Correction: Mental disorders and mental health symptoms during imprisonment: A three-year follow-up study

This study analyzed the support activities that the Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team (DPAT) in Japan provided following four previous disasters (a volcanic eruption, a mudslide, a flood, and an earthquake) to identify links between the disaster type and the characteristics of acute stage mental disorders observed. Using Disaster Mental Health Information Support System database records of consultations with patients supported by the DPAT during the survey period from 2013 (when DPAT was launched) to 2016, we performed cross-tabulations and investigated significant differences using chi-squared tests. For expected values less than 5, Fisher’s exact test was performed. Frequently occurring acute-stage symptoms after a disaster include anxiety, sleep problems, mood and affect, and physical symptoms. The affected population characteristics, victim attributes, severity of damage sustained, and evacuation status were the chief factors that influenced acute-stage mental health symptoms. The psychiatric symptoms detected in our study together with the results of diagnoses are important for determining the types of early interventions needed during the acute stage of a disaster. By sharing baseline mental health information, together with disaster-related characteristics highlighted in this study, mental health providers are better able to predict future possible mental disorders and symptoms.

Download Full-text

Online Problem-Solving Training with and without Peer Support in Veterans with Unmet Mental Health Needs: A Pilot Study of Feasibility, User Acceptability and Patient Engagement (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.29559 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kyle Possemato ◽

Justina Wu ◽

Carolyn Greene ◽

Rex MacQueen ◽

Daniel Blonigen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Peer Support ◽

Health Needs ◽

Mental Health Needs ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Unmet Mental Health

BACKGROUND Electronic health (eHealth) tools have the potential to meet the mental health needs of individuals who have barriers to accessing in-person treatment. However, most users have less than optimal engagement with eHealth tools. Coaching from peer specialists may increase engagement with eHealth. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aimed to 1) test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, completely automated online system to recruit, screen, enroll, assess, randomize and then deliver an intervention to a national sample of military veterans with unmet mental health needs, 2) investigate whether phone-based peer support increased usage of an online problem-solving training compared to self-directed use and 3) generate hypotheses about potential mechanisms of action for problem-solving and peer support for future full-scale research. METHODS Veterans (n=81) with unmet mental health needs were recruited via social media advertising and enrolled and randomized to self-directed use of an online problem-solving training called Moving Forward (n=28), peer supported Moving Forward (n=27), or a waitlist control (n=26) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03555435). Participants completed pre and post study measures (8 weeks later) of problem-solving skills and confidence as well as mental health symptoms. Satisfaction was assessed at post-treatment and objective use of Moving Forward was measured with number of log-ins. RESULTS Automated recruitment, enrollment and initial assessment methods were feasible and resulted in a diverse sample of veterans with unmet mental health needs from 38 states. Automated follow-up methods resulted in 46% retention. Peer support was delivered with high fidelity and was associated with favorable patient satisfaction. Participants randomized to receive peer support had significantly more Moving Forward logins than self-directed Moving Forward participants, and those who received peer support had greater decreases in depression. Problem-solving confidence was associated with greater Moving Forward use and improvements in mental health symptoms among participants both with and without peer support. CONCLUSIONS Enrolling and assessing individuals in eHealth studies without human contact is feasible, but different methods or designs are necessary to achieve acceptable participant engagement and follow-up rates. Peer support shows potential for increasing engagement in online interventions and in reducing symptoms. Future research should investigate when and for whom peer support of eHealth is helpful. Problem-solving confidence should be further investigated as a mechanism of action for online problem-solving training. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03555435

Download Full-text

Mental health symptoms and inflammatory markers among HIV infected patients in Tanzania

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11064-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Peter Memiah ◽

Lillian Nkinda ◽

Mtebe Majigo ◽

Felix Humwa ◽

Zelalaem Haile ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Tumour Necrosis ◽

Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Hiv Patients ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Stepwise Approach ◽

