scholarly journals Recognising autism in healthcare

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mary Doherty ◽  
Clair Haydon ◽  
Ian A Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
The Impact

Recognition of autism and the associated co-occurring physical and mental health issues has increased over recent years. However, undergraduate and postgraduate curricula take time to adapt and to impact on what is delivered in training so healthcare professionals, including doctors, report little training on these topics. Doctors need to know when someone might be autistic in order to respond to them appropriately. This article sets out the reasons why recognition of autism is important and the positive impacts of recognising and understanding autism on health outcomes, service delivery and patient experience. The negative consequences of not recognising autism or understanding the impact of autistic traits on the person are also explored. A companion article then covers how practice can be made more appropriate for autistic people to improve outcomes.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.

scholarly journals Lockdown experiences and views on future research participation of autistic adults in the UK during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba X Realpe Rojas ◽  
Nicola Mills ◽  
Lucy Beasant ◽  
Sarah Douglas ◽  
Lorcan Kenny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 lockdown was a set of nationwide public health restrictions in force on the UK from March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Co-occurring anxiety and depression in autistic people placed them at heightened risk of potential adverse mental health due to the lockdown. Furthermore, the impact of current and future public health measures on autistic people’s willingness to take part in autism research was unknown. We carried out in-depth interviews with 31 autistic adults exploring their experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown and how the pandemic may affect future research participation. Transcripts were analysed thematically within a critical realism framework. Participants identified positive aspects of lockdown such as enjoying the lack of social pressures and using their well-developed skills for dealing with uncertainty. Autistic people also shared challenges of adjusting to lockdown, e.g., rapid change in daily routines. While hopeful about the freedom gained from easing restrictions, participants were concerned about the inconsistent communication and application of rules during the transition out of lockdown which may exacerbate already rising mental health issues among autistic people. The participants viewed research participation and engagement with increased relevance during the pandemic and welcomed efforts to conduct research using online methods of communication. The COVID-19 lockdown had a varied effect in the lives and routines of autistic people. However, healthcare providers and researchers need to be mindful of rising mental health issues during the pandemic, especially for people who were already vulnerable. The response to the pandemic may have offered opportunities for innovation in research processes enabling more autistic people to engage with research and making studies more inclusive.

scholarly journals Cross sectional analysis of depression and stress in medical students

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler S. Jones ◽  
Deborah Rupert
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Medical student wellbeing is a topic of growing concern. Medical students experience high levels of stress and burnout and are at increased risk for depression and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Even more concerning, medical students are disproportionately less likely to seek help for their mental health issues. Identifying and preventing these problems early can have lasting positive consequences over the course of a physician’s lifetime. We implemented a wellness program at our medical school in the spring of 2016 with the goals of decreasing burnout and depression, heightening awareness of mental health issues, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. To analyze the impact of our program, we have implemented a quality assurance survey. Here we report lifestyle factors associated with positive screens for depression from that data and propose institutional initiatives that can be spearheaded by medical students for medical students to impact positive change.

Parenting Styles and Mental Health of Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Vijeta Singh ◽  
Taruna Gera ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Behmani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Parenting Styles ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Developmental Phase ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact

Adolescence is a developmental phase marked with a heightened risk of inception of mental health disorders. The neglect in addressing mental health issues during childhood and adolescence could lead to the development of mental health problems in later life. The perspective with which children perceive their parent's parenting influences the children's mental health. Furthermore, the gender of the parent has its impacts on the shaping of a child's personality under the patriarchal society. The present research attempted to investigate the impact of different parenting styles (paternal) on adolescents' mental health. The study sample comprised 150 adolescents of 14-17 years in age from different schools located in the state of Haryana, India. Parenting Authority Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to assess parenting styles and mental health. The present study's findings suggest that adolescents with a permissive parenting style have poor mental health compared with authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles. The study recommends incorporating healthy practices in parenting styles to prevent mental health issues among adolescents.

