Mental health among young adults in prison: The importance of childhood-onset conduct disorder

BackgroundThe psychiatric health burden of prisoners is substantial. However, there is a lack of high-quality studies of psychiatric disorders among young adults with a high risk of reoffending.AimsTo investigate the lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders and use of mental health services among young male violent offenders and the impact of childhood-onset conduct disorder (COCD).MethodA nationally representative cohort (n = 270, age 18–25) of male offenders was followed back in medical records and clinically assessed by gold standard methods. Lifetime prevalences are presented together with odds ratios (ORs) as risk estimates in relation to COCD.ResultsPrevious use of psychiatric services among the participants was high but their lifetime psychiatric morbidity was even higher, with 93% meeting criteria for at least one Axis I disorder. The COCD group was overrepresented in most clinical categories and carried five times higher odds (OR = 5.1, 95% CI 2.0–12.8) of a psychotic disorder, three times higher odds (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.2–8.5) of a substance use disorder and two times higher odds of a mood disorder (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.0) or anxiety disorder (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.5).ConclusionsThe mental health burden is substantial among young violent offenders, and COCD is an important indicator of future mental health problems which must be a priority for public health efforts.

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Prevalence of Mental Disorder among young adults in Ireland: a population based study

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2014.88 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 79-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

M. E. Harley ◽

D. Connor ◽

M. C. Clarke ◽

I. Kelleher ◽

H. Coughlan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Young Adults ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Population Based ◽

Lifetime Prevalence ◽

Service Development ◽

Health Service Provision ◽

Axis I

BackgroundThere is a lack of epidemiological research on the mental health of young adults in Ireland.ObjectivesTo determine prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a cohort of young Irish adults.MethodsThe Challenging Times study was a landmark study of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adolescents in North Dublin, Ireland: 212 school children aged 12-15 years were recruited through schools and interviewed using the K-SADS semi-structured diagnostic instrument. This cohort was traced again at age 19-24 years (mean age 20.8 years) and interviewed using SCID I & II. Main outcome measures were current and lifetime Axis I and Axis II psychiatric disorders.ResultsFollow-up rate was 80%. Using a weighted population prevalence analysis 19.8% of the cohort had a current mental disorder, 56.0% had a lifetime mental disorder of whom 28.4% had mood disorders, 27.1% had anxiety disorders, 22.7% had substance use disorders; 25.4% had lifetime multi-morbidity. Cluster A personality disorders were found in 2.3%. Lifetime prevalence of binge-drinking was 75.0%, cannabis use 65% and 17% of young adults had fulfilled criteria for an alcohol use disorder at sometime in their life. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal thoughts/behaviour was 21.1%.ConclusionsLifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorder and substance use were high in this sample of young Irish adults. Mental Health service provision for this age group is a priority. Larger studies of nationally representative samples are needed to inform service development.

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Cyberstalking Victimization and Perpetration Among Young Adults

Recent Advances in Digital Media Impacts on Identity, Sexuality, and Relationships - Advances in Human and Social Aspects of Technology ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-1063-6.ch002 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 22-38

Author(s):

Argyroula Kalaitzaki

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Attachment Style ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

The Impact

Cyberstalking is becoming more common among young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the prevalence, behaviours, and tactics of both victims and perpetrators of cyberstalking among a sample of Greek undergraduate students; (2) the correlates of victimization and perpetration of cyberstalking to personality, attachment style, and relating to others; and (3) the impact of cyberstalking on victims' mental health. Results showed that 23.9% of the students were victims and 9% were perpetrators, with females, disproportionately experiencing and inflicting cyberstalking. Negatively close relating (i.e., intrusive and possessive relating) increased the risk of perpetration, whereas relating to others distantly (suspicious and avoidant relating) decreased the risk of victimization. Agreeableness decreased the risk of perpetration. Mother's affectionless control increased the risk of both perpetration and victimization, and mother's neglectful parenting increased the risk of perpetrating cyberstalking. Fear, anxiety, and depression were reported by the victims.

