Siblings of children with chronic disorders: Family and relational factors as predictors of mental health

2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352110521
Author(s):  
Trude Fredriksen ◽  
Torun Marie Vatne ◽  
Yngvild Bjartveit Haukeland ◽  
Megan Tudor ◽  
Krister Weatlye Fjermestad
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Relational Factors ◽  
Chronic Disorders ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Better Than

Siblings of children with chronic disorders are at increased risk of mental health problems. Predictors of siblings’ mental health require further study to identify children in need of interventions and to design effective intervention programs. Siblings of children with chronic disorders ( n = 107; M age = 11.5 years; SD = 2.1, 54.6% girls) and their parents ( n = 199; 50.3% mothers) were included in a survey study. Siblings and parents completed questionnaires on mental health. Siblings completed questionnaires on parent–child communication, relationships with parents, and an adjustment measure on the sibling situation. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of siblings’ mental health. Sibling-reported relationship with parents was a significant predictor of sibling mental health reported by siblings, fathers, and mothers ( R 2 = 0.26 - R 2 = 0.46). Siblings’ adjustment was significantly associated with fathers’ report of siblings’ mental health ( r = .36), but not mothers’ report ( r = .17). Siblings’ relationships ( d = 0.26) and communication ( d = 0.33) with mothers were significantly better than with fathers. We conclude that the sibling–parent relationship is a significant factor in identifying siblings at risk and that family-based intervention programs should be developed.

Promoting Biculturalism in Order to Prevent Behavioral and Mental Health Problems in Immigrant Families

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martica Bacallao ◽  
Paul Richard Smokowski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Acculturation Stress ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Immigrant Adolescents ◽  
Increased Risk

Many immigrants experience acculturation stress, which can result in an increased risk for antisocial behavior and psychopathology. Psychodrama is one intervention that has been found to result in positive changes such as increased empathy and relationship quality and decreased aggression, depression, and anxiety, suggesting that it could be a useful modality in decreasing acculturation stress and ensuing mental health symptoms. Following an explanation of psychodrama, this chapter provides an overview of acculturation-based prevention and intervention programs that informed the creation of Entre Dos Mundos (EDM), an acculturation-based intervention that uses psychodrama techniques to decrease acculturation stress among immigrant adolescents and their parents. An example of an EDM group session illustrates the application of psychodrama techniques and their utility in decreasing acculturation stress and promoting biculturalism. In addition, a review of the literature documenting the success of EDM is provided.

Low Physical Activity in Adolescence is Associated with Increased Risk for Mental Health Problems

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Monshouwer ◽  
Margreet ten Have ◽  
Mireille Van Poppel ◽  
Han Kemper ◽  
Wilma Vollebergh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Increased Risk

Family Type Predicts Mental Health Problems in Young Adults: A Survey of Students at a University in Botswana

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kennedy Amone-P'Olak ◽  
Boniface Kealeboga Ramotuana
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Mother ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Family Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intact Family ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Family Types

In Africa, the structure of the family is changing rapidly. The effects of this change on mental health remain unknown. This study investigated the extent to which different family types (intact, single-mother, and multiple) predict mental health problems in young adults in Botswana (N = 264, mean age = 21.31, SD = 2.40). In a cross-sectional design, the study sampled students registered at various faculties at the University of Botswana. The revised symptoms checklist (SCL-90-R) was used to assess symptoms of mental health problems (depression, anxiety and hostility). Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) of mental health problems for mother-only and multiple family types relative to the intact family type. Compared to the intact family type, single-mother (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.51) and multiple family types (OR = 1.56; CI: 0.88, 2.78) were associated with an increased risk of depression. For anxiety, the ORs were 2.27 (CI: 1.18, 4.38) and 1.10 (CI: 0.56, 1.82) for single-mother and multiple family types respectively. For hostility, the ORs were 2.60 (CI: 1.34, 5.04), and 0.79 (CI: 0.44, 1.42) for single-mother and multiple family types, respectively. Family types predict mental health problems in young adults and therefore the interventions to mitigate the effects should consider family backgrounds and the ramifications of family types for treatment and care.