Necrosis Factor

Abstract Background HIV and mental disorders are predicted to be the leading causes of illness worldwide by the year 2030. HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of developing mental disorders which are significantly associated with negative clinical outcomes and propagation of new HIV infections. There is little evidence that links inflammation to development of mental disorders among HIV patients. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate if mental health symptoms were associated with biomarkers of inflammation in HIV infected subjects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dar es Salam, Tanzania from March to May 2018. Standardized tools were used to collect data based on the World Health Organisation's (WHO) stepwise approach for non-communicable diseases (NCD) surveillance. A total of 407 HIV+ patients on antiretroviral therapy were recruited. The WHO stepwise approach for NCD surveillance was used to collect data together with anthropometric measurements. Mental health symptoms were determined based on self-reported thoughts of helplessness, suicide ideation, depression, despair, discouragement, and feelings of isolation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test for inflammatory markers:- C-reactive protein (CRP), Iinterleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-18 (IL-18), soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor-I (sTNFR-I), and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor-II (sTNFR-II). Bivariate and multi-variate analysis was conducted to examine the association between biomarkers and mental health symptoms. Results The prevalence of self-reported mental health symptoms was 42% (n = 169). Participants with self-reported symptoms of mental health had elevated CRP, were less likely to walk or use a bicycle for at least 10 minutes, were less likely to participate in moderate-intensity sports or fitness activities, and had poor adherence to HIV treatment (p < 0.005). CRP remained significant in the sex adjusted, age-sex adjusted, and age-sex-moderate exercise adjusted models. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, self-reported mental health symptoms were significantly associated with a higher quartile of elevated CRP (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.3–5.9) and sTNFR-II (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.4–6.6) and the third quartile of IL-18 (OR 5.1;95% CI 1.5–17.5) as compared with those reporting no mental health symptoms. The significance of sTNFR-II and IL-18 in the fully adjusted model is confounded by viral load suppression rates at the sixth month. Conclusion High CRP and sTNFR II were important contributors to the prevalence of mental health symptoms. This study is among the minimal studies that have examined mental health issues in HIV, and therefore, the findings may offer significant knowledge despite the potential reverse causality. Regardless of the nature of these associations, efforts should be directed toward screening, referral, and follow-up of HIV patients who are at-risk for mental health disorders.

Download Full-text

Social participation, inclusion and mental well-being following SARS-CoV-2 related lockdown restrictions in adults with and without mental disorders. Results from a follow-up study in Germany

10.31234/osf.io/6svxw ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Matthias Schützwohl ◽

Eduard Mergel

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Social Participation ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

The Impact

Objectives: In Germany, as in many other countries, several lockdown restrictions were put in place with the aim of curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections. This study investigated the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the related lockdown restrictions on opportunities for social participation, social inclusion and psychological well-being for adults with and without mental disorders within a follow-up study based on pre- and post-lockdown assessments. Methods: Study participants (n=132) were assigned to one of three groups, depending on the mental health status at the initial survey. Parameters of interest were assessed using the Measure of Participation and Social Inclusion for Use in People with a Chronic Mental Disorder (F-INK), the Index for the Assessment of Health Impairments (IMET), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18).Results: The impact on opportunities for social participation and social participation considerably differed depending on the participants’ mental health status at the first assessment. Independent of this, we found no detrimental effects on the psychological well-being of participants four weeks after the implementation of lockdown restrictions.Conclusion: Findings imply a general resilience in well-being during the preliminary stages of the coronavirus pandemic. This result adds to the growing number of existing studies which show a heterogeneous pattern overall and especially in international comparison. Further follow-up studies with larger samples should address the divergent effects. Besides, efforts are needed to improve social participation and inclusion opportunities that are severely impaired for individuals with chronic mental disorders regardless of lockdown or physical distancing restrictions.

