scholarly journals Online screening and feedback to increase help-seeking for mental health problems: population-based randomised controlled trial

BJPsych Open ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J. Batterham ◽  
Alison L. Calear ◽  
Matthew Sunderland ◽  
Natacha Carragher ◽  
Jacqueline L. Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Professional Service ◽  
Negative Effect

BackgroundCommunity-based screening for mental health problems may increase service use through feedback to individuals about their severity of symptoms and provision of contacts for appropriate services.AimsThe effect of symptom feedback on service use was assessed. Secondary outcomes included symptom change and study attrition.MethodUsing online recruitment, 2773 participants completed a comprehensive survey including screening for depression (n=1366) or social anxiety (n=1407). Across these two versions, approximately half (n=1342) of the participants were then randomly allocated to receive tailored feedback. Participants were reassessed after 3 months (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR12614000324617).ResultsA negative effect of providing social anxiety feedback to individuals was observed, with significant reductions in professional service use. Greater attrition and lower intentions to seek help were also observed after feedback.ConclusionsOnline mental health screening with feedback is not effective for promoting professional service use. Alternative models of online screening require further investigation.

Efficacy of a peer-led group program for unemployed people with mental health problems: Pilot randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Rüsch ◽  
Tobias Staiger ◽  
Tamara Waldmann ◽  
Marie Christine Dekoj ◽  
Thorsten Brosch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Job Search ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Group Program ◽  
Unemployed People ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: People with long-term unemployment and mental health problems often find it difficult to take active steps toward help-seeking and job search and to navigate the complex system of available services. Likewise, job center staff would welcome interventions to improve the reintegration of long-term unemployed individuals with mental health problems into the labor market. Aim: To examine the efficacy of a peer-led group program that supports unemployed people with mental health problems in terms of help-seeking, job search and recovery. Methods: Based on participatory research, a four-session group program was designed and evaluated in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 42 participants, randomized to the program ( n = 23) or treatment as usual ( n = 19). Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), 3 weeks (T1), 6 weeks (T2) and 6 months later (T3). Results: There were no significant intervention effects on primary outcomes (job search self-efficacy and help-seeking). But compared to the control group, intervention participants showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms ( p = .02) and recovery ( p = .04) at T2 with medium effect sizes. There were trend-level positive program effects on self-stigma, hopelessness and secrecy. Conclusion: This pilot RCT provides initial evidence for the efficacy of a peer-led group program to improve symptoms and recovery among unemployed participants with mental health problems.

scholarly journals Workshop: Predictors and developmental timing of mental health problems among sexual minority individuals

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Social Stressors

Abstract As consistently shown across studies from various parts of the world, sexual minority individuals (e.g., those identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual [LGB]) are significantly at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behavior when compared to heterosexuals. The increased risk for poor mental health among sexual minority populations is believed to be a consequence of LGB individuals’ increased exposure to specific social stressors related to navigating a stigmatized minority identity. Studies trying to explain health inequalities based on sexual orientation have mainly focused on so-called minority stress processes, such as discrimination, internalized homophobia, expectations of rejection, and stress of concealing one’s sexual orientation. This workshop will give examples of studies from various European countries on mental health predictors and trajectories by using various approaches such as population-based sampling, longitudinal data collection, and comprehensive theoretical frameworks. Dr. Gemma Lewis (University College London, UK) will present results showing that sexual orientation-based disparities in mental health are present already in early adolescence and increase throughout the school years. Arjan van der Star (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden) will present population-based data suggesting that openness about sexual orientation is not directly linked to lower risk of depression among sexual minorities, but is instead dependent on access to social support. Conor Mahon (Dublin City University, Ireland) will present results showing minority stressors as predictors of social anxiety among sexual minority men. Associate professor John Pachankis (Yale University, USA) will present results showing that, in addition to increased exposure to social stressors, barriers to societal integration can partially explain the elevated risk of suicidality among sexual minorities. Key messages Sexual minorities are a higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression, social anxiety, and suicidality, as compared to heterosexuals and these disparities can be identified early in life. Sexual orientation-based mental health disparities seem to be based both on disproportionate stigma-related stress and a higher prevalence of general risk factors for poor mental health.

