scholarly journals SUBSTANCE USE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN THE PSYCHIATRIC CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: University stage imply some changes and challenges that turn it into a crucial and tricky period for mental health and substance use. Material and methods: We present a study based on a sample of 49 people of the university community, 37 women and 12 men, evaluated in a seven months period. The assessment consisted in an interview carried out by a psychiatrist. A database was designed, providing the clinical information obtained from the interview and entry sheets during the first visit. Following descriptive and analytic studies were performed using the hypothesis contrast “Chi-Square” test. The reference statistical significance level was α = 0.05. Aims: To study the impact of substance use in the mental health of our sample in order to implement new prevention and treatment strategies. Results: 53,1% of the sample abuse substances: 30,8% men and 69,2% women (p 0,277). Alcohol is the most used substance in the sample (80,8%), followed by tobacco (57,7%) and cannabis (30,8%). Concerning psychopathology, insomnia (53,8%) is the most frequent symptom (p 0,260); thoughts of death were present in 46,2% of the substance users (p 0,419); while self-harm (p 0,365) and suicidal attempts (p 0,113) were described by the 19,2% of that group of the sample. Eating disorders and psychosis were observed in 23,1% (p 0,560) and 11,5% (p 0,743) respectively. Conclusions: Substance use is a very prevalent practice in our sample. We have observed some clinical symptoms are frequent in this part of the sample and we should pay special attention to their prevention and early treatment, as well as that of the substance use. This way we could minimize and tackle Mental Health problems in our sample.

scholarly journals EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SAMPLE OF PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE FROM THE PSYCHIATRIC CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Contact Method ◽  
Main Diagnosis ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
The University ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Introduction: University life presents changes and challenges that may affect the mental health of its community and be the onset of substance use. Aim: To study epidemiological characteristics in our sample to help to improve prevention and treatment for mental health problems related to substance use. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study is based on a sample of 49 people, 37 women and 12 men, members of the university community. A database was designed with clinical information about psychiatric patients obtained from the interview and entry sheets during the first visit. Results: 53,1% of the sample confirmed substance use. The mean age of patients was 22,35 years and 69,2% of them were women and 30,8% were men. Alcohol was the main used substance (80,8%), followed by tobacco (57,7%) and cannabis (30,8%). Most patients were from other provinces of Spain different from Salamanca (57,7%). Law and Social Sciences (38,5%) and Health Sciences (26,9%) were the most frequent academic fields. The main contact method was self-consultation (76,9%) and in most cases (46,2%) the reason of the consultation was not specific. After the interview, the main diagnosis impressions were major depressive disorder (19,2%), anxiety disorder (15,3%) and prodromal symptoms of psychosis (15,4%). Most of the patients were treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy (42,3%). Conclusion: We should consider the possible impact of substance use in our patient’s mental health and take account of it when choosing their treatment. We should continue studying epidemiological characteristics to help to improve prevention measures and treatments in the future.

Improving lives not just saying no to substances: Evaluating outcomes for a young people’s substance use team trained in the AMBIT approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 490-504
Author(s):  
Peter Fuggle ◽  
Laura Talbot ◽  
James Wheeler ◽  
Jessica Rees ◽  
Emily Ventre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Young People ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Integrative Therapy ◽  
The Impact

Adaptive Mentalization Based Integrative Therapy (AMBIT) is a systemic, mentalization based intervention designed for young people with multiple problems including mental health problems. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of this approach both on clinical and functional outcomes for young people seen by a specialist young people’s substance use service between 2015 and 2018. About 499 cases were seen by the service during this period. Substance use outcomes were obtained for 383 cases using the Treatment Outcome Profile (TOP). Cannabis and alcohol use were the key substance use problems for 81% and 63% respectively. Functional outcomes using the AMBIT Integrative Measure (AIM) were obtained for 100 cases covering domains of daily living, socio-economic context, peer relationships and mental health. At treatment end, cannabis use reduced significantly ( t = 10.78; df = 311; p = .00; Cohen’s d ES.61 as did alcohol use ( t = 6.938; df = 242; p = .000; ES 0.44). Functional improvements were shown in five out of seven domains with highly significant total functional improvements on key problems selected by the client ( t = 14.01; df = 99; p = .000; ES1.34). Measuring functional as well as clinical outcomes appears to reflect more accurately the overall benefit of the service to clients.