Download Full-text

Change in mental health symptoms in families with nonresponding children referred to inpatient family units

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1359104518794239 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 158-169

Author(s):

Tormod Rimehaug

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Child Mental Health ◽

System Development ◽

Parental Anxiety ◽

Outpatient Services ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Significant Group ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Unsuccessful Treatment

Aims: To examine changes in child mental health symptoms following inpatient family unit treatment after long-term unsuccessful treatment in community and child psychiatry outpatient services. Follow-up from referral and admission to 3 and 12 months. Methods: Standardized questionnaires measuring the child mental health symptoms and parental anxiety and depression converted to standardized scores and compared to each child’s clinical diagnosis. Results: Significant group mean improvement on almost all problem scales at the 3-month follow-up (T2) remaining through 12-month follow-up (T3) relative to admission (T1). Aggression showed the highest levels and largest improvements. Statistically significant improvements were widespread, whereas clinically significant improvements were found for some diagnostic groups on diagnosis-related problems and secondary problems. Improvement in child symptoms were partly correlated with improvement in parental anxiety symptoms. Implications: Even previously nonresponding children may benefit from broad tailored interventions including parents and the wider system. Development of systematic component approaches is needed.

Download Full-text

The 12-month prevalence of psychotic experiences and their association with clinical outcomes in Hong Kong: an epidemiological and a 2-year follow up studies

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291720001452 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Sherry Kit Wa Chan ◽

Kaspar Kit Wai Lee ◽

Veronica Hei Yan Chan ◽

Herbert H. Pang ◽

Corine Sau Man Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Hong Kong ◽

Chinese Population ◽

Latent Class ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Psychotic Experiences ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background The relationship between the subtypes of psychotic experiences (PEs) and common mental health symptoms remains unclear. The current study aims to establish the 12-month prevalence of PEs in a representative sample of community-dwelling Chinese population in Hong Kong and explore the relationship of types of PEs and common mental health symptoms. Method This is a population-based two-phase household survey of Chinese population in Hong Kong aged 16–75 (N = 5719) conducted between 2010 and 2013 and a 2-year follow-up study of PEs positive subjects (N = 152). PEs were measured with Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ) and subjects who endorsed any item on the PSQ without a clinical diagnosis of psychotic disorder were considered as PE-positive. Types of PEs were characterized using a number of PEs (single v. multiple) and latent class analysis. All PE-positive subjects were assessed with common mental health symptoms and suicidal ideations at baseline and 2-year follow-up. PE status was also assessed at 2-year follow-up. Results The 12-month prevalence of PEs in Hong Kong was 2.7% with 21.1% had multiple PEs. Three latent classes of PEs were identified: hallucination, paranoia and mixed. Multiple PEs and hallucination latent class of PEs were associated with higher levels of common mental health symptoms. PE persistent rate at 2-year follow-up was 15.1%. Multiple PEs was associated with poorer mental health at 2-year follow-up. Conclusions Results highlighted the transient and heterogeneous nature of PEs, and that multiple PEs and hallucination subtype of PEs may be specific indices of poorer common mental health.

Download Full-text

Changes in prevalence of mental disorders among internally displaced persons in central Sudan: a 1-year follow-up study

Global Mental Health ◽

10.1017/gmh.2020.16 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Zienat Sanhori ◽

Edvard Hauff ◽

Arne H. Eide ◽

Ibrahimu Mdala ◽

Abdullah Abdelrahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Household Survey ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Internally Displaced Persons ◽

Displaced Persons ◽

Internally Displaced ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

Central Sudan

Abstract Background Sudan has one of the largest numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world, estimated at five million. The main cause of displacement was the civil war. Attention to the health and in particular the mental health of IDPs has been lacking. That includes limited population longitudinal data describing the “natural” fluctuations of mental morbidity among these groups. The aim of this study is to investigate the level and stability of mental disorders among IDPs over a 1-year period. Method In this 1-year follow-up of IDPs in two settlement areas in central Sudan, 1549 persons 18 years or older were interviewed twice using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Trained psychologists collected the data in a random household survey in the selected IDP areas. Results We found overall high stability among those having and those free of mental disorders in this 1-year follow-up study. There were, however, discernible and statistically significant increases in overall new cases of mental disorders from T1 to T2 as major depression increased by 1.4%, generalized anxiety by 2.8% and social phobia by 1.4%. Conclusion The study revealed continued high levels and increases of mental disorders over time, although with a pattern of substantial persistence among those initially ill and limited recovery. This might be due to a complex set of factors such as unavailability of mental health services, poverty, low educational level and social exclusion.

Download Full-text