scholarly journals Mental Health In Elite Athletes: Increased Awareness Requires An Early Intervention Framework to Respond to Athlete Needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Purcell ◽  
Kate Gwyther ◽  
Simon M. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Right

Abstract The current ‘state of play’ in supporting elite athlete mental health and wellbeing has centred mostly on building mental health literacy or awareness of the signs of mental ill-health amongst athletes. Such awareness is necessary, but not sufficient to address the varied mental health needs of elite athletes. We call for a new model of intervention and outline the backbone of a comprehensive mental health framework to promote athlete mental health and wellbeing, and respond to the needs of athletes who are at-risk of developing, or already experiencing mental health symptoms or disorders. Early detection of, and intervention for, mental health symptoms is essential in the elite sporting context. Such approaches help build cultures that acknowledge that an athlete’s mental health needs are as important as their physical health needs, and that both are likely to contribute to optimising the athlete’s overall wellbeing in conjunction with performance excellence. The proposed framework aims at (i) helping athletes develop a range of self-management skills that they can utilise to manage psychological distress, (ii) equipping key stakeholders in the elite sporting environment (such as coaches, sports medicine and high-performance support staff) to better recognise and respond to concerns regarding an athlete’s mental health and (iii) highlighting the need for specialist multi-disciplinary teams or skilled mental health professionals to manage athletes with severe or complex mental disorders. Combined, these components ensure that elite athletes receive the intervention and support that they need at the right time, in the right place, with the right person.

Online Problem-Solving Training with and without Peer Support in Veterans with Unmet Mental Health Needs: A Pilot Study of Feasibility, User Acceptability and Patient Engagement (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Possemato ◽  
Justina Wu ◽  
Carolyn Greene ◽  
Rex MacQueen ◽  
Daniel Blonigen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Unmet Mental Health

BACKGROUND Electronic health (eHealth) tools have the potential to meet the mental health needs of individuals who have barriers to accessing in-person treatment. However, most users have less than optimal engagement with eHealth tools. Coaching from peer specialists may increase engagement with eHealth. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aimed to 1) test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, completely automated online system to recruit, screen, enroll, assess, randomize and then deliver an intervention to a national sample of military veterans with unmet mental health needs, 2) investigate whether phone-based peer support increased usage of an online problem-solving training compared to self-directed use and 3) generate hypotheses about potential mechanisms of action for problem-solving and peer support for future full-scale research. METHODS Veterans (n=81) with unmet mental health needs were recruited via social media advertising and enrolled and randomized to self-directed use of an online problem-solving training called Moving Forward (n=28), peer supported Moving Forward (n=27), or a waitlist control (n=26) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03555435). Participants completed pre and post study measures (8 weeks later) of problem-solving skills and confidence as well as mental health symptoms. Satisfaction was assessed at post-treatment and objective use of Moving Forward was measured with number of log-ins. RESULTS Automated recruitment, enrollment and initial assessment methods were feasible and resulted in a diverse sample of veterans with unmet mental health needs from 38 states. Automated follow-up methods resulted in 46% retention. Peer support was delivered with high fidelity and was associated with favorable patient satisfaction. Participants randomized to receive peer support had significantly more Moving Forward logins than self-directed Moving Forward participants, and those who received peer support had greater decreases in depression. Problem-solving confidence was associated with greater Moving Forward use and improvements in mental health symptoms among participants both with and without peer support. CONCLUSIONS Enrolling and assessing individuals in eHealth studies without human contact is feasible, but different methods or designs are necessary to achieve acceptable participant engagement and follow-up rates. Peer support shows potential for increasing engagement in online interventions and in reducing symptoms. Future research should investigate when and for whom peer support of eHealth is helpful. Problem-solving confidence should be further investigated as a mechanism of action for online problem-solving training. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03555435

scholarly journals Mental Health of Refugees and Torture Survivors: A Critical Review of Prevalence, Predictors, and Integrated Care

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu Suhaiban ◽  
Grasser ◽  
Javanbakht
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
War Trauma ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Torture Survivors ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms

