scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Videoconferencing-Delivered Psychological Intervention for Mental Health Problems during COVID-19: A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Richard A. Bryant ◽  
Katie S. Dawson ◽  
Dharani Keyan ◽  
Suzanna Azevedo ◽  
Srishti Yadav ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Proof Of Concept

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Anxiety and depression have increased markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lack of evidence-based strategies to address these mental health needs during the pandemic. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We aim to conduct a proof-of-concept trial of the efficacy of a brief group-based psychological intervention delivered via videoconferencing for adults in Australia distressed by the pandemic. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this single-blind, parallel, randomised controlled trial, adults who screened positive for COVID-related psychological distress across Australia were randomly allocated to either a 6-session group-based program based on behavioural principles (<i>n</i> = 120) or enhanced usual care (EUC, <i>n</i> = 120). Primary outcome was total score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) anxiety and depression subscales assessed at baseline, 1 week posttreatment, 2 months (primary outcome time point), and 6 months after treatment, as well as secondary outcome measures of worry, sleep impairment, anhedonia, mood, and COVID-19-related stress. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Between May 20, 2020, and October 20, 2020, 240 patients were enrolled into the trial. Relative to EUC, at 2 months participants receiving intervention showed greater reduction on anxiety (mean difference, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.3 to 2.6], <i>p</i> = 0.01; effect size, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.1 to 0.7]) and depression (mean difference, 1.6 [95% CI, 0.4 to 2.8], p = 0.009; effect size, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.7]) scales. These effects were maintained at 6 months. There were also greater reductions of worry, anhedonia, COVID-19-related fears, and contamination fears. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This trial provides initial evidence that brief group-based behavioural intervention delivered via videoconferencing results in moderate reductions in common psychological problems arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program may offer a viable and scalable means to mitigate the rising mental health problems during the pandemic.

scholarly journals COMmunity PARticipation through Education (COMPARE): effectiveness of supported education for students with mental health problems, a mixed methods study – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacomijn Hofstra ◽  
Jorien van der Velde ◽  
Petra Jannette Havinga ◽  
Lies Korevaar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Study Success ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Supported Education

Abstract Background The onset of mental health problems generally occurs between the ages of 16 and 23 – the years in which young people follow post-secondary education, which is a major channel in our society to prepare for a career and enhance life goals. Several studies have shown that students with mental health problems have a higher chance of early school leaving. Supported Education services have been developed to support students with mental health problems to remain at school. The current project aims to study the effect of an individually tailored Supported Education intervention on remaining at school, study success, and satisfaction of students with mental health problems studying at an institute for intermediate vocational education and a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands. Methods/design The design combines quantitative research (Randomized Controlled Trial; RCT) with qualitative research (monitoring, interviews, focus groups). One hundred students with mental health problems recruited from the two educational institutes will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or control condition. The students in the intervention condition receive the Supported Education intervention given by a Supported Education specialist, the students in the active control condition receive support as usual plus advice from a trained staff member on potential supportive resources regarding studying with mental health problems. The primary outcome ‘remaining at school’, and the secondary outcome ‘study success’ will be determined using data from the school’s administration. The secondary outcome ‘student satisfaction’ and other variables that will be studied in a more exploratory way, such as self-efficacy and study skills, will be determined through online questionnaires at baseline, at 6 and at 12 months follow-up. Focus groups and interviews with the students and Supported Education specialists will be carried out to complement the trial. Discussion This RCT is the first to assess the effect of Supported Education on remaining at school, next to study success and student satisfaction among students with mental health problems. The use of a mixed-methods design will result in a thorough evaluation of the effect of the intervention. Issues regarding the influx and possible attrition of students in the follow-up are discussed. Trial registration The study was registered with Trialregister.nl, no. NL8349, date registered: February 4th 2020. Register name: Community participation through education. Effectiveness of Supported Education for youth with mental health problems, a mixed methods study – Study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Protocol Version: 3, date: May 28th, 2021.

scholarly journals Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK Doctoral Researchers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassie M Hazell ◽  
Jeremy Niven ◽  
Laura Chapman ◽  
Paul Roberts ◽  
Sam Cartwright-Hatton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems

Doctoral Researchers (DRs) are an important part of the academic community and, after graduating, make substantial social and economic contributions. Despite this importance, DR wellbeing has long been of concern. Recent studies have concluded that DRs may be particularly vulnerable to poor mental health problems, but direct comparisons of the prevalence of mental health problems between them and a control group is lacking. Here, by comparing DRs with educated working controls, we show that DRs report significantly greater anxiety and depression, and that this difference is not explained by a higher rate of pre-existing mental health problems. Moreover, most DRs perceive poor mental health as a ‘normal’ part of the PhD process. Thus, our findings suggest a hazardous impact of PhD study on mental health, with DRs being particularly at risk of developing common mental health problems. This provides an evidence-based mandate for universities and funders to reflect upon practices related to DR training and mental health. Our attention should now be directed towards understanding what factors may explain heightened anxiety and depression among DRs so as to inform preventative measures and interventions.

