US focus on new psychiatric disorders is distracting attention from tackling global mental health problems

BMJ ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 344 (mar14 1) ◽  
pp. e2071-e2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Limb
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Bjorgaas ◽  
I. Elgen ◽  
T. Boe ◽  
M. Hysing

Introduction. Children with cerebral palsy (CP), one of the most common childhood neurological disorders, often have associated medical and psychological symptoms. This study assesses mental health problems compared to population controls and the ability of a mental health screening tool to predict psychiatric disorders and to capture the complexity of coexisting symptoms.Methods. Children with CP (N=47) were assessed according to DSM-IV criteria using a psychiatric diagnostic instrument (Kiddie-SADS) and a mental health screening questionnaire (SDQ). Participants from the Bergen Child Study, a large epidemiological study, served as controls.Results. Children with CP had significantly higher means on all problem scores including impact scores. Two in three children scored above 90th percentile cutoff on Total Difficulties Score (TDS), and 57% met criteria for a psychiatric disorder, yielding a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.55. Mental health problems coexisted across symptom scales, and peer problems were highly prevalent in all groups of psychiatric disorders.Conclusion. A high prevalence of mental health problems and cooccurrence of symptoms were found in children with CP compared to controls. Screening with SDQ detects mental health problems, but does not predict specific disorders in children with CP. ADHD is common, but difficult to diagnose due to complexity of symptoms. Mental health services integrated in regular followup of children with CP are recommended due to high prevalence and considerable overlap of mental health symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 215 (04) ◽  
pp. 588-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel L. A. Dückers ◽  
Lennart Reifels ◽  
Derek P. De Beurs ◽  
Chris R. Brewin

BackgroundPrevious research has identified a vulnerability paradox in global mental health: contrary to positive associations at the individual level, lower vulnerability at the country level is accompanied by a higher prevalence in a variety of mental health problems in national populations. However, the validity of the paradox has been challenged, specifically for bias from modest sample sizes and reliance on a survey methodology not designed for cross-national comparisons.AimsTo verify whether the paradox applies to suicide, using data from a sizable country sample and an entirely different data source.MethodWe combined data from the World Health Organization 2014 suicide report and the country vulnerability index from the 2016 World Risk Report. Suicide was predicted in different steps based on gender, vulnerability and their interaction, World Bank income categories, and suicide data quality.ResultsA negative association between country vulnerability and suicide prevalence in both women and men was found. Suicide rates were higher for men, regardless of country vulnerability. The model predicting suicide in 96 countries based on gender, vulnerability, income and data quality had the best goodness-of-fit compared with other models. The vulnerability paradox is not accounted for by income or data quality, and exists across and within income categories.ConclusionsThe study underscores the relevance of country-level factors in the study of mental health problems. The lower mental disorder prevalence in more vulnerable countries implies that living in such countries fosters protective factors that more than compensate for the limitations in professional healthcare capacity.Declaration of interestNone.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S133-S133
Author(s):  
S. Coli ◽  
D. Scuticchio ◽  
M. Bertelli

IntroductionAdults with Intellectual disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more vulnerable to mental health problems than the general population.Objectives/aimsThis study investigates presence and rate of psychiatric disorders in comparison with ID or ASD alone, and appropriateness of assessment and diagnostic procedures or tools.MethodsA systematic mapping of the literature was carried out on the basis of the above mentioned issues. The search was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect, according to the following keywords: psychiatric comorbidity, psychiatric disorders, autism, ASD, intellectual disability, mental health problems, adults, assessment tools, diagnosis. Twenty-eight papers were selected for pertinence to mapping issues among more than 500.ResultsMany studies show that ASD is an important vulnerability factor for psychiatric co-morbidity and for challenging behaviors (CBs) in adults with ID. Highest rates were reported for psychotic, mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Few studies show that the difference between adults with ID plus ASD and adults with only ID are not statistically significant, but for the presence of CBs in those with ID plus ASD. The disagreement of results is based on a variety of factors such as diagnostic over-shadowing, scarcity of specific assessment tools, consideration of the introspective and communication difficulties, incompleteness of medical records, and low reliability of information sources.ConclusionsAlthough low studies concordance, the literature mapping suggests the presence of ASD in ID to be associated with higher rates of psychopathology. Since the relevant implications for prevention and clinical management, further research with high-level evidence is hoped.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


