Youth mental health competencies in regional general practice

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622097005
Author(s):  
Oliver Smith ◽  
Jessica Bergmann ◽  
Ulrich Schall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Young Person ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Hunter Region

Objective: General practitioners (GPs) are key health professionals for referrals to mental health specialists. Youth mental health issues are particularly challenging, requiring a competent assessment and understanding of appropriate referral pathways. We surveyed local GPs about their understanding of youth mental health problems and needs to competently look after young patients. Methods: GPs working in the Hunter region were contacted via email, fax and post over a 6-month period in 2019. Results: Seventy-five GPs participated. They reported 577 of 1698 (34%) of young people seen 2 weeks prior to being surveyed presented with a mental health problem. Predominantly, referrals were to private practice psychologists and Headspace. Almost a third (31%) reported having limited understanding of ‘at-risk mental state’ and are ‘not always comfortable’ when facing a young person with a mental health problem. Nearly all (95%) expressed interest in attending specialised training. GPs identified treatment costs, scarce access to psychiatrists and limited patient engagement as the main obstacles to help young people. Conclusions: Effective treatment of a mental health problem relies on early identification. GPs are seeing young people on a regular basis but don’t feel well equipped for this task and are keen to up-skill, which needs to be addressed by targeted training.

scholarly journals Help-seeking for mental health problems from the patient perspective – A qualitative study / Das Hilfe(auf)suchen bei psychischen Gesundheitsproblemen aus der Betroffenenperspektive – Eine qualitative Studie

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Tola ◽  
Petra Metzenthin ◽  
Claudia Mischke
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Patients Experience

Abstract Background: Early specialised care is important for those with mental health problems to prevent e.g. chronic progression. Targeted professionally initiated intervention to stabilise mental health status is only possible if affected individuals actively seek support. The reasons for inadequate use of qualified services have not been sufficiently investigated from the perspectives of those affected. There is only limited insight into the help-seeking behaviour of those with mental health issues. Aim: This study sheds light on the ‘experience’ of help-seeking to time of first contact with a psychiatric institution. It specifically concentrates on the perspective of those affected and their subjective problems. Method: Using a qualitative-inductive design, patients at a crisis centre were retrospectively interviewed using a guideline-supported approach. Interview results were analysed using Saldaña (2013) opening coding (two circles). Results: The patients’ experience can be categorised as ‘real’ problems as the cause, exacerbated mental health problems and utilising mental health services. Help-seeking is determined by the need to manage causal, ‘real’ (everyday, social) problems. Many mental health problem have long not been recognised as such, and thus help-seeking is initially focussed on ‘real’ problems. At all levels of help-seeking, from recognition of a mental health Problem to overcoming barriers preventing use of specialised help, affected persons require the support of third parties. Conclusions: The results indicate the need for a patient-orientated transformation of mental health primary care to provide for more easily accessible services that take into account the everyday and social problems of those with related problems.

scholarly journals Long-term effects of Youth Mental Health First Aid training: randomized controlled trial with 3-year follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy J. Morgan ◽  
Julie-Anne A. Fischer ◽  
Laura M. Hart ◽  
Claire M. Kelly ◽  
Betty A. Kitchener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Mental Health First Aid

Abstract Background Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches community members how to provide initial support to someone with a mental health problem. Key gaps in the evidence base supporting the training are the longevity of effects beyond 6 months, effects on mental health first aid behavior, and the impact of support on the recipient of aid. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Youth MHFA course 3 years after training. Methods 384 Australian parents of an adolescent aged 12–15 were randomized to receive either the 14-h Youth MHFA course or the 15-h Australian Red Cross Provide First Aid course. This paper reports outcomes at baseline and 3 years later. Primary outcomes were cases of adolescent mental health problems, and parental support towards their adolescent if they developed a mental health problem, rated by the parent and adolescent. Secondary outcomes included parent knowledge about youth mental health problems, intentions and confidence in supporting a young person, stigmatizing attitudes, and help-seeking for mental health problems. Data were analyzed with mixed-effects models with group by measurement occasion interactions. Results 3-year follow-up data was obtained from 149 parents and 118 adolescents, who were aged 16.5 years on average. Between baseline and 3-year follow-up, there was a non-significant reduction in adolescent cases of mental health problems relative to the control group (odds ratios (OR) 0.16–0.17), a non-significant improvement in parental support reported by adolescents with a mental health problem (OR 2.80–4.31), and a non-significant improvement in the quality of support that parents reported providing to their adolescents with a mental health problem (d = 0.38). Secondary outcomes that showed significant improvements relative to the control group were parental knowledge about youth mental health problems (d = 0.31) and adolescent perceptions of general social support from their parents (d = 0.35). Conclusions This paper reports on the longest follow-up of Mental Health First Aid training in a controlled trial. Three years after training, participants had maintained their improved knowledge about mental health problems. There were some indications of other positive effects, but the study was underpowered to clearly show benefits to mental health first aid skills and recipients of aid. Trial registration ACTRN12612000390886, registered retrospectively 5/4/2012, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=347502

scholarly journals Associations between dimensions of Mental Health Literacy and adolescent help-seeking intentions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Goodfellow ◽  
Anna Macintyre ◽  
Lee Knifton ◽  
Edward Sosu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Treatment Efficacy ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Informal Help

