scholarly journals Romanian GPs Involvement in Caring for the Mental Health Problems of the Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raluca Sfetcu ◽  
Daciana Toma ◽  
Catalina Tudose ◽  
Cristian Vladescu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
National Society

The mental health of the elderly is a matter of increased concern in the context of an aging population since currently only a small fraction of this population is receiving adequate care. The provision of treatment in primary care by the General Practitioners (GPs) has been proposed for over a decade as a potential solution, as services offered by GPs are more accessible, less susceptible to stigma, and have a more comprehensive view of the other health care problems that the elderly might suffer from. In this study, we explored the perception of Romanian GPs regarding their practice and roles in caring for the mental health of the elderly as well as the willingness to increase their future involvement in the management of dementia and other mental health problems. Data was collected via an online questionnaire structured on four dimensions: (1) GPs' sociodemographic profile and practice characteristics, (2) GPs assessment of the services available for elderly with mental health problems, (3) GPs current involvement in mental health care for different categories of problems, and (4) factors that might influence the future involvement of GPs in providing care for elderly with mental health problems. The survey was sent via the member mailing lists of the National Society for Family Medicine. Results show that GPs are currently limited by prescribing possibilities, available resources and knowledge in the area, but they are willing to expand their role in the areas of early recognition and prevention of mental health problems as well as providing disease management and collaborative care. An improved communication with mental health care professionals, a better access to resources and having more financial incentives are the three most important categories for GPs to increase their involvement. In conclusion, increasing the access to personal and professional resources and setting up functional communication channels with specialized mental health care could motivate GPs to provide timely mental health support to elderly patients.

High variability of the current mental health practices around the globe: Twenty days in the lives of psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals from all over the world

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reinhard Heun ◽  
Jibril Ibrahim Moussa Handuleh ◽  
Juan Evangelista Tercero Gaitán Buitrago ◽  
Melvin S. Marsh ◽  
Vitalii Klymchuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future ◽  
Mental Health Practices

AbstractIntroductionThe present is the future of the past, and the past of the future. This journal as well as this paper endeavour to document the lives and practices of psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals for the future mental health community and to help the clinicians of the future to understand the history and practice of psychiatry and mental health care in 2019/20. We, therefore, report the current days in the lives of psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals.Material and MethodsTo obtain reports of days in the lives of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, we published the request on eight occasions from May 2019 to May 2020. We invited the prospective respondents/participants to send a relevant report of their psychiatric practice in a day with a maximum word count of 750 words.ResultsWe received 20 reports of variable lengths from 10 countries from six continents, including from psychiatrists, psychiatrists in training, clinical psychologists and from medical students about their psychiatric training. The reports revealed a wide and highly variable range of psychiatric and mental health practices, experiences and expectations. Last but not least, the reports we received were informative and provided much information to reflect on.ConclusionsThere is a common strong commitment to support patients with mental health problems, but the ways this is achieved are so diverse that generalisations about a typical common practice seem impossible. Future studies should focus more systematically on the procedures and practices applied in helping patients with mental health problems in different countries and communities. This knowledge might eventually help identify the procedures and services that are most efficient and helpful in various clinical contexts.

Mental Health Problems and Help-Seeking among Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 189-202
Author(s):  
E.V. Rezun ◽  
◽  
H.R. Slobodskaya ◽  
N.B. Semenova ◽  
T.O. Rippinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽  
Seeking Help

The mental health problems among adolescents have long-lasting effects throughout life. However, research evidence indicates that only 10–30% of adolescents who needed mental health care had received specialized help. The present study reports the prevalence of mental health problems and help-seeking among adolescents, taking into account gender and age differences. The sample included 1752 adolescents (47 % boys,) aged 12-17 years. Data were collected on in two Siberian cities (Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk) using an international self-report questionnaire developed for the school-based Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. Participants were recruited from 18 schools, students completed questionnaires anonymously during school lessons. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, and crosstabs using a chi-squared test. The level of emotional and behavioral problems in Siberian adolescents was slightly higher than that found in European and Asian countries. Twenty three percent of adolescents reported frequent headaches (at least once a week), 11 % reported frequent abdominal pain and 14% suffered from frequent sleep disturbances (3–5 times a week or more). Girls reported a significantly higher level of problems than boys, with the largest gender differences for emotional problems, recurrent pains and sleep disturbances. Weekly consumption of alcohol and daily use of nicotine among boys was more common than among girls (3 % and 6 %, respectively), whereas less frequent use of alcohol and nicotine was commoner in girls (16 %) than in boys (10 %); 7 % of boys and girls had tried drugs at least once. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 22 % of adolescents, 6 % reported suicide attempts and 6 % reported repeated self-harm. One third of adolescents considered seeking outside help and 9 % had actually done so. Girls reported more help-seeking than boys; older girls sought help more often than younger and middle-aged ones. Around one third of adolescents sought help from their relatives; 26 % from friends, the Internet or other non-professional sources; 5 % reported seeking help from a doctor or nurse, and 3 % from a psychologist. The most important independent predictors of seeking help were emotional symptoms, suicidal ideation and hyperactivity/inattention. The results suggest a need for future investigation of the factors associated with help-seeking behavior among adolescents. It is also necessary to develop mental health promotion programs for adolescents, interventions to improve mental health literacy and access to mental health care.

