Prevalence of Mental Disorders and Utilisation of Mental Health Services in Two Areas of Greater Athens

Aims: To explore associations between experiences of mental illness, migration status and languages spoken among Pacific adults living in NZ. Methods: SURVEY FREQ and SURVEY LOGISTIC procedures in SAS were applied to data from Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand (NZ) Mental Health Survey, a survey of 12,992 New Zealand adults aged 16 and over in 2003/2004. Pacific people were over sampled and this paper focuses on the 2374 Pacific participants but includes, for comparison, 8160 non-Maori-non-Pacific (NMNP) participants. Results: Pacific migrant respondents had the lowest prevalence of mental disorders compared to other Pacific peoples. However, Pacific immigrants were also less likely to use mental health services, suggesting an increased likelihood of experiencing barriers to available mental health care. Those who were born in NZ and who were proficient in a Pacific language had the lowest levels of common mental disorders, suggesting a protective effect for the NZ-born population. Additionally, access to mental health services was similar between NZ-born people who spoke a Pacific language and those who did not. Conclusions: We conclude that, given the association between Pacific language and reduced mental disorder, there may be a positive role for Pacific language promotion in efforts to reduce the prevalence of mental health disorder among Pacific communities in NZ.

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Setting the scene: controversies on trends in mental health among adolescents in the Nordic countries

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1064 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

C Eriksson ◽

A M Arnasson ◽

N Lyyra ◽

K R Madsen ◽

T Torsheim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Adolescent Mental Health ◽

Nordic Countries ◽

Daily Hassles ◽

Data Availability ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Advanced Analysis

Abstract At present there are different positions regarding trends in adolescent mental health. Can we trust trend data on the mental health among adolescents in the Nordic countries? Some question the trustworthiness of adolescent self-reports, which describe ordinary daily hassles as health complaints, which cannot be interpreted as signs of mental disorders. In addition, today there is a more open climate for talking about mental issues, which can lead to an overestimation of the prevalence of mental disorders. Statistics on mental health services statistics report increased psychopharmaceutic prescriptions as well as consumption of professional care. Such data argues for increased governmental investment in adolescent mental health services. Is this pattern due to increased availability of mental health services and/or increased prevalence of mental health problems in the adolescent population? A concern is that data availability influences policymaking and allocation of resources. If there is an emphasis on self-reported data from adolescents that may an increased risk of medicalization of young people's dealing with their daily lives. If on the other hand the reported problems among young people is disregarded, this would be against the UN Child Convention. The survey data has important qualities especially if the data is analysed and reported properly. The validation of survey measure has been done both regarding psychometric quality and content validity. Advanced analysis of the data can draw a more nuanced picture. Moreover, some screening instruments have been developed as a first step towards making diagnosis. Instead the HBSC surveys ask boys and girls about their health and well-being, social environment and health behaviours. HBSC uses findings at national and international levels to gain new insights into young people's health and wellbeing, understand the social determinants of health, and inform policy and practice to improve young people's lives.

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Mental health data: A case for the African communities in New South Wales

Australasian Review of African Studies ◽

10.22160/22035184/aras-2021-42-1/64-80 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 64-80

Author(s):

Daniel Kwai Apat ◽

Wellington Digwa

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

New South ◽

Mental Health Policy ◽

New South Wales ◽

Community Members ◽

South Wales ◽

Health Related

This paper examines mental health policies in relation to African communities residing in New South Wales, Australia and the attitudes of African communities toward mental disorders and mental health services. Current mental health policy frameworks have shown an inadequate inclusion of African communities. This may negatively affect the design of mental health interventions and how African communities engage with mental health services. The available mental health literature on African communities showed disjointed and uncoordinated data which focuses on specific community-groups within African communities. Insufficient mental health or suicide data, combined with African community members’ perception toward mental disorders and mental health services, makes it very difficult to progress engagement and interventions. There is a need for proper and sizable data on mental health related to people of African descent in NSW and Australia wide, if positive outcomes are to be realised.