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.

scholarly journals Mental health and preventive behaviour of pregnant women in China during the early phase of the COVID-19 period

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Wang ◽  
Phoenix K. H. Mo ◽  
Bo Song ◽  
Jiang-Li Di ◽  
Feng-Rong Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Regression Analyses

Abstract Background The COVID-19 has caused significant toll over the globe. Pregnant women are at risk of infection. The present study examined the frequency of washing hands with soap and wearing face mask when going out, prevalence of depression and anxiety, and identified their associated factors among pregnant women during the early phase of COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 24 February and 3 March 2020. A total of 15 428 pregnant women who were using maternal health care services in China completed a questionnaire which assessed their socio-demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics, contextual, cognitive and social factors related to COVID-19, frequency of washing hands and wearing face masks, and depression and anxiety. Logistics regression analyses were performed to identify the associated factors of preventive behaviours and mental health. Results The prevalence of probable anxiety and depression was 28.2% and 43.6% respectively. 19.8% reported always wearing face mask when going out, and 19.1% reported washing hands with soap for more than 10 times per day. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that older age was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (OR = 0.42–0.67) and higher frequency of washing hands (OR = 1.57–3.40). Higher level of education level was associated with probable depression (OR = 1.31–1.45) and higher frequency of wearing face mask (OR = 1.50–1.57). After adjusting for significant socio-demographic and pregnancy-related factors, place of residence being locked down (aOR = 1.10–1.11), being quarantined (aOR = 1.42–1.57), personally knowing someone being infected with COVID-19 (aOR = 1.80–1.92), perception that COVID-19 would pose long term physical harm to human (aOR = 1.25–1.28) were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, while the perception that the disease will be under control in the coming month was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (aOR = 0.59–0.63) and lower tendency of always wearing face mask (aOR = 0.85). Social support was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (aOR = 0.86–0,87) and higher frequency of washing hands (aOR = 1.06). Conclusions The mental health and preventive behaviours of pregnant women during COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a range of socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, contextual, cognitive and social factors. Interventions to mitigate their mental health problems and to promote preventive behaviours are highly warranted.

Gendered experiences of unemployment, suicide and self-harm: a population-level record linkage study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
R. Cunningham ◽  
A. Milner ◽  
S. Gibb ◽  
V. Rijnberg ◽  
G. Disney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm

Abstract Background Unemployment and being not in the labour force (NILF) are risk factors for suicide, but their association with self-harm is unclear, and there is continuing debate about the role of confounding by prior mental health conditions. We examine associations between employment status and self-harm and suicide in a prospective cohort, taking into account prior mental-health-related factors. Methods We used linked data from the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure. The outcomes were chosen to be hospital presentation for self-harm and death by suicide. The exposure was employment status, defined as employed, unemployed, or NILF, measured at the 2013 Census. Confounders included demographic factors and mental health history (use of antidepressant medication, use of mental health services, and prior self-harm). Logistic regression was used to model effects. Analyses were stratified by gender. Results For males, unemployment was associated with an increased risk of suicide [odds ratio (OR): 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–1.84] and self-harm (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.45–1.68) after full adjustment for confounders. NILF was associated with an increased risk of self-harm (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.32–1.55), but less of an association was seen with suicide (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.94–1.49). For females, unemployment was associated with an increased risk of suicide (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.93–1.80) and of self-harm (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.43–1.62), and NILF was associated with a similar increase in risk for suicide (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.98–1.75) and self-harm (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.26–1.40). Discussion Exclusion from employment is associated with a considerably heightened risk of suicide and self-harm for both men and women, even among those without prior mental health problems.

scholarly journals Consumer Feedback following Participation in a Family-Based Intervention for Youth Mental Health

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Lewis ◽  
Melanie D. Bertino ◽  
Narelle Robertson ◽  
Tess Knight ◽  
John W. Toumbourou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Treatment Implementation ◽  
Consumer Feedback ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Further Development

Background. This paper presents findings derived from consumer feedback, following a multicentre randomised controlled trial for adolescent mental health problems and substance misuse. The paper focuses on the implementation of a family-based intervention, including fidelity of delivery, family members’ experiences, and their suggestions for program improvements.Methods. Qualitative and quantitative data (n=21) were drawn from the Deakin Family Options trial consumer focus groups, which occurred six months after the completion of the trial. Consumer focus groups were held in both metropolitan and regional locations in Victoria, Australia.Findings. Overall reductions in parental isolation, increases in parental self-care, and increased separation/individuation were the key therapeutic features of the intervention. Sharing family experiences with other parents was a key supportive factor, which improved parenting confidence and efficacy and potentially reduced family conflict. Consumer feedback also led to further development of the intervention, with a greater focus on aiding parents to engage adolescents in services and addressing family factors related to adolescent’s mood and anxiety symptoms.Conclusions. Participant feedback provides valuable qualitative data, to monitor the fidelity of treatment implementation within a trial, to confirm predictions about the effective mechanisms of an intervention, and to inform the development of new interventions.

