Psychological burden of anaphylaxis and the fight for an EpiPen

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. e243838
Author(s):  
Sara Pradhan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
University Student ◽  
Allergic Reactions ◽  
Allergy Clinic ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Cashew Nut ◽  
Clinic Appointment ◽  
Fatal Reaction

A university student with a background of atopy presented to her general practitioner (GP) 2 weeks following an episode of throat tightening and dizziness occurring after touching cashew nut to her lip. She took antihistamine medication immediately and went to sleep, fearing for her life. On waking, she felt astounded to be alive. Her symptoms resolved gradually over the following week. She waited 2 weeks for an appointment with her GP, who referred her to allergy clinic. Eight months later, she was still waiting for her clinic appointment, and was left fearing a future fatal reaction, having been provided with no interim treatment. Not all patients who have severe allergic reactions present to the emergency department. Living with the constant fear of anaphylaxis can be overwhelming for patients and their families, and it can negatively impact mental health. Therefore, we advise early allergy counselling and early EpiPen prescription.

scholarly journals The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danna Oomen ◽  
Annabel D. Nijhof ◽  
Jan R. Wiersema
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Previous studies have reported a negative psychological and mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This impact is likely to be stronger for people with autism as they are at heightened risk of mental health problems and because the pandemic directly affects social functioning and everyday routines. We therefore examined COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in mental health, the impact of the pandemic on their social life and routines, satisfaction with pandemic-related information and tips, and participants’ wishes for guidance. Methods We used a mixed-method approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative survey data from adults with and without autism across three European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK (N = 1044). Results We found an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms in response to the pandemic for both the non-autism and the autism group, which was greater for adults with autism. Furthermore, adults with autism showed a greater increase in worries about their pets, work, getting medication and food, and their own safety/security. They felt more relieved from social stress, yet experienced the loss of social contact as difficult. Adults with autism also felt more stressed about the loss of routines. Pleasant changes noted by adults with autism were the increase in solidarity and reduced sensory and social overload. Adults with autism frequently reported problems with cancellation of guidance due to the pandemic and expressed their wish for (more) autism-specific information and advice. Limitations Our sample is likely to reflect some degree of selection bias, and longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term effects. Conclusions Results highlight the psychological burden of the pandemic on adults with autism and shed light on how to support them during this COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially important now that the pandemic is likely to have a prolonged course. There is a need for accessible, affordable (continued) support from health services. Guidance may focus on the maintenance of a social network, and adjusting routines to the rapid ongoing changes. Finally, we may learn from the COVID-19 pandemic-related changes experienced as pleasant by adults with autism to build a more autism-friendly society post-pandemic.

Mental health presentations to a paediatric emergency department

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Tolentino ◽  
Linda Symington ◽  
Faye Jordan ◽  
Frances Kinnear ◽  
Mairi Jarvis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Paediatric Emergency Department ◽  
Paediatric Emergency

Mental health protective factors among flourishing Canadian women university student-athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 101847
Author(s):  
Kurtis Pankow ◽  
Tara-Leigh F. McHugh ◽  
Amber D. Mosewich ◽  
Nicholas L. Holt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
University Student

Exploring the concurrent use of standardised and idiographic measures to assess cognitive behavioural therapy in a university student with autistic spectrum condition – a single case experimental design

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Birdsey ◽  
Linda Walz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
University Students ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Cognitive Model ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
University Student ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Spectrum Condition

Abstract Limited research has directly addressed the challenges of higher education for students with autism, who face additional difficulties in navigating social, personal and academic obstacles. With more students experiencing mental health difficulties whilst at university, therapeutic interventions on offer need to be suitable for those accessing support. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used to support university students, as it is firmly established as an effective treatment for a range of issues, including social and generalised anxiety in typically developing populations (NICE, 2013; NICE, 2019). However, the efficacy of CBT for individuals with autistic spectrum condition (ASC) is less well known, despite the high prevalence rates of anxiety in this population. This paper seeks to address a gap in the literature and uses a single-case (A-B) experimental design over 16 sessions to reduce co-morbid social and generalised anxiety in a university student with high-functioning ASC. Clark’s (2001) cognitive model of social anxiety and Wells’ (1997) cognitive model of generalised anxiety were employed to formulate anxiety experienced in this case. Standardised outcome measures were used for social anxiety, i.e. the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), and generalised anxiety, i.e. the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), in conjunction with idiographic ratings to assess the impact of therapy. Findings indicate that CBT was an acceptable and useful intervention with mixed results; discrepancies were found between clinical change recorded on standardised measures compared with idiographic ratings. This paper discusses the use of standardised measures of anxiety for individuals with ASC and identifies directions for further research. Key learning aims (1) To appreciate the unique mental health challenges of university students with ASC. (2) To identify psychological interventions that are suitable for individuals with ASC. (3) To consider the value in employing more than one evidence-based cognitive model of anxiety when clients present with co-morbid mental health issues. (4) To question the utility of using standardised outcome measures compared with idiographic measures in therapy.

scholarly journals Mental health and sleep habits/problems in children aged 3–4 years: a population study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumie Horiuchi ◽  
Kentaro Kawabe ◽  
Yasunori Oka ◽  
Kiwamu Nakachi ◽  
Rie Hosokawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Wake Time ◽  
Health Group

Abstract Background Sleep is essential for mental health at all ages, but few studies have investigated the importance of sleep for mental health in early childhood. Therefore, this study examined the association between mental health and sleep habits/problems in children aged 3–4 years. Methods Children aged 3 to 4 years who were living in the community (n = 415; 211/204 boys/girls) were recruited for this study. Their mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and their sleep habits/problems were evaluated using the Child and Adolescent Sleep Checklist. Results Based on the total difficulties score of the SDQ, the children were divided into two groups: a poor mental health group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 339). In terms of sleep habits, which included total sleep time, bedtime, wake time, and nap conditions, there were no differences between the two groups. Regarding sleep-related problems, however, anxiety before going to sleep (p = 0.026), circadian rhythm abnormalities (p = 0.014), and sleepiness during classes outside of naptimes (p = 0.031) were significantly higher in the poor mental health group than in the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor mental health status was significantly associated with sleepiness and snoring (p = 0.017 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions The mental health status of 3–4-year-old children was associated with sleep-related problems, namely sleepiness and snoring. Healthcare providers should pay attention to children’s irregular sleep-wake patterns; moreover, interventions for appropriate sleep hygiene will reduce the psychological burden on both children and their families.

Lack of associations of substance use and mental health with self-reported pain scores among emergency department patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1790-1792
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Marco ◽  
Dennis Mann ◽  
Christian Daahir ◽  
Harry Savarese ◽  
John Paul Detherage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Emergency Department Patients
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