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of mental health problems. However low mental health literacy (MHL) may impede help-seeking for these problems. Although MHL is a multidimensional construct and adolescent help-seeking can be through formal and informal means, little is known about how dimensions of MHL influence these help-seeking intentions. This study examines associations between dimensions of MHL and formal and informal help-seeking intentions among adolescents. It also investigates whether informal help-seeking mediates the association between dimensions of MHL and formal help-seeking, and whether these associations are moderated by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional survey including measures of MHL, and help-seeking intentions was distributed to participants in ten schools (12-18 years) across Scotland (n = 734). Data were analysed using Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: CFA identified two distinct dimensions of MHL: ability to identify a mental health problem, and knowledge of treatment efficacy. Only knowledge of treatment efficacy was associated with increased intention to seek formal and informal help. Ability to identify a mental health problem was negatively associated with both forms of help-seeking intention. Informal help-seeking mediated the association between both forms of MHL and formal help-seeking. Gender did not moderate associations between MHL and help-seeking. Conclusions: Distinct dimensions of MHL have disparate associations with adolescent help-seeking intention. Care should be taken when providing MHL interventions to ensure that adaptive forms of MHL are equally promoted. Future research should investigate possible mechanisms by which discrete forms of MHL influence adolescent help-seeking.

scholarly journals “Everybody’s responsibility”: Conceptualization of youth mental health in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge Tamburrino ◽  
Elijah Getanda ◽  
Michelle O’Reilly ◽  
Panos Vostanis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Attribution Of Responsibility ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Disadvantaged Area ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Identity Resolution

There is increasing interest in providing resilience-building interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), but limited evidence on how young people and their carers process mental health and related supports. The aim of this study was to establish stakeholders’ conceptualization of youth mental health in a disadvantaged area of Kenya through focus groups with 7 young people aged 14–17 years and their parents, 9 teachers and 11 practitioners or community leads. The four identified themes related to definitions of both mental well-being and mental health problems; a range of contributing factors related to identity resolution, parenting, poverty and social media; attribution of responsibility at different socio-ecological levels; and required awareness, supports and interventions at these levels. Stakeholders, notably young people, are thus essential in the development and planning of user-led and culturally appropriate interventions in LMIC.

Media representation of depression in young people: a corpus-based analysis of Irish newspaper coverage

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Tobin ◽  
F. Lyddy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Young Person ◽  
Media Representation ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Youth Depression ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Search Terms

ObjectivesNewspaper media are an important source of information regarding mental health and have a significant influence on people’s awareness of, and decision making around, mental health issues. Depression in young people has seen increasing media attention in recent years, but few studies have examined media representation of mental health, specifically in young people. The current study used a quantitative approach to examine the words used in reports concerning depression in young people, in Irish broadsheets, published between 2007 and 2011.MethodA sample of 269 texts, containing 176 223 words, was collected from three Irish broadsheet newspapers, using the search terms ‘depression’ or ‘depressed’ or ‘mental health’ and ‘youth’ or ‘young people’. A corpus-based approach was used to examine word frequencies, clusters and keywords.ResultsThe analysis identified textual patterns, suggesting recurring associations between youth depression and suicide, and, to a lesser extent, alcohol use and bullying. Keywords relating to emotional distress and symptoms of depression were less frequent and sometimes associated with constructions inferring lack of agency (such as ‘suffering from’). A focus on the role of the parents was also evident. Of the professions mentioned, psychiatrists were referred to most often.ConclusionsThe analysis suggests that media coverage of depression in young people accurately reflects concerns reported in surveys by young people, but provides less information that might help in recognising depression in a young person.

scholarly journals Disclosure of a mental health problem in the employment context: qualitative study of beliefs and experiences

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Brohan ◽  
S. Evans-Lacko ◽  
C. Henderson ◽  
J. Murray ◽  
M. Slade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Voluntary Work ◽  
Personal Impact

Aims.Decisions regarding disclosure of a mental health problem are complex and can involve reconciling conflicting needs and values. This article provides a qualitative account of the beliefs and experiences of mental health service users regarding disclosure in employment contexts.Methods.Total sample of 45 individuals were interviewed in two study phases. In phase one, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 mental health service users. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). In phase two, identified themes were further explored through interviews with mental health service users (n = 30) in three employment contexts: in paid employment (n = 10); in study or voluntary work (n = 10); and currently unemployed (n = 10). These were analysed using directed content analysis.Results.Four super-ordinate themes were drawn from phase one analysis: (1) public understanding of mental health problems; (2) the employment context; (3) personal impact of labelling and (4) disclosure needs. These themes were reflective of the content of phase two interviews.Conclusions.Greater emphasis needs to be placed on considering the societal, employment and interpersonal influences which form the basis for disclosure beliefs and experiences.