Author(s):  
Dharti Meshram ◽  
Pooja Kasturkar

Background: Around 7.3 per cent of the global disease burden was due to mental and behavioral problem. The majority of the load is correlated with unipolar depressive condition and certain conditions of mental health, including depression, anxiety, eating disorder, and substance use. Roughly 450 million persons are currently suffering from these disorders, and It is assessed that at some stage in their lifetime, one-four individuals in the world will be affected by mental health conditions. Mental health condition rank among the world's principal reasons of illness or impairment. Persons with most depressing condition or schizophrenia were 40 to 60 per cent more likely than the general population to die prematurely. Aim: To identify common mental health problems among general population. Objective: This study is planned with the objective. 1. To assess common mental health problems among general population. 2. To compare the common mental health problems among rural and urban general population. 3. To associate common mental problems, score among general population with their demographic variables. Methodology: lt is community based cross-sectional study. Sample will be general population i.e., Male and Female of Nalwadi, Arvi Naka wardha city will be involved in this study. Sample will be selected for study as per inclusion criteria and sampling technique will be N on-Probability y convenient sampling technique. Data will be collected by demographic variables of participants Global mental health assessment Marathi tool will be distributed for assessing mental health problem need 20 min for each participant. Conclusion: The conclusion will e drawn from the statistical analysis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar ◽  
Jerome Flores ◽  
Carolang Escobar ◽  
Alfonso Urzúa ◽  
Matías Irarrázaval

Abstract Background: Child and adolescent mental health has scarcely been studied in developing countries, though it is an important aspect of health. Mental health problems in youth often continue into adulthood if not diagnosed or treated in time.Methods: The Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA) [Child and Adolescent Evaluation System] was used to evaluate mental health indicators in a sample of students in Northern Chile. Two age-appropriate versions of the assessment were applied to a total sample of 5,043 students, which included an elementary education sample of 1,953 schoolchildren from fourth grade through sixth grade (ages 8 to 13 years), and a Secondary School sample of 3,090 schoolchildren from seventh grade (the last year of elementary school) through the last year of Secondary school (senior high school) (ages 12 to 19 years). For each group, the version of the assessment used was determined by the students’ grade level. Both samples included municipal, government-subsidized, and private schools.Results: In this student population, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders were the main mental health problems identified, and indicators revealed a progressive increase in cases over the years, coinciding with the global epidemiological scenario. Males showed a greater presence of externalizing behaviors related to mental health problems associated with aggression and defiant behavior. However, females showed the highest number of mental health issues overall, especially regarding problems related to internalization. There are significant differences between school types.Conclusions: Our sample population analysis indicates that early intervention is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of youth, with the goal of reducing the probability that psychiatric disorders will be prolonged, evolving, and worsening in adulthood.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar ◽  
Jerome Flores ◽  
Carolang Escobar ◽  
Alfonso Urzúa ◽  
Matías Irarrázaval

Abstract Background Child and adolescent mental health has scarcely been studied in developing countries, though it is an important aspect of health. Mental health problems in youth often continue into adulthood if not diagnosed or treated in time.Methods The Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA) [Child and Adolescent Evaluation System] was used to evaluate mental health indicators in a sample of students in Northern Chile. Two age-appropriate versions of the assessment were applied to a total sample of 5,043 students, which included an elementary education sample of 1,953 schoolchildren from fourth grade through sixth grade (ages 8 to 13 years), and a secondary education sample of 3,090 schoolchildren from seventh grade (the last year of elementary school) through the last year of secondary school (senior high school) (ages 12 to 19 years). For each group, the version of the assessment used was determined by the students’ grade level. Both samples included municipal, government-subsidized, and private schools.Results In this student population, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders were the main mental health problems identified, and indicators revealed a progressive increase in cases over the years, coinciding with the global epidemiological scenario. Males showed a greater presence of externalizing behaviors related to mental health problems associated with aggression and defiant behavior. However, females showed the highest number of mental health issues overall, especially regarding problems related to internalization.Conclusions Our sample population analysis indicates that early intervention is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of youth, with the goal of reducing the probability that psychiatric disorders will be prolonged, evolving, and worsening in adulthood.


Author(s):  
Joseph T. F. Lau ◽  
Jinghua Li ◽  
Rui She ◽  
Yoo Na Kim

HIV is known as a ‘social disease’, as its transmission is attributable to risk behaviours which are influenced by cultural and psychosocial environments. It is important to consider the HIV syndemic, defined here as the co-occurrence of HIV and other illness/health conditions (e.g. mental health problems, substance use). Mental health problems are prevalent both among key populations for HIV prevention and people living with HIV (PLWH), and can influence HIV-related risk behaviours, interact synergistically, and compromise the effectiveness of HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Structural, interpersonal, and individual factors associated with mental health problems among PLWH, and the impact of such problems on HIV prevention, are discussed. Promising approaches, such as positive psychology interventions, are explored. Finally, gaps in current mental health interventions, services, and personnel are highlighted, to suggest areas for improvement. Mental health improvement in affected populations is a prerequisite of controlling the global HIV epidemic.