Civilian war trauma and torture rank among the most traumatic life experiences; exposure to such experiences is pervasive in nations experiencing both internal and external conflict. This has led to a high volume of refugees resettling throughout the world with mental health needs that primary care physicians may not be screening for and prepared to effectively address. In this article, we review the literature on demographics, predictors, mental health outcomes of torture, and integrated care for the mental health needs of refugees. We searched PubMed and PSYCINFO databases for original research articles on refugees and mental health published in the English language between 2010 and present. Nine percent of 720 adults in conflict areas in Nepal, with predominance of literate married males, met the threshold for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 27.5% for depression, and 22.9% for anxiety. While, PTSD rate has been documented as high as 88.3% among torture survivors from Middle East (ME), Central Africa (CA), South Asia (SA), Southeast Europe (SE). Depression was recorded as high as 94.7% among 131 African torture survivors and anxiety as high as 91% among 55 South African torture survivors. Torture severity, post-migration difficulties, and wait time to receive clinical services were significantly associated with higher rate of mental health symptoms. Mental health screening is not a standard component of initial physical exams for refugees, yet these individuals have had high trauma exposure that should inform clinical care. Integrated care models are lacking but would greatly benefit this community to prevent progression to greater severity of mental health symptoms.

scholarly journals Bridging Hospital and Community Care for Homeless Adults with Mental Health Needs: Outcomes of a Brief Interdisciplinary Intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 774-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky Stergiopoulos ◽  
Agnes Gozdzik ◽  
Rosane Nisenbaum ◽  
Janet Durbin ◽  
Stephen W. Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Homeless Adults ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Discharge From Hospital ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Interdisciplinary Intervention

Objective: This study examines health and service use outcomes and associated factors among homeless adults participating in a brief interdisciplinary intervention following discharge from hospital. Method: Using a pre-post cohort design, 223 homeless adults with mental health needs were enrolled in the Coordinated Access to Care for the Homeless (CATCH) program, a 4- to 6-month interdisciplinary intervention offering case management, peer support, access to primary psychiatric care, and supplementary community services. Study participants were interviewed at program entry and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits and assessed for health status, acute care service use, housing outcomes, mental health, substance use, quality of life, and their working alliance with service providers. Linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations were performed to examine outcomes longitudinally. Additional post hoc analyses evaluated differences between CATCH participants and a comparison group of homeless adults experiencing mental illness who received usual services over the same period. Results: In the pre-post analyses, CATCH participants had statistically significant improvements in mental and physical health status and reductions in mental health symptoms, substance misuse, and the number of hospital admissions. The strength of the working alliance between participants and their case manager was associated with reduced health care use and mental health symptoms. Post hoc analyses suggest that CATCH may be associated with statistically significant improvements in mental health symptoms in the study population. Conclusions: A brief interdisciplinary intervention may be a promising approach to improving health outcomes among homeless adults with unmet health needs. Further rigorous research is needed into the effectiveness of brief interventions following discharge from hospital.

scholarly journals International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 (SMHAT-1) and Sport Mental Health Recognition Tool 1 (SMHRT-1): towards better support of athletes’ mental health

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-37
Author(s):  
Vincent Gouttebarge ◽  
Abhinav Bindra ◽  
Cheri Blauwet ◽  
Niccolo Campriani ◽  
Alan Currie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
International Olympic Committee ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Assessment ◽  
Former Elite Athletes

ObjectivesTo develop an assessment and recognition tool to identify elite athletes at risk for mental health symptoms and disorders.MethodsWe conducted narrative and systematic reviews about mental health symptoms and disorders in active and former elite athletes. The views of active and former elite athletes (N=360) on mental health symptoms in elite sports were retrieved through an electronic questionnaire. Our group identified the objective(s), target group(s) and approach of the mental health tools. For the assessment tool, we undertook a modified Delphi consensus process and used existing validated screening instruments. Both tools were compiled during two 2-day meeting. We also explored the appropriateness and preliminary reliability and validity of the assessment tool.Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 and Sport Mental Health Recognition Tool 1The International Olympic Committee Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 (SMHAT-1) was developed for sports medicine physicians and other licensed/registered health professionals to assess elite athletes (defined as professional, Olympic, Paralympic or collegiate level; aged 16 years and older) potentially at risk for or already experiencing mental health symptoms and disorders. The SMHAT-1 consists of: (i) triage with an athlete-specific screening tool, (ii) six subsequent disorder-specific screening tools and (iii) a clinical assessment (and related management) by a sports medicine physician or licensed/registered mental health professional (eg, psychiatrist and psychologist). The International Olympic Committee Sport Mental Health Recognition Tool 1 (SMHRT-1) was developed for athletes and their entourage (eg, friends, fellow athletes, family and coaches).ConclusionThe SMHAT-1 and SMHRT-1 enable that mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes are recognised earlier than they otherwise would. These tools should facilitate the timely referral of those athletes in need for appropriate support and treatment.

scholarly journals Do Rates of Mental Health Symptoms in Currently Competing Elite Athletes in Paralympic Sports Differ from Non-Para-Athletes?