Stigma and Poor Mental Health Literacy As Barriers to Service Use Among Unemployed People With Mental Illness – A Qualitative Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S487-S487 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Staiger ◽  
T. Waldmann ◽  
S. Krumm ◽  
N. Rüsch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Unemployed People

Introduction/objectivesMental health problems were shown by different studies to be both: results of and risk factors for unemployment. However, unemployed people with mental health problems often have difficulties in finding and using mental health services and therefore do not benefit from therapies. Because unemployed individuals outside the healthcare system are a hard-to-reach group, barriers to but also facilities for mental health services are poorly understood.AimsThe aim of the study is to identify barriers and facilitators of help seeking and service use, based on experiences of unemployed people with mental health strains.MethodsWe conducted 15 qualitative semi-structured interviews with unemployed individuals, facing self-reported mental health problems or mental illness. Topics included individual experiences with help-seeking and mental health service use, with a focus on barriers and facilitators. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and major themes were identified.ResultsPatients fear adverse reactions of psychiatric medication. They report to be treated as “different” by their social environment and health professionals, which leads to a lack of self-esteem and inhibits them in their help seeking efforts. Social support and desire for change on the other hand can be strong motivational factors in searching for help.ConclusionPerception of GPs towards mental health issues of their patients, and especially unemployed patients, has to be raised. Stigmatization of mental illnesses and help seeking should be reduced in practical context.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Predictors of help-seeking in unemployed people with mental health problems

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 543-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moritz E Wigand ◽  
Nathalie Oexle ◽  
Tamara Waldmann ◽  
Tobias Staiger ◽  
Thomas Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Service Use ◽  
Health Service Use ◽  
Unemployed People

Background: Unemployment and mental ill health often contribute to each other and lead to social exclusion with negative consequences for individuals and society. Yet, unemployed people with mental health problems often do not seek care. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess predictors of help-seeking among unemployed people with mental health problems. Methods: At baseline, 301 unemployed participants with mental health problems reported potential predictors of help-seeking in terms of mental health literacy, perceived barriers to care, self-concept as having a mental illness and current mental health service use. At 6-month follow-up, 240 participants reported whether or not they had started new mental health treatment since baseline. Results: Adjusted for symptoms, sociodemographic and work-related variables, help-seeking was predicted by previous mental health service use and by fewer non-stigma-related barriers, not by stigma-related barriers. Conclusion: Implications for interventions to increase help-seeking among this vulnerable group are discussed.

Depression literacy and help-seeking in Australian police

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1063-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola J Reavley ◽  
Allison J Milner ◽  
Angela Martin ◽  
Lay San Too ◽  
Alicia Papas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Depression Literacy

Objective: To assess depression literacy, help-seeking and help-offering to others in members of the police force in the state of Victoria, Australia. Methods: All staff in police stations involved in a cluster randomised controlled trial of an integrated workplace mental health intervention were invited to participate. Survey questions covered sociodemographic and employment information, recognition of depression in a vignette, stigma, treatment beliefs, willingness to assist co-workers with mental health problems, help-giving and help-seeking behaviours, and intentions to seek help. Using the baseline dataset associated with the trial, the paper presents a descriptive analysis of mental health literacy and helping behaviours, comparing police station leaders and lower ranks. Results: Respondents were 806 staff, comprising 618 lower-ranked staff and 188 leaders. Almost 84% of respondents were able to correctly label the problem described in the vignette. Among those who had helped someone with a mental health problem, both lower ranks and leaders most commonly reported ‘talking to the person’ although leaders were more likely to facilitate professional help. Leaders’ willingness to assist the person and confidence in doing so was very high, and over 80% of leaders appropriately rated police psychologists, general practitioners, psychologists, talking to a peer and contacting welfare as helpful. However, among both leaders and lower ranks with mental health problems, the proportion of those unlikely to seek professional help was greater than those who were likely to seek it. Conclusion: Knowledge about evidence-based interventions for depression was lower in this police sample than surveys in the general population, pointing to the need for education and training to improve mental health literacy. Such education should also aim to overcome barriers to professional help-seeking. Interventions that aim to improve mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour appear to be suitable targets for better protecting police member mental health.

scholarly journals Determinants of Service Use among Young Canadians with Mental Disorders

2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (10) ◽  
pp. 629-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie Bergeron ◽  
Léo-Roch Poirier ◽  
Louise Fournier ◽  
Pasquale Roberge ◽  
Geneviève Barrette
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mood Disorder ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Perceived Need

Objective: To identify the determinants of service use by young Canadians with mental health problems. Methods: Data were drawn from a recent large Canadian mental health survey. The analyses were conducted on a subsample of 1092 Canadians aged 15 to 24 years and identified as presenting a mood disorder, an anxiety disorder, or a substance-related disorder in the 12 months preceding the survey. We classified variables potentially associated with any type of service use for a mental health problem over a 12-month period according to predisposing, enabling, and need factors. We conducted weighted multivariate logistic regressions to determine the association of each factor with service use. Results: In the final model, being female and living alone were the predisposing factors associated with service use. None of the enabling factors predicted help seeking. In regard to the perceived need factors, those who had difficulties with social situations were more likely to use services. Having a mood disorder and (or) having a diagnosed chronic illness were the evaluated need factors associated with service use. Conclusion: Certain groups of young Canadians are less likely to seek help for mental health problems and could be the target of interventions aimed at increasing service use.

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