scholarly journals STARC-SUD – Adaptation of a transdiagnostic intervention for refugees with substance use disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Special Issue) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annett Lotzin ◽  
Jutta Lindert ◽  
Theresa Koch ◽  
Alexandra Liedl ◽  
Ingo Schäfer
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cultural Concepts

Background Refugees often suffer from multiple mental health problems, which transdiagnostic interventions can address. STARC (Skills-Training of Affect Regulation – A Culture-sensitive Approach) is a culturally sensitive transdiagnostic group intervention that has been developed for refugees to improve affect regulation. In refugees with substance use disorders (SUD), the consideration of SUD-specific elements might improve the acceptance and effectiveness of such an intervention. We aimed to adapt the STARC program for refugees with SUD in a culturally sensitive way. Method The conceptual framework of Heim and Kohrt (2019) was used to culturally sensitively adapt the STARC program to the needs of Syrian refugees with SUD. The results of five focus group discussions with refugees on cultural concepts of SUD and their treatment informed the adaption. An expert group suggested adaptions and decided by consensus on their implementation. Two pilot groups were conducted with the adapted STARC-SUD program. Interviews with the therapists of these pilot groups informed further adaption. Results The concepts related to SUD identified in focus groups and therapists’ interviews that differed from Western concepts were integrated into the STARC intervention. Discussion Further studies should assess the acceptance and effectiveness of the culturally sensitive STARC-SUD program for refugees with SUD.

scholarly journals Substance use Treatment and Harm Reduction Services for Migrants and Refugees in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Global Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelis De Jong ◽  
Ali Farhoudian ◽  
Mehrnoosh Vahidi ◽  
Mohsen Ebrahimi ◽  
Hamed Ekhtiari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
World Health ◽  
Substance Use Treatment ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Addiction Medicine ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Migrants and refugees are considered vulnerable to mental health problems and substance use disorders; and may be particularly affected by service disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) ran a multi-phased global survey among clinicians and health professional that are actively working in the field of addiction medicine to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and related services. In March 2020, the first month after the announcement of the pandemic by the World Health Organization, 177 informants from 77 countries took part in the global survey, and only 12.9% of them reported their countries’ substance use treatment and harm reduction services for the migrants and refugees with substance use disorders continued as usual. In May 2020, 11.7% of respondents of the second phase reported that the services for refugees and migrants improved in comparison to March 2020; 11.7% reported that these services in their country discontinued. Results suggest that refugee and migrants access to treatment and harm reduction services has been reduced as a result of COVID-19. It can be concluded that it is crucial to improve the visibility of migrants’ needs and exploit appropriate interventions for those with substance use disorders.

scholarly journals Seasonal Allergies and Psychiatric Disorders in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Oh ◽  
Ai Koyanagi ◽  
Jordan DeVylder ◽  
Andrew Stickley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies have been associated with mental health problems, though the evidence is still emergent, particularly in the United States. We analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication and the National Latino and Asian American Survey (years 2001–2003). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relations between lifetime allergies and lifetime psychiatric disorders (each disorder in a separate model), adjusting for socio-demographic variables (including region of residence) and tobacco use. Analyses were also stratified to test for effect modification by race and sex. A history of seasonal allergies was associated with greater odds of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, but not alcohol or substance use disorders, after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and tobacco use. The associations between seasonal allergies and mood disorders, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorders were particularly strong for Latino Americans. The association between seasonal allergies and eating disorders was stronger for men than women. Seasonal allergies are a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Individuals complaining of seasonal allergies should be screened for early signs of mental health problems and referred to specialized services accordingly.

Risk classes of patients diagnosed with substance use disorders in Dutch forensic psychiatric centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Michele Schmitter ◽  
Jeroen Vermunt ◽  
Eric Blaauw ◽  
Stefan Bogaerts
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Forensic Patients ◽  
Axis I ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric

Purpose Given the complex association between substance use disorders (SUD), comorbid mental health problems and criminal recidivism in forensic patients, homogenous patient classes can contribute to a refined treatment. This paper aims to construct those classes in forensic patients (N = 286) diagnosed with SUD, unconditionally released between 2004 and 2013 of one of ten Dutch forensic psychiatric centers. Design/methodology/approach Retrospective data were derived from electronic patient files. Classes were based on the Dutch risk assessment tool, the Historisch Klinisch Toekomst-Revisie (Historical Clinical Future–Revised [HKT-R]) and identified by means of explorative Latent Class Analysis in Latent Gold version 5.1. In a three-step approach, posterior class memberships were related to external variables (i.e. diagnoses, type of drug and type of offence). Findings Four classes were identified that differ in the risk of recidivism, as well as Axis I and II diagnoses and type of drug consumption. Practical implications This study informed on the heterogeneity of forensic patients with SUD and identified four homogenous classes that differ in important variables for the treatment approach. Based on these classes, a more refined treatment approach can be developed. Possible treatment approaches are discussed, but future research is needed to provide evidence. Originality/value This study is the first to identify classes within forensic patients with SUD and, therefore, sets the first step to develop a tailored treatment approach based on characteristics informative for treatment.

Depression, Substance Use and Suicidality in Help-Seeking Adolescents: A Survey of Prevalence

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Cosgrave ◽  
Eóin Killackey ◽  
Alison Yung ◽  
Joe Buckby ◽  
Katherine Godfrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Public Mental Health

AbstractMental health problems affect a sizeable minority of Australian adolescents. Depression and substance use disorders are common mental disorders reported in this age group. Difficulties of this nature that manifest in adolescence will often continue into adulthood. This report describes a sample of adolescents referred to a public mental health service with respect to their psychiatric diagnoses, depressive symptoms, patterns of substance use and level of suicidality. Mood disorders and substance-use disorders were both prevalent in the sample of participants, with sizeable comorbidity reflected in the number ol participants meeting criteria for both of these diagnoses. Data revealed participants with a psychiatric diagnosis were significantly more likely to have made a suicide attempt than those with no diagnosis. High levels of depressive symptoms were associated with suicidality, illicit substance use, and the likelihood of having a psychiatric diagnosis. Heavy use of alcohol was prevalent in this group, but unrelated to the other variables of interest to the study. These results are discussed with respect to the importance of early detection of vulnerable students in a school setting.

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