you have survived what that person has survived?” Stacey has not just survived, she is now flourishing!

Mental health services for adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities in Norway: a descriptive study

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 121-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Lise Bakken ◽  
Olav Ose Evensen ◽  
Tale Gjertine Bjørgen ◽  
Inger Tove Nilsen ◽  
Nina Bang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Unit ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Compulsory Care ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss mental health services for people with intellectual disability (ID) in Norway. Design/methodology/approach A literature review and a survey were conducted to map services for people with ID and mental health problems in Norway. Findings The results were sparse and confirmed what is already known among clinicians working with these patients. The Norwegian services are fragmented and there are geographical differences. Research limitations/implications There are no special services for children with ID developing mental illness. For offenders with ID, a national unit assesses and follows up, also when the person is sentenced to compulsory care and services are provided in their home municipality. Practical implications More data about both the patients and the services are needed in order to improve mental health services for people with ID in Norway. Originality/value This paper describes mental health services for people with ID in Norway.

Family and caregivers’ experience of mental illness in migrants with intellectual disability – reflections on practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-88
Author(s):  
Jane Margrete Askeland Hellerud ◽  
Trine Lise Bakken
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the families’ and professional caregivers’ experience of mental health services for patients in the migrant population with intellectual disability (ID). Design/methodology/approach To highlight this rarely studied topic, the authors chose a qualitative approach, using a semi-structured interview guide. The authors performed a search for relevant articles. Three families of former patients of a specialized psychiatric inpatient unit and 12 professional caregivers were interviewed. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis. Findings In total, 17 themes from the families’ answers and 14 themes from the caregivers’ answers were grouped into four main themes each. Two main themes were identical for both groups: perspectives on mental illness and “the Norwegian system.” Additionally, the families were concerned about the impact on the patient and family and coping strategies. The caregivers highlighted patient–caregiver interaction and family–caregiver interaction. Research limitations/implications Further research should include the patients’ opinions based on the findings of this study. Also, studies including larger samples from both specialist services and community services are needed to develop evidence-based services for these patients. Practical implications Proposed adaptations to enable assessment and treatment of mental illness in migrants with ID should be adapted to cultural preferences. The following adaptations are proposed: inclusion of the entire family, awareness of cultural dimensions, information about the health care system, education in mental illness, the use of interpreters and adequate time spent with the families. Originality/value Mental health services for this group are an understudied topic. Clinical experience indicates that professionals struggle when providing services for such patients.

Recent Trends in Mental Health Services in Italy: An Analysis of National and Local Data

1993 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico De Salvia ◽  
Angelo Barbato
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
National Level ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Case Register ◽  
Mental Hospitals ◽  
Mental Health Act

This paper reviews trends in Italian mental health services after the implementation of the 1978 Mental Health Act. Data available at the national level on public and private inpatient services, community mental health centres, residential and day care facilities are presented and discussed. Findings from two case-register areas, where comprehensive community services according to the Mental Health Act have been implemented, are discussed. Public mental hospitals are no longer used for psychiatric treatment, except for a small number of long stay patients. General hospital psychiatric units are the only setting in the public sector where psychiatric patients can be admitted. In private mental hospitals, the number of residents has decreased, while admissions have remained stable. However, community services are unevenly distributed and residential facilities are generally lacking. Little is known about quality of care provided, although data from some pilot studies are encouraging. Stable admission rates to forensic mental hospitals suggest that the criminalization of mentally ill has not increased. The effect of changing patterns of mental health care on suicide rates are discussed.

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