Best Practices for Distance Learning in Elementary Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Penelope Debs Keough ◽  
Jacqueline Simeon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact

The impact on elementary education, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has far reaching effects and can only be ameliorated by educators following best practices in distance learning. The purpose of this chapter is to bring to teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, students, and parents innovative, effective ways to bring quality lessons at appropriate developmental levels to all students regardless of cultural backgrounds (i.e., second language learners, students qualified for special education, or those pupils hampered by trauma, homelessness, and/or mental health issues). This chapter will further describe through illustrations and step-by-step guides creating meaningful, interactive, and purposeful lessons to meet student needs based on assessment.

The Prognostication

2019 ◽  
pp. 94-104
Author(s):  
Spencer James Zeiger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Early Retirement ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Natural Progression

How does one know when it’s time to leave the academy and begin The Next Chapter? Some will have the luxury of planning their transition months or even years in advance. Others will reach a point where work conditions become intolerable. Still others may be rudely sacked with little or no notice, perhaps through no fault of their own. Some participants believed physical and mental health issues are motivating factors. For others, taking advantage of a university early retirement was an incentive. Some viewed moving to the next chapter as a natural progression. And for a few, it may be a way to end the misery; they’ve left angry. Categories discussed in this chapter include fear, timing, planning, recognizing when the thrill is gone, burnout, and reduced energy.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with poor mental health among healthcare professionals in low- and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Lohmann ◽  
Denny John ◽  
Aso Dzay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Abstract Background A healthy and productive health workforce is central to a well-functioning health system. However, health workers are at high risk of poor psychological wellbeing due to their particularly strenuous work demands. While mental health of health workers is a well-researched issue in high-income countries, research from low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMIC) has begun to emerge only recently. The review aims to synthesize this body of research, specifically to assess the prevalence of mental health issues among health workers in LLMIC, to identify factors associated with good or poor mental health, and to highlight gaps in knowledge. Methods We will perform a systematic search of the published English and French language literature (from inception onwards) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Eligible for inclusion are observational studies (e.g., cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort) and control arms of randomized controlled trials reporting investigations on the nature, prevalence, and factors associated with mental health or psychological wellbeing among formally trained health professionals and health associate professionals delivering health services in formal healthcare facilities in LLMIC. The primary outcomes will be burnout, depression, and general psychological wellbeing. Secondary outcomes include other specific mental health diagnoses, as well as general psychological stress, distress and/or trauma if work-related and explicitly framed as a mental health issue. Two authors will independently examine the studies against the eligibility criteria in the stages of title, abstract, and full-text study selection, as well as assess the risk of bias in included studies using standard checklists depending on study design. Disagreements will be resolved in discussion with the third author. Data will be extracted from included studies using a predefined and piloted coding framework. Given the anticipated heterogeneity of studies, we do not expect to be able to conduct meta-analysis and plan to summarize the extracted data in narrative form. The framework method will be used to organize narrative data by subthemes and explore patterns. Discussion In assessing the prevalence of mental health issues among healthcare professionals in LLMIC and identifying factors associated with positive or poor mental health, the review aims to synthesize all possible available information for policy makers and health system managers on a potentially highly important but not yet much-discussed issue and to highlight gaps in currently available knowledge. Systematic review registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019140036)

The Rights of Pre-verbal Children involved in Video-recorded Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 391-404
Author(s):  
Neerosh Mudaly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Early Interventions ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Considerable Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Recorded Observation

There is considerable research on the impact of maternal mental health issues on infants’ development. These studies emphasise the importance of early interventions to prevent the development of psychopathology later in life. In many studies infants who are involved in video-recorded studies show an observable distressed reaction. Whilst these studies have made major contributions to the field of child development, a key question that arises is: is it ethically acceptable in research with pre-verbal children for them to experience emotional distress during the research process? This article explores the ethical issues of harm and benefit from the perspective of the child. It aims further to refine discussion and understanding of children’s vulnerability and examines pre-verbal children’s ethical rights in video-recorded observation studies.

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