Understanding addiction, relapse and recovery amongst substance using offenders – a qualitative study informed by developmental psychological theories

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-352
Author(s):  
Beverly Love ◽  
Arlene Vetere ◽  
Paul Davis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Social Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Life ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Psychological developmental informed theories imply that addiction is not exclusively due to the addictive properties of the substance but that early psycho-social experiences are influential on later life. The purpose of this paper is to understand substance dependency, relapse and recovery amongst community-based substance using offenders in relation to their childhoods, relationships and significant life events, from their perspective. A key aim was to help better inform policy and practice. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study (interpretative phenomenological analysis) was used to understand the impact of childhood, relationships and significant life events amongst (N = 17) adult ex/offenders with substance use dependency problems, (who were part of the UK Government rehabilitation programme), to understand their substance use and recovery from their own perspectives. Findings Four main superordinate themes were developed illustrating participants extremely adverse childhoods. Substance use was a means to cope with current and past trauma and crises and to help manage the emotions and mental health which could accompany these difficulties. Managing recovery was about learning to manage life itself, including emotions, mental health problems, trauma/responses, relationships and everyday life. Originality/value This group is under researched where qualitative methods have been used. The study focussed on early-psycho-social experiences and relationships and the influence of these throughout the life cycle, in relation to their substance use. The study was informed by theories often used in therapeutic settings but rarely in research, (Orford, 2008; Khantzian, 2012; Flores, 2012, Van Der Kolk, 2014).

Investigating Mental Health Implications for Drug Court Participants

2020 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2092803
Author(s):  
Alexis M. Humenik ◽  
Sindhu Shivaji ◽  
Sara L. Dolan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Drug Court ◽  
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Scales ◽  
Drug Court Treatment ◽  
Abuse Treatment ◽  
The Impact

Drug Court Treatment (DCT) Programs seek to integrate substance abuse treatment into the criminal justice system by providing a structured environment for offenders who engage in treatment in lieu of incarceration. DCT has shown successes in reducing drug/alcohol use, recidivism, and cost, but the impact of DCT on non-substance-related mental health outcomes is less clear. This study evaluated mental health correlates within a DCT sample through analyses of participants’ pre-entry and pre-graduation Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Second Edition (MMPI-2) profiles. When diagnostic information was available, mood disorders had the highest comorbidity with alcohol/substance use diagnoses. Comparisons across administrations of the MMPI-2 indicated significant differences among mean scores on 6 Clinical scales, and mean profile elevation scores significantly decreased. Results suggest a significant presence of mental health comorbidities in DCT programs, and significant mental health improvements were seen for graduates, suggesting the utility of DCT for treating mental health problems in addition to substance use.

scholarly journals Opportunities to Integrate Mobile App–Based Interventions Into Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in the Wake of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110553
Author(s):  
Derek D. Satre ◽  
Meredith C. Meacham ◽  
Lauren D. Asarnow ◽  
Weston S. Fisher ◽  
Lisa R. Fortuna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Substance Use Disorder Treatment ◽  
Disorder Treatment ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns about the impact of depression, anxiety, alcohol, and drug use on public health. Mobile apps to address these problems were increasingly popular even before the pandemic, and may help reach people who otherwise have limited treatment access. In this review, we describe pandemic-related substance use and mental health problems, the growing evidence for mobile app efficacy, how health systems can integrate apps into patient care, and future research directions. If equity in access and effective implementation can be addressed, mobile apps are likely to play an important role in mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

scholarly journals Developmental cascade models of a parenting-focused program for divorced families on mental health problems and substance use in emerging adulthood

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 869-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharlene A. Wolchik ◽  
Jenn-Yun Tein ◽  
Irwin N. Sandler ◽  
Han-Joe Kim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Divorced Families ◽  
Cascade Effects ◽  
The Impact

AbstractA developmental cascade model from functioning in adolescence to emerging adulthood was tested using data from a 15-year longitudinal follow-up of 240 emerging adults whose families participated in a randomized, experimental trial of a preventive program for divorced families. Families participated in the program or literature control condition when the offspring were ages 9–12. Short-term follow-ups were conducted 3 months and 6 months following completion of the program when the offspring were in late childhood/early adolescence. Long-term follow-ups were conducted 6 years and 15 years after program completion when the offspring were in middle to late adolescence and emerging adulthood, respectively. It was hypothesized that the impact of the program on mental health and substance use outcomes in emerging adulthood would be explained by developmental cascade effects of program effects in adolescence. The results provided support for a cascade effects model. Specifically, academic competence in adolescence had cross-domain effects on internalizing problems and externalizing problems in emerging adulthood. In addition, adaptive coping in adolescence was significantly, negatively related to binge drinking. It was unexpected that internalizing symptoms in adolescence were significantly negatively related to marijuana use and alcohol use. Gender differences occurred in the links between mental health problems and substance use in adolescence and mental health problems and substance use in emerging adulthood.

