Suicide and the economic situation in Europe: are we experiencing the development of a ‘reverse stigma’?

2016 ◽  
Vol 209 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
General Population ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Socioeconomic Environment ◽  
Mental Health Patients ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Determining Factor

SummaryThe prevailing picture in both the scientific literature and mass media is that the increase in unemployment acts as a generic risk factor on the entire population and increases the rate of suicide, suggesting that the socioeconomic environment is the determining factor and measures to improve it are the most suitable in the struggle to reduce the number of suicides. As a result, ‘horizontal’ actions targeting the general population are proposed rather than ‘vertical’ actions that target specific vulnerable groups. This is not only a mistake but it also constitutes a kind of ‘reverse’ stigma which deprives mental health patients of their right to receive special and targeted benefits, interventions and care, and deprives mental healthcare of valuable resources.

Mortality of Public Mental Health Patients: A Singapore Experience

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lionel Chee-Chong Lim ◽  
Li-Ping Sim ◽  
Peak-Chiang Chiam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Standardised Mortality Ratio ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Mental Health Patients ◽  
Mortality Ratio ◽  
Age And Sex

This study reports the Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) by age and sex among public mental health patients in Singapore. The authors also examine the differences between those who were classified as “inpatient deaths” and those who were classified as “outpatient deaths”. Mortality was 5.1 times that of the general population and the SMR was most accentuated in the younger, female patients. Of the 217 deaths documented over two years, schizophrenia was the most common diagnosis. Inpatient deaths (N = 120) occurred in older patients with prior physical illness who died of natural causes. In contrast, outpatient deaths (N = 97) involved younger patients with no previous illness and the majority jumped to their deaths. Mortality studies are necessary in monitoring the efficacy of mental health provisions.

scholarly journals Preferences for group arts therapies: a cross-sectional survey of mental health patients and the general population

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e051173
Author(s):  
Emma Millard ◽  
Emma Medlicott ◽  
Jessica Cardona ◽  
Stefan Priebe ◽  
Catherine Carr
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Informed Consent ◽  
General Population ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Art Therapy ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Mental Health Patients

ObjectivesThe arts therapies include music therapy, dance movement therapy, art therapy and dramatherapy. Preferences for art forms may play an important role in engagement with treatment. This survey was an initial exploration of who is interested in group arts therapies, what they would choose and why.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey of demographics, interest in and preferences for the arts therapies was designed in collaboration with patients. The survey took 10 min to complete, including informed consent and 14 main questions. Summary statistics, multinomial logistic regression and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.SettingThirteen National Health Service mental health trusts in the UK asked mental health patients and members of the general population to participate.ParticipantsA total of 1541 participants completed the survey; 685 mental health patients and 856 members of the general population. All participants were over 18 years old, had capacity to give informed consent and sufficient understanding of English. Mental health patients had to be using secondary mental health services.ResultsApproximately 60% of participants would be interested in taking part in group arts therapies. Music therapy was the most frequent choice among mental health patients (41%) and art therapy was the most frequent choice in the general population (43%). Past experience of arts therapies was the most important predictor of preference for that same modality. Expectations of enjoyment, helpfulness, feeling capable, impact on mood and social interaction were most often reported as reasons for preferring one form of arts therapy.ConclusionsLarge proportions of the participants expressed an interest in group arts therapies. This may justify the wide provision of arts therapies and the offer of more than one modality to interested patients. It also highlights key considerations for assessment of preferences in the arts therapies as part of shared decision-making.

scholarly journals Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of general population of Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 256-261
Author(s):  
Muhammad Afzal ◽  
Dr. Hameed Mumtaz Durrani ◽  
Dr. Muhammad Imran Sohail
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
P Value ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Comorbid Disease ◽  
The Mean