scholarly journals Mental Health Problems and Self-Esteem among the Schoolchildren of Secondary School in Dharan

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-76
Author(s):  
Kamala Poudel ◽  
Bhuwan Kumari Dangol ◽  
Roshana Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Mental health and its related problems are growing concerns over the country. It is challenge to determine the epidemiology of childhood mental disorders. Early detection and effective intervention is necessary for holistic development of the futures citizens. Objectives: To assess the mental health problems and self-esteem of schoolchildren studying in urban Schools of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City. Materials and method: Cross-sectional descriptive research design was followed. The study population included schoolchildren studying in grade 9 and 10 in schools of Dharan (n = 450).  Simple random sampling technique was used to select the school and students. Mental health problems were assessed using self-administered Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and self-esteem level was monitored using self-administered Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Majority (55.6%) of the students were male. Among the total students 12.9% had mental health problems. Gender difference was statistically significant as girls had higher (14.5%) mental health problem (p value = 0.027).Girls (15%) were statistically significant more likely to have emotional problems within domain of mental health problem than boys (p value = 0.003).) whereas boys had conduct problem. Self-esteem level was significantly negatively correlated with mental health problems (r = -0.256, p= 0.000).  Conclusion: Mental health problem is high prevalent among school children. There was statistically significant negative correlation between mental health problems and self-esteem of the schoolchildren.  

scholarly journals Mental Health in Deaf Children

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Child Mental Health ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Child Mental Health Services

The most recent study of mental health in deaf children in England showed that 26% in a sample of 144 signing deaf children and young people not currently accessing child mental health services had a probable mental health problem and 57% had a possible mental health problem.

scholarly journals Case Identification of Mental Health and Related Problems in Children and Young People using the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Bowden ◽  
Sheree Gibb ◽  
Hiran Thabrew ◽  
Jesse Kokaua ◽  
Richard Audas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Identification Method

Abstract Background In a novel endeavour we aimed to develop a clinically relevant case identification method for use in research about the mental health of children and young people in New Zealand using the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). The IDI is a linked individual-level database containing New Zealand government and survey microdata. Methods We drew on diagnostic and pharmaceutical information contained within five secondary care service use and medication dispensing datasets to identify probable cases of mental health and related problems. A systematic classification and refinement of codes, including restrictions by age, was undertaken to assign cases into 13 different mental health problem categories. This process was carried out by a panel of eight specialists covering a diverse range of mental health disciplines (a clinical psychologist, four child and adolescent psychiatrists and three academic researchers in child and adolescent mental health). The case identification method was applied to the New Zealand youth estimated resident population for the 2014/15 fiscal year. Results Over 82,000 unique individuals aged 0-24 with at least one specified mental health or related problem were identified using the case identification method for the 2014/15 fiscal year. The most prevalent mental health problem subgroups were emotional problems (31,266 individuals), substance problems (16,314), and disruptive behaviours (13,758). Overall, the pharmaceutical collection was the largest source of case identification data (59,862). Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of utilising IDI data for mental health research, moving beyond incidence rates based on single data sources, and providing directions for future use and validation, including further linkage of data to the IDI.

scholarly journals Emergency Department Presentations and Youth Suicide: A Case-Control Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Rhodes ◽  
Mark Sinyor ◽  
Michael H. Boyle ◽  
Jeffrey A. Bridge ◽  
Laurence Y. Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Mental Health Problem ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Study

Objective: We estimate associations between emergency department (ED) diagnoses and suicide among youth to guide ED care. Method: This ED-based case-control study used data from the Office of the Chief Coroner and all EDs in Ontario, Canada. Cases ( n = 697 males and n = 327 females) were aged 10 to 25 years who died by suicide in Ontario between April 2003 and March 2014, with an ED contact in the year before their death. Same-aged ED-based controls were selected during this time frame. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Among youth diagnosed with a mental health problem at their most recent ED contact (41.9% cases, 5% controls), suicide was elevated among nonfatal self-inflicted: ‘other’ injuries, including hanging, strangulation, and suffocation in both sexes (aORs > 14); cut/pierce injuries in males (aOR > 5); poisonings in both sexes (aORs > 2.2); and mood and psychotic disorders in males (aORs > 1.7). Among those remaining, ‘undetermined’ injuries and poisonings in both sexes (aORs > 5), ‘unintentional’ poisonings in males (aOR = 2.1), and assault in both sexes (aORs > 1.8) were significant. At least half of cases had ED contact within 106 days. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for timely identification and treatment of mental health problems. Among those with an identified mental health problem, important targets for suicide prevention efforts are youth with self-harm and males with mood and psychotic disorders. Among others, youth with unintentional poisonings, undetermined events, and assaults should raise concern.

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