Psychotherapeutic components of commercially available virtual reality games (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almira Osmanovic Thunström ◽  
Iris Sarajlic Vuković ◽  
Lilas Ali ◽  
Tomas Larson ◽  
Steinn Steingrimsson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Unique Games

BACKGROUND Immersive virtual reality (VR) games are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. Several studies support immersive VR technology as a treatment method for mental health problems. There is however minimal research into the feasibility, prevalence, and quality of commercially available VR games on commercial platforms as tools for treatment or add on to treatment of mental health problems. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, feasibility and quality of commercially available games related to psychotherapy on a commercially available platform. METHODS We performed a search for keywords related to diagnosis and treatment strategies of mental health problems. The search was performed during March 27th on STEAM (VR content and gaming platform). A usability scale was used as a tool to look at the interaction and usability of the games, the VR-UI-UX-8. The tool contains 8 statements about usability scored 0-10, 0 indicating “Not at all” and 10 indicating “very much so”. The score ranges from 0-80 with a higher score indicating worse usability. RESULTS In total, 516 hits were found, 371 unique games. After the games were reviewed, 83 games passed the inclusion criteria, were purchased and played. Majority of the games which were excluded were either not connected to mental health, contained violence, adult content or were in other ways irrelevant or inappropriate. The mean score for the games on the VR-UI-UX-8 was 16.5 (standard deviation 15.8) with a range from 0-68. Most relevant and feasible games were found in the search words meditation, mindfulness, and LSD. CONCLUSIONS Commercial platforms hold great potential for VR games with psychotherapeutic components. The platforms are only at the beginning of the development towards serious games, e-learning and psychotherapeutic treatments. Currently the quality and usability for clinical and at home applicability are scarce, but hold great potential.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Post-Traumatic Symptomatology among Dental Healthcare Workers in Russia: Results of a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sarapultseva ◽  
Alena Zolotareva ◽  
Igor Kritsky ◽  
Natal’ya Nasretdinova ◽  
Alexey Sarapultsev
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection has increased the risk of mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at greater risk than other occupational groups. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to explore the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among dental HCWs in Russia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The survey was carried out among 128 dental HCWs from three dental clinics of Ekaterinburg, Russia. The mean age of the sample was 38.6 years. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report (PSS-SR); subjective distress was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The results indicated that 20.3–24.2% HCWs had mild to extremely severe symptoms of psychological distress, and 7.1–29.7% had clinical symptoms of PTSD. No differences between females and males were revealed. HCWs working directly with patients had significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms and the risk of PTSD development compared to those working indirectly, whereas older HCWs had significantly higher levels of both psychological distress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger HCWs. Thus, dental HCWs are at high risk for psychological distress and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes in rehabilitation actors’ mental health literacy and support to employers: An evaluation of the SEAM intervention

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Annika Lexén ◽  
Maria Emmelin ◽  
Lars Hansson ◽  
Bengt Svensson ◽  
Susann Porter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Lack of mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and employers in the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems resulted in the development of a three-day group training program, the Support to Employers from rehabilitation Actors about Mental health (SEAM) intervention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of SEAM on rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge and beliefs, attitudes, and supporting behaviors towards people with mental health problems and employers as part of the return-to-work process. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 94 rehabilitation professionals were included. Data were collected prior to (T1), immediately after (T2) and 6 months after SEAM training (T3) using knowledge and attitude scales and a questionnaire on supporting behaviors. SEAM includes training in Mental Health First Aid, presentations and discussions on current research on work and mental health, and strategies and communication guidelines to use when meeting service users and employers as part of the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems. SEAM also includes a homepage with targeted employer information. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: SEAM significantly increased rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge of mental health (T1-T2: z = –2.037, p = 0.042; T2-T3: z = –5.093, p = 0.001), and improved their attitudes towards persons with mental health problems (T1-T2: z = 4.984, p = 0.001). Professionals (50–60%) also estimated that they had increased their use of supporting strategies towards service users and employers. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that SEAM can increase mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and lead to a greater focus on service users’ resources and work ability, as well as on employers’ support needs.

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