Objective: To ascertain the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of general population of Pakistan. Study design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Place and Duration of study: The participants in the study were selected from community population of Islamabad in a period of two months from 15th May to 15 July 2020. Patients and Methods: A total of 278 participants were selected for this study. All the participants were given structured questionnaire consisting on demographic information HADS scoring system to calculate depression and anxiety. HADS consists of 14 questions, each of which is scored 0–3. The possible scores for depression and anxiety ranged 0-21. Higher scores indicate increased severity of anxiety or depression. A cut off value of 8 or more was used to identify the anxiety and depression.  Results: The mean age was 33.42 ± 9.67 years and 148 (53.2%) were males. Among these participants 238 (85.6%) were resident of urban area, and 167 (60.1%) were married. Most of the participants were graduate 102 (36.7%). Thirty-six (12.9%) participants had a known patient of Covid-19 in their family or friends. Most of the participants 196 (70.5%) had no any comorbid disease. The mean anxiety score was noted to be 6.47 ± 5.51 and mean depression score was 6.65 ± 4.17. History of any comorbid disease showed a highly significant (p-value < 0.01) association with anxiety and depression score. Conclusion: To minimize the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health of general population attention should be given to vulnerable groups like males, middle age adults, less educated and unemployed persons especially the people with chronic comorbid disease. Keywords: Covid-19, Mental health, General population, Anxiety, Depression

scholarly journals Mental Health Status of the General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional National Survey in Japan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michiko Ueda ◽  
Andrew Stickley ◽  
Hajime Sueki ◽  
Tetsuya Matsubayashi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Japanese General Population ◽  
High Level

AbstractThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have detrimental mental health consequences. However, as yet, there is limited understanding of its impact on the mental health of the general population. The aim of this study is to examine the mental health of the Japanese general population by conducting the first systematic survey during the pandemic (N=1,000), with a particular focus on identifying the most vulnerable groups. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that the mental health of young and middle-aged individuals was significantly worse than that of older individuals during the pandemic. There was also some indication that individuals who were not currently working were significantly more likely to report a high level of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Part-time and temporary contract-based workers were also more likely to suffer from anxiety disorder. Our results highlight that monitoring the mental health of younger and economically vulnerable individuals may be especially important. In addition, they also indicate that population mental health might not only be affected by the direct health consequences of COVID-19, but also by the economic ramifications of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Geographical identification of the vulnerable groups during COVID-19 crisis: the typhoon eye effect and its boundary conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pok Man Tang ◽  
Stephen X. Zhang ◽  
Chi Hon Li ◽  
Feng Wei
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Working Adults

AimAlthough some studies suggest the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with negative consequences on physical health, our knowledge about the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on people’s mental health is still nascent. This study uses typhoon eye theory to offer insights in helping clinical psychiatrists to screen people with well-being issues during COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsWe collected survey data from working adults across different geographical areas in China on 20 and 21 February 2020 during the outbreak of COVID-19. The sample contains 308 working adults, who were in various parts of China, with varying distance to the epicenter of Wuhan.ResultsIndividual adults’ distance to the epicenter was negatively associated with life satisfaction (β = −0.235, 95% CI −0.450 to −0.020, p = 0.032). This association between distance and life satisfaction was significant only for adults who were young or had smaller family sizes. For example, the negative relationship was strongest when the individuals were in the age bracket of 20 years old (15.7%; β = −0.703, 95% CI −1.098 to −0.307; p = 0.001) and single (32.3%; β = −0.767, 95% CI −1.125 to −0.408; p < 0.001).ConclusionOur results that people’s well-being deteriorates by the distance from the epicenter for specific groups of people help guide mental healthcare providers towards the regions that are further away from the epicenter in the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, our results indicate the practitioners should be cautious of using typhoon eye effect for individuals who were older or had a larger family size.

scholarly journals The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak: A Nationwide Survey in Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Shahriarirad ◽  
Amirhossein Erfani ◽  
Keivan Ranjbar ◽  
Amir Bazrafshan ◽  
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
General Population ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Disease Outbreak ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death

Abstract Background: Disease outbreak not only carries the risk of death to the public due to the infection, but it also can lead to unbearable psychological impact on the mental health of the individuals. This study aims to explore and evaluate the burden of psychological problems on the Iranian general population during the outbreak of COVID-19.Method: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the general population of Iran age 15 and above. Demographic variables, depression, and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaires.Results: Among the 8591 participants, the mean age was 34.37 (±11.25) years and 66.4% were female while 33.6% were male. Based on our results, 1295 (15.1%) and 1733 (20.1%) of the general population clinically significant depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. Based on the demographic variables, female gender was associated with a higher risk for developing depression and anxiety symptoms, whereas getting information about the disease from medical journals and articles, being older, and being married were considered as associated protective factors. In terms of depression, being a healthcare worker was an associated risk factor. On the other hand, for anxiety, having higher education was a protective factor while a higher number of individuals in a household was considered as a risk factor.Conclusions: This study identified a major mental health problem in the Iranian population during the time of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, establishing a targeted mental health support program during the time of public emergencies, such as the disease outbreak, is advised.