10.2196/10078 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. e10078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R Teo ◽  
Samuel BL Liebow ◽  
Benjamin Chan ◽  
Steven K Dobscha ◽  
Amanda L Graham

Background Younger military veterans are at high risk for psychiatric disorders and suicide. Reaching and engaging veterans in mental health care and research is challenging. Social media platforms may be an effective channel to connect with veterans. Objective This study tested the effectiveness of Facebook advertisements in reaching and recruiting Iraq and Afghanistan-era military veterans in a research study focused on mental health. Methods Facebook ads requesting participation in an online health survey ran for six weeks in 2017. Ads varied imagery and headlines. Validated instruments were used to screen for psychiatric disorders and suicidality. Outcomes included impressions, click-through rate, survey completion, and cost per survey completed. Results Advertisements produced 827,918 impressions, 9,527 clicks, and 587 survey completions. Lack of enrollment in Veterans Affairs health care (193/587, 33%) and positive screens for current mental health problems were common, including posttraumatic stress disorder (266/585, 45%), problematic drinking (243/584, 42%), major depression (164/586, 28%), and suicidality (132/585, 23%). Approximately half of the survey participants (285/587, 49%) were recruited with just 2 of the 15 ads, which showed soldiers marching tied to an “incentive” or “sharing” headline. These 2 ads were also the most cost-effective, at US $4.88 and US $5.90 per participant, respectively. Among veterans with current suicidal ideation, the survey-taking image resulted in higher survey completion than the soldiers marching image (P=.007). Conclusions Facebook advertisements are effective in rapidly and inexpensively reaching military veterans, including those at risk for mental health problems and suicidality, and those not receiving Veterans Affairs health care. Advertisement image and headlines may help optimize the effectiveness of advertisements for specific subgroups.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R Teo ◽  
Samuel BL Liebow ◽  
Benjamin Chan ◽  
Steven K Dobscha ◽  
Amanda L Graham

BACKGROUND Younger military veterans are at high risk for psychiatric disorders and suicide. Reaching and engaging veterans in mental health care and research is challenging. Social media platforms may be an effective channel to connect with veterans. OBJECTIVE This study tested the effectiveness of Facebook advertisements in reaching and recruiting Iraq and Afghanistan-era military veterans in a research study focused on mental health. METHODS Facebook ads requesting participation in an online health survey ran for six weeks in 2017. Ads varied imagery and headlines. Validated instruments were used to screen for psychiatric disorders and suicidality. Outcomes included impressions, click-through rate, survey completion, and cost per survey completed. RESULTS Advertisements produced 827,918 impressions, 9,527 clicks, and 587 survey completions. Lack of enrollment in Veteran Affairs health care (193/587, 33%) and positive screens for current mental health problems were common, including posttraumatic stress disorder (266/585, 45%), and problematic drinking (243/584, 42%), major depression (164/586, 28%), and suicidality (132/585, 23%). Approximately half of the survey participants (285/587, 49%) were recruited with just 2 of the 15 ads, which showed soldiers marching tied to an “incentive” or “sharing” headline. These 2 ads were also the most cost-effective, at US $4.88 and US $5.90 per participant, respectively. Among veterans with current suicidal ideation, the survey-taking image resulted in higher survey completion than the soldiers marching image (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS Facebook advertisements are effective in rapidly and inexpensively reaching military veterans, including those at risk for mental health problems and suicidality, and those not receiving Veteran Affairs health care. Advertisement image and headlines may help the effectiveness of advertisements for specific subgroups.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean N Weeks ◽  
Tyler L Renshaw ◽  
Allysia A. Rainey ◽  
Aubrey Taylor-Hiatt

Internalizing and externalizing problems are common targets for school mental health screening. The Youth Internalizing Problems Screener (YIPS) and the Youth Externalizing Problems Screener (YEPS) were developed separately yet intended as companion self-report screeners. Prior research supports the interpretation of total scores derived from both measures. We extended previous work by investigating the defensibility of a series of integrated measurement models that combined items from the YIPS and YEPS into a single, unified screener (YIEPS). Specifically, we evaluated the viability of (1) a unidimensional measurement model with one factor representing global mental health problems, (2) a correlated-factors model with two latent variables representing internalizing and externalizing problems, and (3) a bifactor model with two specific factors (i.e., internalizing and externalizing) and a general factor representing global mental health problems. Following, we tested the reliabilities of the several factors represented in these models as well as the informational value-added of these competing models. Results indicated that a bifactor YIEPS measurement model had the best data-model fit when integrating the two screeners. However, exploratory analyses suggested a revised alternative bifactor model with three specific factors—parsing attention problems from other externalizing and internalizing content—might be a better bifactor model than the original. Ultimately, we recommend the integrated YIEPS is best understood as measuring three specific factors and one general factor. Reliability findings further suggest the general factor (i.e., global Mental Health Problems) is the most defensible. Future directions for research and practice are discussed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document