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Neural mechanisms of childhood-onset bipolar illness

Acta Neuropsychiatrica ◽

10.1017/s0924270800035626 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 139-143

Author(s):

R.M. Post ◽

G.S. Leverich ◽

A.M. Speer ◽

G. Xing ◽

S.R.B. Weiss

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Maternal Separation ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Early Recognition ◽

Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽

Childhood Onset ◽

Course Of Illness ◽

Bipolar Illness ◽

Axis I ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTSubstantial evidence exists for a cohort effect (earlier onset and increased prevalence) for both unipolar and bipolar affective disorder in every generation born since World War II. This effect could be related to inherited mechanisms (e.g., bi-Hneal pedigrees or genetic anticipation) or to environmental/experiential effects on gene expression (e.g., stressor effects on the induction of transcription and growth factors, enzymes, hormones and their receptors, and signal transduction molecules) as documented in preclinical models of neonatal maternal separation.This laboratory evidence is summarized and new clinical data on the impact of severe stressors on the unfolding course of bipolar illness are noted. The reported occurrence of childhood or adolescent physical or sexual abuse, compared to those who report their absence, is associated with: earlier bipolar illness onset; faster cycling (including ultradian) patterns; increased Axis I and II comorbidities; and increased time ill in a prospective year of follow-up. Selectively, physical abuse was associated with a reported pattern of increasingly severe mania and sexual abuse with increased numbers of serious suicide attempts.In a retrospective survey of parents of children with an approximate average age of 13 who were diagnosed with bipolar illness (compared to those with other diagnoses and those with no diagnosis), a cluster of symptoms related to irritability and dyscontrol differentiated the bipolar children earliest. These symptoms included: temper tantrums, irritability, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor frustration tolerance, and increased aggression.Given the growing evidence that episodes of affective dysfunction can not only convey morbidity and mortality, but may also sensitize to further recurrence and thus change the course of illness, opportunities abound for early recognition and intervention in childhood onset bipolar illness. Such a successful endeavor would both allow a more normal psychobiological development and allow the possibility of preventing the unfolding of more full-blown bipolar illness altogether.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcaa202 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 113 (10) ◽

pp. 707-712 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Leo Sher

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

General Population ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Health Consequences ◽

Media Campaigns ◽

Suicide Rates ◽

Long Time ◽

The Impact

Summary Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come. Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression and insomnia in the general population and among healthcare professionals. Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive, anxiety, substance use and other psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas. Stress-related psychiatric conditions including mood and substance use disorders are associated with suicidal behavior. COVID-19 survivors may also be at elevated suicide risk. The COVID-19 crisis may increase suicide rates during and after the pandemic. Mental health consequences of the COVID-19 crisis including suicidal behavior are likely to be present for a long time and peak later than the actual pandemic. To reduce suicides during the COVID-19 crisis, it is imperative to decrease stress, anxiety, fears and loneliness in the general population. There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce distress. Active outreach is necessary, especially for people with a history of psychiatric disorders, COVID-19 survivors and older adults. Research studies are needed of how mental health consequences can be mitigated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Impact of Parental Incarceration on the Physical and Mental Health of Young Adults

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.2012-0627 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 131 (4) ◽

pp. e1188-e1195 ◽

Cited By ~ 107

Author(s):

R. D. Lee ◽

X. Fang ◽

F. Luo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Parental Incarceration ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

The Impact

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Psychiatric disorders in low birthweight young adults. Prevalence and association with assessments at 11 years

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2012.06.002 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 28 (7) ◽

pp. 393-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

I.B. Elgen ◽

F. Holsten ◽

M.D. Odberg

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Psychiatric Disorder ◽

Personality Disorders ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Young Adulthood ◽

Low Birthweight ◽

Antisocial Personality ◽

Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview ◽

Increased Risk

AbstractObjectiveTo compare mental health of 136 young adults without neurosensory handicaps born with low birthweight (LBW, birthweight less than 2000 g) with 132 adults with normal birthweight (NBW).MethodA cohort of moderate LBW and NBW young adults were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) at 19 years and the Children Assessment Schedule (CAS) at 11 years of age.ResultsAt 19 years of age, 44 out of 136 (32%) LBW young adults were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder compared to 10% NBW (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.5, P = 0.02). Among the LBW young adults, affective-, anxiety-, ADHD- and antisocial personality disorders were most common, and nine subjects (20%) had more than one diagnosis. Of 97 LBW subjects examined both at 11 and 19 years of age, 54 (56%) were mentally healthy though out adolescence. This was half as many as for controls (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.9).ConclusionModerate LBW was associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. Only half of LBW young adults stayed healthy throughout adolescence.