scholarly journals Digital cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBTi) for adolescents with mental health problems. Results from a feasibility open trial. (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Cliffe ◽  
Abigail Croker ◽  
Megan Denne ◽  
Jacqueline Smith ◽  
Paul Stallard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Severity Scale ◽  
Sleep Condition ◽  
Condition Indicator ◽  
Insomnia Severity

BACKGROUND Insomnia in adolescents is common, persistent, and associated with poor mental health including anxiety and depression. Insomnia in adolescents attending child mental health services is seldom directly treated and the effects of digital CBTi on the mental health of adolescents with significant mental health problems is unknown. OBJECTIVE This paper reports an open study assessing the feasibility of adding supported online CBT for insomnia to the usual care of young people aged 14-17 years attending specialist child and adolescent mental health services. METHODS Thirty-nine adolescents aged 14-17 attending specialist child and adolescent mental health services with insomnia were assessed and offered digital CBTi. The digital intervention was Sleepio, an evidence based, self-directed, fully automated CBTi that has proven effective in multiple randomized controlled trials with adults. Self-report assessments of sleep (Sleep Condition Indicator, Insomnia Severity Scale, online sleep diaries), anxiety (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale) and depression (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) were completed at baseline and post-intervention. Post-use interviews assessed satisfaction with digital CBTi. RESULTS Average baseline sleep efficiency was very poor (52.9%) with participants spending an average of 9.6 hrs in bed but only 5.1 hrs asleep. All scored <17 on the Sleep Condition Indicator with 36/39 (92.3%) scoring ≥15 on the Insomnia Severity Scale, suggesting clinical insomnia. 36 (92.3%) scored ≥ 27 on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for major depression and 20 (51.3%) had clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety. The majority (76%) were not having any treatment for their insomnia, with the remaining 24% receiving medication. Sleepio was acceptable with 77% (30/39) activating their account and 67% (21/30) completing the program. Statistically significant pre-post improvements were found in weekly diaries of sleep efficiency (p=.005) and sleep quality (p=.001) and on measures of sleep (SCI; p=.001: ISI; p=.001), low mood (MFQ; p=.024) and anxiety (RCADS; p=.015). Satisfaction was high; with 89% finding Sleepio helpful, 94% would recommend it to a friend with 39% expressing a definite preference for a digital intervention. CONCLUSIONS Our study has a number of methodological limitations, particularly the small sample size, absence of a comparison group and follow-up assessment. Nonetheless, our findings are encouraging and suggest that digital CBTi for young people with mental health problems might offer an acceptable and an effective way to improve both sleep and mental health. CLINICALTRIAL N/a

Moving the dial on prenatal stress mechanisms of neurodevelopmental vulnerability to mental health problems: A personalized prevention proof of concept

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren S. Wakschlag ◽  
Darius Tandon ◽  
Sheila Krogh‐Jespersen ◽  
Amelie Petitclerc ◽  
Ashley Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Prenatal Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Proof Of Concept

scholarly journals A brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention for Afghan asylum seekers and refugees in Austria: a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Knefel ◽  
Viktoria Kantor ◽  
Andrew A. Nicholson ◽  
Jennifer Schiess-Jokanovic ◽  
Dina Weindl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Immigrant Integration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Afghan Refugees ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees

Abstract Background Asylum seekers and refugees are at great risk for developing mental disorders. Afghan refugees are a particularly vulnerable group with a low average education and mental health literacy level. Traumatic experiences and hardship before and during migration are predictive of mental health problems. However, post-migration living difficulties (PMLDs) also account for a large proportion of mental distress in such populations, which, critically, are not sufficiently considered in treatment protocols and research investigations. Indeed, the evidence base for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is sparse and limited mainly to trauma-specific treatments, where refugees may likely suffer from other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Methods/design This trial is the first evaluation of a short-term, transdiagnostic treatment protocol for treatment-seeking Afghan refugees which addresses mental health problems and PMLDs while using an adapted version of the Problem Management Plus (PM+) protocol. Here, we will investigate the efficacy of an intervention manual with a prospective, single-center, randomized, assessor-blind, two-group trial among refugees who are on a waiting list for professional mental health treatment. Furthermore, we will investigate participants’ subjective experiences with the intervention manual via in-depth interviews. One hundred twenty people will be assessed and randomly allocated to either the intervention arm or a treatment-as-usual arm. Clinical psychologists will conduct the treatment, and the sessions will take place with a Dari interpreter. The protocol consists of six 90-min sessions. The primary endpoint is the general symptom distress measure, assessed with the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). Secondary endpoints are the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Checklist (PMLDC), the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), the Psychological Outcome Profile (PSYCHLOPS), service and health care use (assessed with several items), and the Immigrant Integration Index (IPL-12). Discussion This trial may provide substantial evidence for a brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention. Here, we intend to contribute to the treatment of mental health problems among Afghan refugees. The assessment of subjective experience with this treatment manual, as well as the evaluation of its clinical applicability, may optimize treatment acceptance and outcomes across a wide range of mental health problems among refugees. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) registration number: DRKS00016538. Universal Trial Number: U1111-1226-3285. Registered on January 7, 2019. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do

scholarly journals Does crime literature contribute to the stigmatisation of those with mental health problems?