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Stigmatization Toward Patients with Mental Health Diagnoses: Tehran’s Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.5812/ijpbs.93851 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Farsi ◽

Arsia Taghva ◽

Samantha C Butler ◽

Hanif Tabesh ◽

Yavar Javanmard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Stigma Reduction ◽

Written Narratives ◽

Face To Face ◽

Mental Health Diagnoses ◽

To Receive

Background: The stigma associated with mental health disorders has an enormous impact on decisions concerning receiving mental health services. Objectives: The current qualitative study aimed to describe the stigma toward mental disorders in Tehran, Iran. Methods: The current grounded theory study conducted from 2013 to 2016 in Tehran (Iran). Fourteen participants were sampled using purposive and theoretical sampling techniques. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, focused groups, and written narratives. The Corbin and Strauss coding paradigm (2008) was used to analyze data. Results: Three main categories of stigmatization toward patients with mental health diagnoses were extracted: (1) barriers to stigma reduction; (2) strategies to reduce stigma; and (3) outcomes of stigma reduction such as negative consequences of stigma toward mental disorders and positive impacts of stigma reduction toward mental disorders. Conclusions: To improve mental health services for patients in Tehran (Iran), it is imperative to reduce the stigma toward mental disorders, educate the community, including the general population and healthcare professionals, and remove existing barriers to receive mental health services.

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The use of mental health services by adolescent smokers: A nationwide Israeli study

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2012.01.003 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 269-275

Author(s):

G. Shoval ◽

I. Mansbach-Kleinfeld ◽

I. Farbstein ◽

R. Kanaaneh ◽

G. Lubin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Peer Relationships ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Well Being ◽

Behavioral Difficulties ◽

Treatment Gap ◽

Adolescent Smokers

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the utilization of mental health services by adolescent smokers, the presence of untreated mental disorders in this young population and the associated emotional and behavioral difficulties. We performed a nationwide survey study of an Israeli representative sample of 906 adolescents and their mothers. Mental disorders were assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) Inventory. Emotional and behavioral difficulties were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Mental health services use and smoking habits were evaluated by relevant questionnaires. Adolescent smokers were using significantly more mental health services than non-smokers (79% vs. 63%, respectively, P < 0.001), independently of their mental health status or ethnic group. Adolescent smokers also reported more emotional and behavioral difficulties in most areas (P < 0.001), which are consistent with their mothers’ reports, except in the area of peer relationships. The treatment gap for the smoking adolescents was 53% compared to 69% in the non-smokers (P < 0.001). This is the first study characterizing the use of mental health services and the related emotional and behavioral difficulties in a nationally-representative sample of adolescents. The findings of a wide treatment gap and the rates of the associated emotional and behavioral difficulties are highly relevant to the psychiatric assessment and national treatment plans of adolescent smokers.

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Expanding the Role of Primary Health Care in the Provision of Mental Health Services to the Population of the Kyrgyz Republic

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.954 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S606-S606

Author(s):

T. Galako

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Kyrgyz Republic ◽

Family Doctors ◽

Primary Health

Providing comprehensive, integrated services in the field of mental health in primary health care (PHC) is a component of the state mental health program for the population of the Kyrgyz republic (KR) in the 2017–2030 biennium. In order to develop an action plan in this area a situational analysis of resources of psychiatric care at PHC level was carried out. There was revealed a significant deficit of specialists, such as family doctors, mental health care professionals. In spite of the need for 3,300 family doctors, only 1706 work, and 80% of them are of retirement age.The results of a research showed a low level of knowledge and skills of family physicians for the early detection of mental disorders and provision of appropriate medical care. There are also a limited number of psychiatrists, especially in rural regions (77% of the required quantity).During recent years, there have been implemented significant changes in the system of mental health services, aimed at improving its quality, the approach to the place of residence of the patient and the prevalence of psychosocial services.Since 2016 in 8 southern regions in the Kyrgyz Republic has been introduced a new model for the provision of comprehensive health care services. Piloting this model involves psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with mental disorders, the help of mobile teams at the place of patient residence, as well as psychoeducation, training, and support to family doctors. These and other measures will help to optimise mental health care at PHC level.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

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Home treatment services for acute mental disorders: an all-Ireland survey