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The Impact of Social Comparison Processes on Hoped-For Possible Selves, Self-Regulatory Processes, and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adults

10.25148/etd.fi12120513 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Rebecca A Wang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Social Comparison ◽

Possible Selves ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Regulatory Processes ◽

The Impact

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“You’re just there, alone in your room with your thoughts” A qualitative study about the impact of lockdown among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.1101/2021.04.11.21254776 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alison R. McKinlay ◽

Tom May ◽

Joanna Dawes ◽

Daisy Fancourt ◽

Alexandra Burton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Young People ◽

Social Life ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Social Contact ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Quantitative Evidence ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents and young adults have been greatly affected by quarantine measures during the coronavirus-19 pandemic. Quantitative evidence suggests that many young people have struggled with their mental health throughout “lockdown”, but little is understood about the qualitative impact of social distancing restrictions on mental health, wellbeing and social life. We therefore sought to elicit the views and experiences of adolescents and young adults living in the UK during the pandemic.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 37 participants aged 13-24.ResultsWe identified 4 superordinate themes most commonly described by participants about their experiences during the pandemic, including: a) missing social contact during lockdown, b) disruption to education, c) changes to social relationships, and d) improved wellbeing during lockdown. Although we identified some positive experiences during the pandemic, including an increased awareness of mental health and stronger relationship ties, many said they struggled with loneliness, a decline in mental health, and anxiety about socialising after the pandemic.ConclusionsFindings suggest that some young people may have felt less stigma talking about their mental health now compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many are worried about how the pandemic has affected their education and social connections and may require additional psychological, practical and social support. Our findings highlight the important role that education providers play in providing a source of information and support to adolescents and young adults during times of uncertainty.

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Psychiatric Disorders Among Older Black Americans: Within- and Between-Group Differences

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Robert Joseph Taylor ◽

Linda M Chatters

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

African American ◽

Risk Factor ◽

African Americans ◽

Literature Review ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Black Americans ◽

Black American ◽

American Population ◽

The Impact

Abstract Psychiatric disorders impose significant personal, social, and financial costs for individuals, families, and the nation. Despite a large amount of research and several journals focused on psychiatric conditions, there is a paucity of research on psychiatric disorders among Black Americans (i.e., African Americans and Black Caribbeans), particularly older Black Americans. The present literature review examines research on psychiatric disorders among older Black Americans and provides a broad overview of research findings that are based on nationally representative studies. Collectively, this research finds: (1) older African Americans have lower rates of psychiatric disorders than younger African Americans; (2) family support is not protective of psychiatric disorders, whereas negative interaction with family members is a risk factor; (3) everyday discrimination is a risk factor for psychiatric disorders; (4) both older African Americans and African American across the adult age range have lower prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders than non-Latino whites; (5) Black Caribbean men have particularly high rates of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts; and (6) a significant proportion of African American older adults with mental health disorders do not receive professional help. This literature review also discusses the “Race Paradox” in mental health, the Environmental Affordances Model, and the importance of investigating ethnicity differences among Black Americans. Future research directions address issues that are directly relevant to the Black American population and include the following: (1) understanding the impact of mass incarceration on the psychiatric disorders of prisoners’ family members, (2) assessing the impact of immigration from African countries for ethnic diversity within the Black American population, (3) examining the impact of racial identity and racial socialization as potential protective factors for psychiatric morbidities, and (4) assessing racial diversity in life-course events and their impact on mental health.

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