scholarly journals Non-disclosing youth: a cross sectional study to understand why young people do not disclose suicidal thoughts to their mental health professional

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren McGillivray ◽  
Demee Rheinberger ◽  
Jessica Wang ◽  
Alexander Burnett ◽  
Michelle Torok

Abstract Background Prevalence of suicidal ideation increases rapidly in adolescence, and many choose not to seek help and disclose their ideation. Young people who do disclose suicidal ideation, prefer to do so with peers and family compared to mental health professionals, who are best placed to provide evidence-based treatment. This study aimed to identify key factors associated with young people’s decision to, or not to disclose suicidal thoughts to their mental health practitioner. Methods A community-based sample of young Australians (16 - 25 years), who had experienced suicidal ideation and engaged with a mental health professional, completed an online questionnaire (N=513) which assessed demographic characteristics, severity of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempts, exposure to suicide loss, personal suicide stigma, prioritisation of mental health issues, and therapeutic alliance. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with disclosure. Results Though the full sample had engaged in therapy, 39% had never disclosed suicidal ideation to their clinician. Those who had disclosed were more likely to report greater therapeutic alliance (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.02–1.06), personal suicide stigma (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.01–1.06), prioritisation of suicidal ideation (OR=.24, 95% CI=0.14-0.42), and lifetime history of suicide attempt (OR=.32, 95% CI=0.18-0.57). The most common reason for not disclosing was concern that it would not remain confidential. Conclusion These findings provide new insights into why young people may not seek help by disclosing suicidal ideation, despite having access to a mental health professional, and establish evidence to inform practice decisions and the development of prevention strategies to support young people for suicide.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren McGillivray ◽  
Demee Rheinberger ◽  
Jessica Wang ◽  
Alexander Burnett ◽  
Michelle Torok

Abstract Background Prevalence of suicidal ideation increases rapidly in adolescence, and many choose not to seek help and disclose their ideation. Young people who do disclose suicidal ideation, prefer to do so with peers and family compared to mental health professionals, who are best placed to provide evidence-based treatment. This study aimed to identify key factors associated with young people’s decision to, or not to disclose suicidal thoughts to their mental health practitioner. Methods A community-based sample of young Australians (16–25 years), who had experienced suicidal ideation and engaged with a mental health professional, completed an online questionnaire (N = 513) which assessed demographic characteristics, severity of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempts, exposure to suicide loss, personal suicide stigma, prioritisation of mental health issues, and therapeutic alliance. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with disclosure. Results Though the full sample had engaged in therapy, 39% had never disclosed suicidal ideation to their clinician. Those who had disclosed were more likely to report greater prioritisation of suicidal ideation (OR = 4.07, 95% CI = 2.34–7.09), therapeutic alliance (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.06), and personal suicide stigma (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06). The most common reason for not disclosing was concern that it would not remain confidential. Conclusion These findings provide new insights into why young people may not seek help for suicidal ideation, despite being engaged with a mental health professional, and establish evidence to inform practice decisions and the development of prevention strategies to support young people for suicide.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Badu ◽  
Anthony Paul O’Brien ◽  
Rebecca Mitchell ◽  
Akwasi Osei

Abstract Background Evidence-based clinical practice is an inherent component of developed countries mental health professional practice, however, little is known about Ghana mental health professional perspectives on evidence-based practice. This paper outlines the processes involved in the delivery of best practice in Ghana. The paper describes a realistic evaluation of mental health nurses and allied health opinions regarding the evidenced-based therapeutic process in Ghana mental health facilities. Methods A purposive sample of 30 Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) was recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. A programme theory of Context + Mechanism = Outcome (CMO) configuration was developed from the analysis. Results The thematic analysis identified two CMO configurations: 1) technical competency stimulates evidence-based mental health services; and, 2) therapeutic alliance-building ensures effective interaction. The study demonstrated that contextual factors (technical competencies and therapeutic alliance building) together with mechanisms (intentional and unintentional) help to promote the quality of mental health services. However, contextual factor such as the lack of sign language interpreters yielded an unintended outcome such as consumer-provider communication barrier for consumers with hearing impaired and those from linguistically minority background. Conclusion We conclude that government stakeholders and policymakers should prioritize policy documents, periodic monitoring and adequate financial incentives to support the on-going mechanisms that promote mental health professional technical competence and therapeutic alliance building.


Author(s):  
Michael T Compton ◽  
Beth Broussard

As we have discussed in previous chapters, it is very important for people with psychosis and their family members to learn about psychosis and effective treatments. This sort of learning is an important step towards recovery and preventing a relapse. However, seeking information to better understand psychosis can be frustrating at times. The amount of information received from mental health professionals and other sources can be overwhelming. However, aside from this book, very few books focus on first-episode psychosis. When searching the Internet, it is difficult at times to tell the difference between Web sites with correct and helpful information from those that contain opinions and confusing information. This chapter describes the benefits of educating yourself about psychosis and then describes different resources that are available. As discussed in Chapter 7 on Psychosocial Treatments for Early Psychosis, psychoeducation is a type of education that focuses on the topic of mental illnesses. The goal of psychoeducation is to help individuals with a mental illness, and their family members, better understand the illness. If a person understands his or her illness, then he or she will be able to deal with it more successfully. Psychoeducation, for both patients and their families, is an effective form of treatment in itself and an important step in preventing relapse and hospitalization. Research has shown that those who receive psychoeducation are less likely to have a relapse and enter the hospital compared to those who do not receive psychoeducation. The patient’s mental health professional is one of the best sources of information. Do not be afraid to ask him or her to explain more if some piece of information is unclear. Another good idea is to bring a list of questions with you when you meet with the mental health professional to make sure that you leave the appointment with all of your questions answered. Asking questions and getting answers helps you become confident that you understand the next steps. Worksheets provided in Chapters 2 and 9 will help you keep track of information that may be important to share with the mental health professional.