scholarly journals Predictors of clinical deterioration in patients with suspected COVID-19 managed in a ‘virtual hospital’ setting: a cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e045356
Author(s):  
Nick A Francis ◽  
Beth Stuart ◽  
Matthew Knight ◽  
Rama Vancheeswaran ◽  
Charles Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Deterioration ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Remote Assessment ◽  
History Of

ObjectiveIdentify predictors of clinical deterioration in a virtual hospital (VH) setting for COVID-19.DesignReal-world prospective observational study.SettingVH remote assessment service in West Hertfordshire NHS Trust, UK.ParticipantsPatients with suspected COVID-19 illness enrolled directly from the community (postaccident and emergency (A&E) or medical intake assessment) or postinpatient admission.Main outcome measureDeath or (re-)admission to inpatient hospital care during VH follow-up and for 2 weeks post-VH discharge.Results900 patients with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 (455 referred from A&E or medical intake and 445 postinpatient) were included in the analysis. 76 (8.4%) of these experienced clinical deterioration (15 deaths in admitted patients, 3 deaths in patients not admitted and 58 additional inpatient admissions). Predictors of clinical deterioration were increase in age (OR 1.04 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.06) per year of age), history of cancer (OR 2.87 (95% CI 1.41 to 5.82)), history of mental health problems (OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.04)), severely impaired renal function (OR for eGFR <30=9.09 (95% CI 2.01 to 41.09)) and having a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR result (OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.11 to 3.60)).ConclusionsThese predictors may help direct intensity of monitoring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who are being remotely monitored by primary or secondary care services. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and identify the reasons for increased risk of clinical deterioration associated with cancer and mental health problems.

Sexual minority status and psychotic symptoms: findings from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Studies (NEMESIS)

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 421-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Gevonden ◽  
J. P. Selten ◽  
I. Myin-Germeys ◽  
R. de Graaf ◽  
M. ten Have ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychotic Symptom ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Minority Status ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Incidence Studies

BackgroundEthnic minority position is associated with increased risk for psychotic outcomes, which may be mediated by experiences of social exclusion, defeat and discrimination. Sexual minorities are subject to similar stressors. The aim of this study is to examine whether sexual minorities are at increased risk for psychotic symptoms and to explore mediating pathways.MethodA cross-sectional survey was performed assessing cumulative incidence of psychotic symptoms with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview in two separate random general population samples (NEMESIS-1 and NEMESIS-2). Participants were sexually active and aged 18–64 years (n = 5927, n = 5308). Being lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) was defined as having sexual relations with at least one same-sex partner during the past year. Lifetime experience of any psychotic symptom was analysed using logistic regression, adjusted for gender, educational level, urbanicity, foreign-born parents, living without a partner, cannabis use and other drug use.ResultsThe rate of any psychotic symptom was elevated in the LGB population as compared with the heterosexual population both in NEMESIS-1 [odds ratio (OR) 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71–3.84] and NEMESIS-2 (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.42–3.71). Childhood trauma, bullying and experience of discrimination partly mediated the association.ConclusionsThe finding that LGB orientation is associated with psychotic symptoms adds to the growing body of literature linking minority status with psychosis and other mental health problems, and suggests that exposure to minority stress represents an important mechanism.

Stories of exceptional survivors who visit aboriginal healers: Cross-cultural lessons for psychiatry

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S515-S515
Author(s):  
L. Mehl-Madrona
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Patient Interviews ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Supportive Community ◽  
Forgiveness Of Others ◽  
Better Than

IntroductionIndigenous communities exist within most countries. These communities often have their own informal and invisible (to their mainstream neighbors) systems of health care. We wondered what happened to people who approached traditional community healers for help with mental health problems.MethodsWe interviewed 100 people who had received mental health diagnoses from conventional practitioners and then sought traditional community healers for help. We compared them to a matched population from a computer database who did not seek traditional healers. Patients who visited the healers did statistically significantly better than the comparison group. Panels of naïve graduate students evaluated patient interviews and picked themes that consistently emerged. Scenarios were developed to rate patients along these dimensions from “1” to “5”. New panels did the ratings. Comparisons were made between these 2 groups of people, and those who improved with healers had more change from before to after treatment on the dimensions of Present-centeredness; Forgiveness of others; Release of blame, bitterness, and chronic anger; Orientation to process versus outcome; Sense of Humor; Sense of Meaning and Purpose; and Faith and Hope. The patients who worked with the healers had a new and plausible (to the patient, his or her family, and the healers) explanation for why he or she got well, including a story reflecting a belief about how he or she can stay well; supportive community who believes in the person's cure.ConclusionsThe treatment provided by conventional healers produces measurable changes in several parameters associated with improved mental health.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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