scholarly journals The Mental Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak: A Population-Based Survey in Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Shahriarirad ◽  
Amirhossein Erfani ◽  
Keivan Ranjbar ◽  
Amir Bazrafshan ◽  
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
General Population ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Disease Outbreak ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death

Abstract Objective: Disease outbreak not only carries the risk of death to the public due to the infection, it also endures an unbearable psychological impact on the mental health of the individuals. This study aims to explore and evaluate the burden of psychological problems on the Iranian general population during the outbreak of COVID-19.Method: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the general population of Iran age 15 and above. Demographic variables, depression, and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaires.Results: Among the 8591 participants, the mean age was 34.37 (±11.25) years and 66.4% were female while 33.6% were male. Based on our results, 1295 (15.07%) and 1733 (20.17%) of the general population had depression and anxiety respectively. Based on the demographic variables, Among the risk factors for both anxiety and depression, one could name female gender, whereas getting information about the disease from medical journals and articles, being older and being married were considered as protective factors. In terms of depression, being a non-healthcare worker was a risk factor. On the other hand, for anxiety, having higher education was a protective factor while a higher number of individuals in a household was considered as a risk factor.Conclusions: This study identified a major mental health problem in the Iranian population during the time of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, establishing a targeted mental health support program during the time of public emergencies, such as the disease outbreak, is advised.

scholarly journals Young Adults in Nature-Based Services in Norway—In-Group and Between-Group Variations Related to Mental Health Problems

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 110-133
Author(s):  
Anne Mari Steigen ◽  
Bengt Eriksson ◽  
Ragnfrid Eline Kogstad ◽  
Helge Prytz Toft ◽  
Daniel Bergh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Local Mental Health

Young adults with mental health problems who do not attend school or work constitute a significant welfare challenge in Norway. The welfare services available to these individuals include nature-based services, which are primarily located on farms and integrate the natural and agricultural environment into their daily activities. The aim of this study is to examine young adults (16–30 years old) not attending school or work who participated in nature-based services in Norway. In particular, the study analyses mental health problems among the participants and in-group variations regarding their symptoms of mental health problems using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-10). This paper compares symptoms of mental health problems among participants in nature-based services with those of a sample from the general population and a sample of those receiving clinical in-patient mental healthcare. A questionnaire was developed for the study and was completed by 93 participants in nature-based services. The majority of these participants were recruited from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), local mental health services, and school authorities. Results indicate that just more than half of the respondents exhibited symptoms of mental health problems based on their HSCL-10 scores. In general, they reported fewer symptoms than the clinical in-patient sample (18–30 years old) and more symptoms than the general population sample (18–19 years old). Among the participants in nature-based services, those recruited through NAV and local mental health services exhibited no differences in symptoms. Half of the participants older than 23 years in nature-based services had not completed upper secondary school. The participants, including those with symptoms of mental health problems and low expectations at the outset of their participation, generally expressed high satisfaction with the services.

scholarly journals Relationship between obesity and health problems in help-seeking military veterans

2019 ◽  
pp. jramc-2019-001155
Author(s):  
Victoria Williamson ◽  
A Rossetto ◽  
D Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

BackgroundUK Armed Forces (UK AF) veterans may be particularly vulnerable to obesity and its comorbid physical and mental health problems.AimTo examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), physical health problems, mental health disorders and sociodemographic characteristics in UK AF veterans engaged in psychological treatment.MethodsInformation regarding veteran BMI, demographic characteristics, physical health conditions and mental health problems was collected and analysed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Rates of veteran obesity were also compared with the UK general population.ResultsOf the 384 help-seeking veterans, 37.5% (n=151) were overweight (BMI 26–30) and 35.5% (n=143) were obese. Obesity in help-seeking male veterans was two to four times higher than that of the general population of UK. Higher scores on measures of anger and common mental health problems were significantly associated with greater BMI. Problems with physical systemic functioning and mobility were also significantly associated with greater BMI.ConclusionsThe results indicate that treatment-seeking UK AF veterans exhibit higher levels of obesity compared with the general population, and clinically significant physical and mental comorbidities. The findings highlight a need for mental health services to offer treatments that effectively integrate physical and mental healthcare in the treatment of people with mental health problems.

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