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa S. Olive ◽  
Simon Rice ◽  
Matt Butterworth ◽  
Matti Clements ◽  
Rosemary Purcell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background This study addresses the lack of comparative data on the mental health of athletes in Paralympic sports (‘para-athletes’) and non-para athletes by examining the prevalence and correlates of mental health symptoms in a national sample of elite athletes representative of the population from which it was drawn on age and para-status. Methods A cross-sectional, anonymous, online-survey was provided to all categorised (e.g. highest level) athletes, aged 17 years and older, registered with the Australian Institute of Sport (n = 1566). Measures included psychological distress, mental health caseness, risky alcohol consumption, body weight and shape dissatisfaction, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and problem gambling. Correlates of outcomes included individual (e.g. demographic and psychosocial) and sport-related variables. Results The participation rate was 51.7% (n = 810), with valid data available from 749 athletes. No significant differences were observed between athletes from para- and non-para-sports on most mental health symptoms, with the exception of alcohol consumption (p < .001) and self-esteem (p = .007), both lower in athletes from para-sports. A trend for an interaction was found for anxiety and insomnia (p = .018), whereby the difference between athletes from para- and non-para-sports was qualified by gender. Conclusions In a large sample of elite athletes, mental health and wellbeing symptoms are comparable between athletes from para- and non-para-sports, with the exception of para-athletes reporting lower alcohol consumption but also lower self-esteem. While overall mental health and wellbeing symptom profiles are largely similar, attention to areas of differences will help to better address the unmet and distinct mental health needs of athletes from para-sports.

Understanding the Mental Health Needs of a Community-Sample of UK Women Veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 105413732110704
Author(s):  
Laura Josephine Hendrikx ◽  
Charlotte Williamson ◽  
Julia Baumann ◽  
Dominic Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Women Veterans ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties

Women are often underrepresented or entirely missing from veteran research, and there remains limited understanding of their mental health needs. The present study investigated the mental health needs of a community sample of UK women veterans. A total of 750/1680 (44.6%) participants completed an online survey. Data was collected on sociodemographic and military factors, mental health and wellbeing, and childhood adversity. Findings revealed a high prevalence and comorbidity of mental health difficulties, including common mental health difficulties (28.6%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (10.8%). Women veterans who were older, not working, held a lower rank during service, perceived less social support and experienced greater loneliness were more likely to report such difficulties. Results further revealed high childhood and military adversity, and wellbeing difficulties. Such findings provide insight into the needs of women veterans and have implications for providing appropriate support. Considerations of the generalizability of findings are discussed.

Delivering Psychological Services to Refugees Resettled in the United States

2019 ◽  
pp. 165-183
Author(s):  
Johanna E. Nilsson ◽  
Sally Stratmann ◽  
Aurora Molitoris ◽  
Marcella A. Beaumont ◽  
Jessica Horine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
The Status

Approximately 25 million refugees have fled their homelands internationally, and about 3 million have been resettled in the United States. The mental health needs of a population that has fled oppression, violence, and instability are diverse. This chapter seeks to provide a holistic overview of these needs. The introduction covers what defines the status of a refugee, current resettlement policies, and pre- and post-migration experiences and concerns among refugees, including barriers to basic services. Effective mental health treatment options and areas of competence for mental health professionals working with these individuals are discussed, along with future considerations for best meeting the mental health needs of refugees.

