scholarly journals A systematic review of studies describing the influence of informal social support on psychological wellbeing in people bereaved by sudden or violent causes of death

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Rachel Scott ◽  
Alexandra Pitman ◽  
Petya Kozhuharova ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Informal Social Support

Abstract Aims: Whilst any type of bereavement can be traumatic, bereavement through violent or sudden causes is associated with more severe negative health and wellbeing outcomes compared to other types of loss. Social support has been found to have a positive impact on wellbeing after traumatic events in general. However, this association appears to be less consistently demonstrated in studies that focus on bereavement, and the literature in this area has not yet been systematically reviewed. This study aimed to review the international literature to examine systematically whether there is an association between informal social support from family and friends after bereavement through sudden and/or violent causes and post-bereavement wellbeing.Methods: We conducted a systematic search for quantitative studies that tested for an association between social support and any outcome related to wellbeing after a sudden and/or violent loss. Included studies were assessed for quality, and findings were reported using the approach of narrative synthesis. The review was pre-registered on Prospero (registration number CRD42018093704).Results: We identified 16 papers that met inclusion criteria, 11 of which we assessed as being of good or fair quality and 5 as poor quality. 15 different wellbeing outcomes were measured across all studies. We found consistent evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of depression, predominantly consistent evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and conflicting evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of complicated grief.Conclusions: Our systematic review identified evidence to suggest that social support after sudden or violent bereavement is associated with a reduced severity of depressive and PTSD symptoms. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore potential causality in this relationship, widening the focus from common mental disorders to include other mental illnesses, wellbeing outcomes, and suicide-related outcomes after bereavement. There is also a need for consensus on the conceptualisation and measurement of social support. Our findings imply that interventions to improve access to and quality of social support may reduce the burden of mental illness after bereavement, and may therefore be worth investing in.

scholarly journals A systematic review of studies describing the influence of informal social support on psychological wellbeing in people bereaved by sudden or violent causes of death

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Rachel Scott ◽  
Alexandra Pitman ◽  
Petya Kozhuharova ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Informal Social Support

Abstract Aims Whilst all bereavements are traumatic, bereavement through violent or unexpected causes is associated with more severe negative health and wellbeing outcomes compared to other types of loss. Social support has been found to have a positive impact on wellbeing after traumatic events in general. However, this association appears to be less consistently demonstrated in studies that focus on bereavement, and the literature in this area has not yet been systematically reviewed. This study aimed to review the international literature to examine systematically whether there is an association between informal social support from family and friends after bereavement through sudden and/or violent causes and post-bereavement wellbeing. Methods We conducted a systematic search for quantitative studies that tested for an association between social support and any outcome related to wellbeing after a sudden and/or violent loss. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias, and findings were reported using the approach of narrative synthesis. The review was pre-registered on Prospero (registration number CRD42018093704). Results We identified 16 papers that met inclusion criteria, all of which we assessed as having generally low or moderate risk of bias. 15 different wellbeing outcomes were measured across all studies. We found consistent evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of depression, predominantly consistent evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and conflicting evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of complicated grief. Conclusions Our systematic review identified evidence to suggest that social support after sudden or violent bereavement is associated with a reduced severity of depressive and PTSD symptoms. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore potential causality in this relationship, widening the focus from common mental disorders to include other mental illnesses, wellbeing outcomes, and suicide-related outcomes after bereavement. There is also a need for consensus on the conceptualisation and measurement of social support. Our findings imply that interventions to improve access to and quality of social support may reduce the burden of mental illness after bereavement, and may therefore be worth investing in.

scholarly journals A systematic review of studies describing the influence of informal social support on psychological wellbeing in people bereaved by sudden or violent causes of death

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Rachel Scott ◽  
Alexandra Pitman ◽  
Petya Kozhuharova ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Informal Social Support

Abstract Aims Whilst any type of bereavement can be traumatic, bereavement through violent or sudden causes is associated with more severe negative health and wellbeing outcomes compared to other types of loss. Social support has been found to have a positive impact on wellbeing after traumatic events in general. However, this association appears to be less consistently demonstrated in studies that focus on bereavement, and the literature in this area has not yet been systematically reviewed. This study aimed to review the international literature to examine systematically whether there is an association between informal social support from family and friends after bereavement through sudden and/or violent causes and post-bereavement wellbeing. Methods We conducted a systematic search for quantitative studies that tested for an association between social support and any outcome related to wellbeing after a sudden and/or violent loss. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias, and findings were reported using the approach of narrative synthesis. The review was pre-registered on Prospero (registration number CRD42018093704). Results We identified 16 papers that met inclusion criteria, all of which we assessed as having generally low or moderate risk of bias. 15 different wellbeing outcomes were measured across all studies. We found consistent evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of depression, predominantly consistent evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and conflicting evidence for an inverse association between social support and symptoms/presence of complicated grief. Conclusions Our systematic review identified evidence to suggest that social support after sudden or violent bereavement is associated with a reduced severity of depressive and PTSD symptoms. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore potential causality in this relationship, widening the focus from common mental disorders to include other mental illnesses, wellbeing outcomes, and suicide-related outcomes after bereavement. There is also a need for consensus on the conceptualisation and measurement of social support. Our findings imply that interventions to improve access to and quality of social support may reduce the burden of mental illness after bereavement, and may therefore be worth investing in.