2021 ◽  
pp. 070674372199611
Author(s):  
Calvin Diep ◽  
Venkat Bhat ◽  
Duminda N. Wijeysundera ◽  
Hance A. Clarke ◽  
Karim S. Ladha

Objective: With the increasing prevalence of cannabis use, there is a growing concern about its association with depression and suicidality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between recent cannabis use and suicidal ideation using a nationally representative data set. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of adults was undertaken using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 to 2018. Participants were dichotomized by whether or not they had used cannabis in the past 30 days. The primary outcome was suicidal ideation, and secondary outcomes were depression and having recently seen a mental health professional. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders, and survey sample weights were considered in the model. Results: Compared to those with no recent use ( n = 18,599), recent users ( n = 3,127) were more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation in the past 2 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.54, 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.00, P = 0.001), be depressed (aOR 1.53, 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.82, P < 0.001), and to have seen a mental health professional in the past 12 months (aOR 1.28, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.59, P = 0.023). Conclusions: Cannabis use in the past 30 days was associated with suicidal thinking and depression in adults. This relationship is likely multifactorial but highlights the need for specific guidelines and policies for the prescription of medical cannabis for psychiatric therapy. Future research should continue to characterize the health effects of cannabis use in the general population.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rena Koon

This project will examine the emerging literature related to the coronavirus disease pandemic, its potential effects on the mental health of children and factors promoting resilience in this population. The culmination of this work will be a series of interventions utilizing bibliotherapy to help foster resilience in children. These interventions are intended to be used by school counsellors, mental health professionals, teachers or parents, as well as with small groups or large groups of children. The project will be divided into five sections with each section focusing on a principle that helps promote resilience in children following a mass trauma. Each section will consist of an explanation of the principle, a book choice, interventions that could be initiated by a mental health professional, a teacher, or a parent followed by an annotated bibliography of additional books that could be utilized to support this principle.


Author(s):  
Letitia Pienaar

Section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 provides for the appointment of mental health professionals to assess an accused’s fitness to stand trial and/or criminal capacity if the court orders such an enquiry in terms of sections 77 and 78 of the Criminal Procedure Act. In terms of section 79, one mental health professional must assess an accused charged with a non-violent offence, whereas a panel of such professionals must assess an accused charged with an offence involving serious violence. The legislative provisions regarding the appointment of mental health professionals to a section 79-assessment panel are not without ambiguity. Section 79(1)(b) read with section 79(13) is problematic. Directives issued by the National Prosecuting Authority in terms of section 79(13) do not aid in clarifying the legal position either. The main point of contention is whether a section 79-assessment panel must consist of a minimum of two or three psychiatrists. This ambiguity creates challenges for presiding officers tasked with appointing section 79-assessment panels. When presiding officers appoint these panels incorrectly, it causes delays in the assessment process and the delivery of justice to the accused and the victim. The court considered the interplay between section 79(1)(b) and section 79(13) in S v Pedro 2015 1 SACR 41 (WCC). The judgment highlights the need to clarify the position in the Criminal Procedure Act regarding the appointment of section 79-assessment panels. This case provided the impetus for the amendment of section 79 through the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act 4 of 2017. This contribution explores the composition of section 79-assessment panels as provided for in the Criminal Procedure Act. Section 79(1)(b) and the seemingly contradictory provisions contained in section 79(13) are discussed. The S v Pedro judgment is discussed with a specific focus on the court’s interpretation of the interplay between these two provisions. Following the S v Pedro judgment, the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act 4 of 2017 amended section 79. This contribution explores the clarifying provisions of the Amendment Act regarding the composition of assessment panels


1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 584-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. O'Neill-Byrne ◽  
Sally M. Browning

Referral rates to three groups of mental health professionals working In primary care were compared. All patients referred over an 18-month period at two health centres in an outer London borough were assessed by case-note review and data were collected on 181 consecutive referrals. In general, younger, more socially-stable patients were referred to the psychologist and older patients were seen by the CPN. The psychologist saw most new patients; patients previously seen by a psychiatrist were most likely to be referred again to a psychiatrist. Patients requesting referral to a mental health professional were most likely to be referred to the psychologist. Patients with a diagnosis of psychosis were seen mainly by the psychiatrist and the CPN; the psychiatrist saw most patients with a personality disorder. A high proportion of patients were seen for assessment only. In general, all interventions were brief. There was evidence of selection by GPs in the referral of patients to each mental health professional.


Author(s):  
Beth Broussard ◽  
Michael T. Compton

Understanding the various symptoms of psychosis, and the treatments that are most effective for them, is key to engaging in treatment and recovery. Symptoms of psychosis can be very scary for those experiencing them and for their families. Help is available. Symptoms, whether in the past or present, are important to discuss with your mental health professional. An individual’s early symptoms are important to remember because they usually are the same ones that occur before another episode and are therefore early warning signs. Family and friends can provide information to mental health professionals about symptoms and behaviors, as well as report how symptoms are changing over time, including when they are improving or getting worse. Sharing information and making shared treatment decisions are key to successful treatment.


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