scholarly journals M223. EXPLORING YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY: USING USER-CENTRED-DESIGN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW INTERVENTION FOR SERVICE USERS WITH COMPLEX MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S220-S221
Author(s):  
Lisette Van der Meer ◽  
Tessa Jonker ◽  
Charlotte Wunderink ◽  
Jaap van Weeghel ◽  
Marieke (Gerdina) Pijnenborg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
User Centred Design ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract Background Introduction: As a human being we give meaning to our stories, in relation to the social and physical context. For people with severe and complex mental health needs, who have been dependent on (intensive) residential psychiatric support for a long time, it is possible that talents and qualities disappear because this part of their identity has been buried under a long psychiatric history. This can result in people’s identity becoming limited to ‘patient’, and the experience of life as meaningless. Objectives For these service-users, few interventions aimed at personal recovery are available that match their cognitive and communicative skills. In this project, we developed a new psychosocial intervention to stimulate self-reflection and personal recovery. Methods The development of the intervention took place through a “user-centred-design process” (UCD). UCD is an iterative design process in which the needs and wishes of the user are the starting point, and they remain central in the product design circle. Throughout the whole design process, service users, significant others, mental health professionals, peer support workers, artists, and researchers collaborate in order to design a first testable prototype. For each step of design process, we organized focus group meetings and brainstorm sessions with all stakeholders as well as individual interviews with service users. Based on the input in these meetings and interviews, the design was adapted. This was done for each consecutive step, which made the whole design process iterative by nature. Results A new psychosocial intervention entitled “This Is Me” was developed as a “journey of discovery” through the lives of service users at both verbal and non-verbal levels. From the UCD process four basic principles underlying the intervention were disentangled that have been incorporated in the intervention: 1) “gaining new experiences”, 2) “attention for (self)stigma”, 3) “equal treatment as a person”, 4) “uniqueness of the individual”. This resulted in an intervention in which service-users, together with a teammate, engage in new experiences. Moreover, they are prompted to reflect on these experiences upon their return. With this process, we aim to support people in (re)discovering roles, talents and characteristics to broaden the identity from ‘patienthood’ to ‘personhood’. Discussion Conclusions: UCD was a useful method for the development of a new psychosocial intervention targeting identity for people with complex mental health needs. The process resulted into new knowledge about factors that are important in the (re)development of identity. In addition, we will present the first results of a pilot study in which we assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention.

scholarly journals Mental health in elite athletes: International Olympic Committee consensus statement (2019)

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 667-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia L Reardon ◽  
Brian Hainline ◽  
Cindy Miller Aron ◽  
David Baron ◽  
Antonia L Baum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Work Group ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
International Olympic Committee ◽  
Physical Injury ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Current State

Mental health symptoms and disorders are common among elite athletes, may have sport related manifestations within this population and impair performance. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health, as evidenced by mental health symptoms and disorders increasing the risk of physical injury and delaying subsequent recovery. There are no evidence or consensus based guidelines for diagnosis and management of mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes. Diagnosis must differentiate character traits particular to elite athletes from psychosocial maladaptations.Management strategies should address all contributors to mental health symptoms and consider biopsychosocial factors relevant to athletes to maximise benefit and minimise harm. Management must involve both treatment of affected individual athletes and optimising environments in which all elite athletes train and compete. To advance a more standardised, evidence based approach to mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes, an International Olympic Committee Consensus Work Group critically evaluated the current state of science and provided recommendations.

Mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes: a systematic review on cultural influencers and barriers to athletes seeking treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 707-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia ◽  
João Guilherme de Mello e Gallinaro ◽  
Rodrigo Scialfa Falcão ◽  
Vincent Gouttebarge ◽  
Mary E Hitchcock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Health Symptoms

ObjectiveTo summarise the literature on the barriers to athletes seeking mental health treatment and cultural influencers of mental health in elite athletes.DesignSystematic reviewData sourcesPubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus (Ebsco), and PsycINFO (ProQuest) up to November 2018.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesQualitative and quantitative original studies of elite athletes (those who competed at the professional, Olympic, or collegiate/university levels), published in any language.ResultsStigma, low mental health literacy, negative past experiences with mental health treatment-seeking, busy schedules, and hypermasculinity are barriers to elite athletes seeking mental health treatment. Cultural influencers of mental health in elite athletes include: (1) the lack of acceptance of women as athletes; (2) lower acceptability of mental health symptoms and disorders among non-white athletes; (3) non-disclosure of religious beliefs; and (4) higher dependence on economic benefits. Coaches have an important role in supporting elite athletes in obtaining treatment for mental illness. Brief anti-stigma interventions in elite athletes decrease stigma and improve literary about mental health.ConclusionThere is a need for various actors to provide more effective strategies to overcome the stigma that surrounds mental illness, increase mental health literacy in the athlete/coach community, and address athlete-specific barriers to seeking treatment for mental illness. In this systematic review, we identified strategies that, if implemented, can overcome the cultural factors that may otherwise limit athletes seeking treatment. Coaches are critical for promoting a culture within elite athletes’ environments that encourages athletes to seek treatment.

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