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 95-97
Author(s):  
Janey Antoniou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Mental Health Service User ◽  
The Media ◽  
Agatha Christie ◽  
Tabloid Press

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is in the last year of its ‘Changing Minds' campaign to reduce the stigma of having schizophrenia, substance use problems, dementia, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. As a mental health service user with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, I have been involved in the campaign since its outset and have become used to blaming the media, especially the tabloid press, for a large part of the stigma that people with mental health problems encounter. However, recently while in hospital I re-read an Agatha Christie book and began to wonder whether crime novels, with their usual starting point of a murder, could actually contribute as much to such stigmatisation. As Agatha Christie was probably the most prolific crime writer in the English language, this article examines some of her novels with a view to discovering the extent to which she played a part in the perception of the ‘mad’ killer.

What is the Threshold of Teachers' Recognition and Report of Concerns About Anxiety and Depression in Students? An Exploratory Study With Teachers of Adolescents in Regional Australia

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Trudgen ◽  
Sharon Lawn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Mental Health Training ◽  
School Students

AbstractIntroduction:Anxiety and depression in adolescence is prevalent but often unrecognised and untreated. This can lead to serious disorders in later life. This study explored how teachers recognise anxiety and depression in secondary school students and act on their concerns.Method:Twenty teachers from four secondary colleges in regional Victoria, Australia were interviewed regarding their experiences. In-depth interviews were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis in order to understand how teachers respond to this issue.Results:Teachers' recognition of mental health problems in students and the threshold for reporting their concerns was subjective and not based on any formal knowledge of how to identify anxiety or depression risk factors in students. Years of teaching experience was not associated with increased knowledge of mental health problems in students. Time pressures and lack of resources in student wellbeing teams were barriers to teachers reporting their concerns about students.Conclusion:Education bodies and teaching universities responsible for training teachers and providing ongoing professional learning need to ensure that mental health training is part of every teacher's core skill set, so that teachers can confidently promote mental wellbeing, identify emerging mental health problems, know how to facilitate access to more specialist intervention where required and contribute effectively to follow-up support.

scholarly journals Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Police Personnel during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in North India

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Amit Kumar Mital ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duty Hours ◽  
Police Personnel

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has posed a public health threat to the whole world. The frontline line workers including police personnel involved in COVID-19 management and containment are at risk of mental health problems. Aims: To estimate mental health problems like stress, anxiety, and depression in police personnel and to determine their underlying drivers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among police personnel of city Rohtak in April 2020. 8 police stations and 13 check-posts were selected randomly by lottery method. Depression, Anxiety and Stress-21 Scale was used. Statistical analyses were undertaken using MS Excel, Epi Info, and R software. Results: 298 policemen were screened for mental problems. Their mean age was 39 ± 9.7 years. 20.1%, 13.8%, and 3.4% had stress, anxiety, and depression respectively. 172 (57.7%) respondents were not satisfied with their COVID duty hours. 239 (80.2%) subjects believed that they are at risk of getting the infection due to their duties in COVID-19 containment zones. About 68.8% of participants believed that their families were at risk of getting the infection because of their COVID-19 duty. The study subjects who were not satisfied with their duty hours had 2.4 and 3.5 times more risk of stress and anxiety as compared with those who were satisfied with them. Conclusion: Policemen are at significant risk for stress, anxiety, and depression due to COVID related duties. Identifiable risk factors were number of working hours per day, dissatisfaction with duty hours, and risk of contracting corona infection due to COVID-19 duty.

scholarly journals The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Predicts Concurrent Mental Health Difficulties in a Transdiagnostic Sample of Struggling Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Bryant ◽  
Jacalyn Guy ◽  
Joni Holmes ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Strengths And Difficulties Questionnaire ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Developmental Problems ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Strengths And Difficulties

Children and adolescents with developmental problems are at increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is widely used as a screener for detecting mental health difficulties in these populations, but its use thus far has been restricted to groups of children with diagnosed disorders (e.g., ADHD). Transdiagnostic approaches, which focus on symptoms and soften or remove the boundaries between traditional categorical disorders, are increasingly adopted in research and practice. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of the SDQ to detect concurrent mental health problems in a transdiagnostic sample of children. The sample were referred by health and educational professionals for difficulties related to learning (N = 389). Some had one diagnosis, others had multiple, but many had no diagnoses. Parent-rated SDQ scores were significantly positively correlated with parent ratings of mental health difficulties on the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). Ratings on the SDQ Emotion subscale significantly predicted the likelihood of having concurrent clinical anxiety and depression scores. Ratings on the Hyperactivity subscale predicted concurrent anxiety levels. These findings suggest the SDQ could be a valuable screening tool for identifying existing mental health difficulties in children recognized as struggling, as it can be in typically developing children and those with specific diagnoses.

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