scholarly journals Anxiety Disorders and PTSD in Palestine: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mohammad-Zeyad Marie ◽  
Sana Asad Mohammad SaadAdeen ◽  
Maher Mohammad Khalil Battat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Political Violence ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress

Abstract Background The WHO reports that anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders worldwide. Most people who experience such events recover from them, but people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continue to be severely depressed and anxious for months or even years following the event. Palestinians are especially at a higher risk for developing anxiety disorders and PTSD due to their chronic exposure to political violence, prolonged displacement, and others as a limited professional, educational, financial opportunities, and mental health services. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the literature and established studies concerning Anxiety disorders besides PTSD in Palestine.Methods PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar was used to search for materials, for the critical analysis of empirical articles, the following aspects were considered: study type, sample, and the key findings. Results Twenty-four studies from Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) were included in this review. Five studies related to children, five related to Adolescent, three related to women, three related to physical diseased and four related to gender and age differences.Results showed that anxiety disorders and PTSD were one of the most common mental disorders in Palestine. Anxiety and PTSD develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, personality, and life events. They are highly associated with poor quality of life and disability. The results indicate that a significant proportion of Palestinian experiencing serious psychological distress especially anxiety and PTSD. Therefore, a mental health policy for Palestinians must deal with several challenges. Distinct barriers including inconsistent availability of medications, absence of multidisciplinary teamwork, insufficient specialists, fragmented mental health system, and occupation need to be addressed.Conclusion As a primary prevention, the occupation should be considered as a main source of the anxiety and other mental health disorders in Palestine. Besides, there is a need to implement mental health care system through the multidisciplinary work and raising awareness regarding prevalent of mental disorders.

scholarly journals Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 206 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Hoskins ◽  
Jennifer Pearce ◽  
Andrew Bethell ◽  
Liliya Dankova ◽  
Corrado Barbui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundPharmacological treatment is widely used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) despite questions over its efficacy.AimsTo determine the efficacy of all types of pharmacotherapy, as monotherapy, in reducing symptoms of PTSD, and to assess acceptability.MethodA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was undertaken; 51 studies were included.ResultsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were found to be statistically superior to placebo in reduction of PTSD symptoms but the effect size was small (standardised mean difference −0.23, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.12). For individual pharmacological agents compared with placebo in two or more trials, we found small statistically significant evidence of efficacy for fluoxetine, paroxetine and venlafaxine.ConclusionsSome drugs have a small positive impact on PTSD symptoms and are acceptable. Fluoxetine, paroxetine and venlafaxine may be considered as potential treatments for the disorder. For most drugs there is inadequate evidence regarding efficacy for PTSD, pointing to the need for more research in this area.

scholarly journals Psychosocial job stressors and suicidality: a meta-analysis and systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Milner ◽  
Katrina Witt ◽  
Anthony D LaMontagne ◽  
Isabelle Niedhammer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Job Stressors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Job Stressor

ObjectivesJob stressors are known determinants of common mental disorders. Over the past 10 years, there has been evidence that job stressors may also be risk factors for suicidality. The current paper sought to examine this topic through the first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to date.MethodsWe used a three-tier search strategy of seven electronic databases. Studies were included if they reported on a job stressor or job-related stress as an exposure and suicide ideation, self-harm, suicide attempt or suicide as an outcome. Two researchers independently screened articles. All extracted effect estimates were converted to log-transformed ORs.ResultsThere were 22 studies that were included in meta-analysis. Overall, exposure to job stressors was associated with elevated risk of suicide ideation and behaviours. The OR for suicide ideation (14 studies) ranged from 1.45 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.08) for poor supervisor and colleague support to 1.91 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.99) for job insecurity. For suicide (six studies), exposure to lower supervisor and collegial support produced an OR of 1.16 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.38), while low job control resulted in an OR of 1.23 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.50). There were only two studies that examined suicide attempt, both of which suggested an adverse effect of exposure to job stressors.ConclusionsThis study provides some evidence that job stressors may be related to suicidal outcomes. However, as most studies in the area were cross-sectional and observational in design, there is a need for longitudinal research to assess the robustness of observed associations.