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2017.83 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 7-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

B. O’Keeffe ◽

V. Russell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Mental Health Policy ◽

Free Text ◽

Staffing Levels ◽

Treatment Services ◽

Home Based

ObjectivesTo determine the distribution, functioning and perceived impact of home-based treatment (HBT) teams for acute mental disorders on the island of Ireland.MethodsA 28-item questionnaire exploring the structure, staffing and operation of HBT teams was emailed to all clinical directors of mental health services in Ireland (n=26) and Northern Ireland (NI) (n=5). Quantitative data was analysed using the Survey Monkey package, while free-text responses to open questions were analysed for thematic content.ResultsIn total, 11 of 16 (68%) mental health services in Ireland and four of five (80%) in NI confirmed the presence of HBT teams. For 80% of respondents the primary function of HBT was as an alternative to inpatient admission. All NI respondents reported provision of a 24/7 HBT service. A 7 day a week service was reported by 82% of Republic of Ireland respondents. In total, 70% of respondents reported a gate-keeping role for their teams. Staffing levels and multidisciplinary representation varied widely. Most respondents perceived HBT as improving patient/carer experience and cost-effectiveness.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the implementation of the HBT model in Ireland has not fulfilled the aspirations set out in mental health policy in both Irish jurisdictions. Many areas have no HBT services while wide variations in staffing levels and functioning persist. However, mental health services with established HBT teams appear convinced of their positive impact. An All-Ireland forum on HBT may help to define the model in an Irish context and standardise its future resourcing, operation and evaluation.

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Mental health services in Norway

International Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/s1749367600007347 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 2 (9) ◽

pp. 13-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jan Olav Johannessen ◽

Bjarte Stubhaug ◽

Jan Skandsen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Material Welfare

Few countries (if any) have experienced the abundance of material welfare Norway has had for the last decades. The report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2004 places Norway on the very top of the list of ‘best countries to live in’. One might therefore expect that mental disorders would not thrive in Norway, but this is not so.

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Use of Mental Health Services by Children With Mental Disorders in Two Major Cities in Brazil

Psychiatric Services ◽

10.1176/appi.ps.201800389 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (4) ◽

pp. 337-341 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Daniel Fatori ◽

Giovanni Abrahão Salum ◽

Luis Augusto Rohde ◽

Pedro Mario Pan ◽

Rodrigo Bressan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services

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Youth Mental Health Tracker: protocol to establish a longitudinal cohort and research database for young people attending Australian mental health services

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035379 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. e035379

Author(s):

Cathrin Rohleder ◽

Yun Ju Christine Song ◽

Jacob J Crouse ◽

Tracey A Davenport ◽

Frank Iorfino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Young People ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Physical Health ◽

Youth Mental Health ◽

Severe Illness ◽

Trajectory Data

IntroductionMental disorders are a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Much of the burden of mental ill-health is mediated by early onset, comorbidities with physical health conditions and chronicity of the illnesses. This study aims to track the early period of mental disorders among young people presenting to Australian mental health services to facilitate more streamlined transdiagnostic processes, highly personalised and measurement-based care, secondary prevention and enhanced long-term outcomes.Methods and analysisRecruitment to this large-scale, multisite, prospective, transdiagnostic, longitudinal clinical cohort study (‘Youth Mental Health Tracker’) will be offered to all young people between the ages of 12 and 30 years presenting to participating services with proficiency in English and no history of intellectual disability. Young people will be tracked over 3 years with standardised assessments at baseline and 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Assessments will include self-report and clinician-administered measures, covering five key domains including: (1) social and occupational function; (2) self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviour; (3) alcohol or other substance misuse; (4) physical health; and (5) illness type, clinical stage and trajectory. Data collection will be facilitated by the use of health information technology. The data will be used to: (1) determine prospectively the course of multidimensional functional outcomes, based on the differential impact of demographics, medication, psychological interventions and other key potentially modifiable moderator variables and (2) map pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical illness trajectories to determine transition rates of young people to more severe illness forms.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Sydney Local Health District (2019/ETH00469). All data will be non-identifiable, and research findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conference presentations.

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