Economic evaluation and costs of telepsychiatry programmes: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2093891 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A Naslund ◽  
Lauren M Mitchell ◽  
Udita Joshi ◽  
Dipal Nagda ◽  
Chunling Lu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress

Objective Telepsychiatry involves use of telecommunications technology to deliver psychiatric care and offers promise to reduce costs and increase access to mental health services. This systematic review examined cost reporting of telepsychiatry programmes for mental healthcare. Methods We systematically searched electronic databases for studies reporting costs, including economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness analyses, or costs of developing telepsychiatry programmes for clinical care of mental disorders. Included studies enrolled participants with mental disorders and involved telepsychiatry for depression, anxiety disorders, serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia or epilepsy. Results Twenty-six unique studies met inclusion criteria (17,967 participants), with most targeting depression ( n = 7; 27%), general mental disorders and screening ( n = 7; 27%), child mental health ( n = 4; 15%) and geriatric mental health ( n = 4; 15%). Nearly all studies ( n = 25; 96%) compared telepsychiatry programme costs with either standard in-person consultation or usual care, with 15 (60%) reporting that telepsychiatry programmes were less expensive, and 8 (32%) showing telepsychiatry programmes were more expensive. Three studies reported cost-effectiveness analyses, favouring telepsychiatry programmes, but at highly elevated cost-effectiveness thresholds. Few studies reported costs of developing or delivering telepsychiatry programmes. Conclusion Costs of telepsychiatry programmes varied widely, with substantial heterogeneity in how costs were defined and reported. Some programmes cost less than in-person services while others cost more. Therefore, rigorous cost-effectiveness studies following established standards in economic evaluation are needed to inform implementation and sustainability of these programmes in health systems.

scholarly journals Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, or Substance Use Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Sheng Chao ◽  
Jennifer Horton
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Motivational Enhancement Therapy ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Two systematic reviews, 3 randomized controlled trials, and 2 single-arm safety trials were identified that evaluated several combinations of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Psilocybin was the psychedelic most tested. Other psychedelics identified in the systematic reviews and primary studies were 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (or MDMA), lysergic acid diethylamide (or LSD), ayahuasca (also named N,N-dimethyltryptamine [or DMT]), ibogaine, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. Manualized therapy (not defined) and non-directive support (not defined) were the psychotherapies most studied in the relevant primary studies in the 2 systematic reviews. Other psychotherapies identified included integrative psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), CBT and motivational enhancement therapy, psychosocial interventions, non-directive support, group talk therapy, and guided support. Clinical effectiveness lasting weeks to months was observed in 1 systematic review that reviewed primary studies examining various combinations of psychedelics and psychotherapy in patients with various mental health conditions. Significant improvement in symptom scores related to mental illnesses and no serious and long-term adverse events were reported in the other systematic review. Various combinations of psychedelics and psychotherapies were evaluated in 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 safety studies. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapies were associated with improvements in the symptoms related to substance use disorder in 2 RCTs. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy was reported to be efficacious in treating MDD in 1 RCT. No serious adverse effects were reported in the RCTs or in 2 safety trials using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. There were several limitations to the included studies, including small sample sizes (less than 20 in the majority of primary studies), relatively short follow-ups (1 week to 3 years; less than or equal to 1 year in 27 out of 31 relevant publications), differences in psychotherapy classification between systematic reviews, considerable heterogeneity between studies, and unclear generalizability and availability of the interventions in Canadian contexts. Therefore, findings should be interpreted with caution. No relevant guidelines were identified.

scholarly journals Anxiety Disorders and PTSD in Palestine: Litreture review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mohammad-Zeyad Marie ◽  
Sana SaadAdeen ◽  
Maher Battat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Political Violence ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
West Bank And Gaza

Abstract Background The WHO reports that anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders worldwide. Most people who experience such events recover from them, but people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continue to be severely depressed and anxious for months or even years following the event. Palestinians are especially at a higher risk for developing anxiety disorders and PTSD due to their chronic exposure to political violence, prolonged displacement, and others as a limited professional, educational, financial opportunities, and mental health services. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the literature and established studies concerning Anxiety disorders besides PTSD in Palestine.Methods PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar was used to search for materials, for the critical analysis of empirical articles, the following aspects were considered: study type, sample, and the key findings.Results Twenty-four studies from Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) were included in this review. Five studies related to children, five related to Adolescent, three related to women, three related to physical diseases and four related to gender and age differences . Results showed that anxiety disorders and PTSD were one of the most common mental disorders in Palestine. Anxiety and PTSD develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, personality, and life events. They are highly associated with poor quality of life and disability. The results indicate that a significant proportion of Palestinian experiencing serious psychological distress especially anxiety and PTSD. Therefore, a mental health policy for Palestinians must deal with several challenges. Distinct barriers including inconsistent availability of medications, absence of multidisciplinary teamwork, insufficient specialists, fragmented mental health system, and occupation need to be addressed.Conclusion As a primary prevention, occupation has to be considered as a main source of the anxiety and other mental health disorders in Palestine. Besides, there is a need to implement mental health care system through the multidisciplinary work and raising awareness regarding prevalent of mental disorders.

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