Primary Care Pediatrics and Child Psychopathology: A Review of Diagnostic, Treatment, and Referral Practices

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 78 (6) ◽  
pp. 1044-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Costello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Group Practices ◽  
Primary Care Pediatricians

The quality of mental health care for children depends not only on specialist mental health services, but also on how effectively primary care providers identify, treat, and refer children with emotional and behavioral problems. Recent research has shown that primary care practitioners are the sole providers of mental health care to the majority of people with a mental disorder. For example, Regier et al1 calculated that in 1975 54.1% of persons with a mental disorder were treated only in a primary care or outpatient medical setting, with another 6% receiving care from both specialist mental health and primary care medical facilities. An additional 21.5% were not in treatment or received treatment from nonmedical agencies. If the data were extrapolated for all age groups, these rates would imply that only one child in five with a mental disorder is receiving specialist treatment, three are in the care of a pediatrician, and one is receiving no treatment. This would lead to the conclusion that pediatricians are, according to Regier et al,1 the de facto mental health service for most children in need of such care. It would lend support to the drive to increase pediatricians' awareness of, and training for, the mental health component of their work.2 In this paper, we review the published evidence as it applies to children. SCOPE This review includes the published studies of mental health problems diagnosed by primary care pediatricians, family practitioners, or pediatric nurse practitioners working in outpatient settings in the United States. These include private pediatric practices, group practices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and other types of prepaid group practices. The questions addressed are: (1) What proportion of the children seen by primary care pediatricians and their colleagues are diagnosed by them as having a mental disorder? (2) What proportion of children are referred for specialist evaluation and treatment? (3) What risk factors are associated with a higher probability of receiving a diagnosis of psychopathology? (4) How accurate are primary care pediatricians' diagnoses of mental health problems?

scholarly journals Role of School Health Officers in Mental Health Care for Secondary School Students in Can Tho City, Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 801-811
Author(s):  
Dat Tan Nguyen ◽  
E. Pamela Wright ◽  
Tam Thi Pham ◽  
Joske Bunders
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
School Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
School Students ◽  
Can Tho City

Abstract The objectives of the study were to explore the experiences of school health officers in identifying and managing mental health problems of secondary school students and to gather recommendations from the school officers for improving the effectiveness of mental health care in secondary schools in Can Tho City, Vietnam. We conducted a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews using a semi-structured guideline with 15 school health officers at 15 secondary schools in Can Tho City, Vietnam. Data were analyzed using content-driven analysis to identify recurring themes. The school health officers reported that stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and sexual orientation issues were the most commonly encountered mental health problems among their students. The officers worked with a limited range of interventions for helping these students, such as giving non-narcotic analgesics or advising students to take a short break at school or to go home. Most of them felt that their training was insufficient to deal with mental health problems in an optimal way. They recommended further training to improve their knowledge and skills in recognizing and managing mental health problems in students. They also considered a university-sponsored mental health website a good source of information on mental health care for students. School health officers reported that they did not feel well equipped to manage mental health problems because of insufficient training, lack confidence, and absence of an appropriate network for advice and referral. Updated policies and programs are needed for initial training and refresher courses, which will strengthen the role of school health officers as first line support for secondary school students with mental health problems.

scholarly journals Perceived need, barriers to and facilitators of mental health care among HIV-infected PWID in Hanoi, Vietnam: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minh X. Nguyen ◽  
Vivian F. Go ◽  
Quynh X. Bui ◽  
Bradley N. Gaynes ◽  
Brian W. Pence
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Injection Drug Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems

Abstract Background The HIV epidemic in Vietnam has been primarily driven by injection drug use. HIV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) in Vietnam have very high rates of mental health problems, which can accelerate progression to AIDS and increase mortality rates. No research has explored the barriers and facilitators of mental health care for HIV-infected PWID in Vietnam. Methods We conducted 28 in-depth interviews among HIV-infected PWID (n = 16), HIV and MMT (methadone maintenance treatment) providers (n = 8), and health officials (n = 4) in Hanoi. We explored participants’ perceptions of mental health disorders, and barriers and facilitators to seeking and receiving mental health care. Results HIV-infected PWID were perceived by both PWID, HIV/MMT providers, and health officials to be vulnerable to mental health problems and to have great need for mental health care. Perceived social, physical, and economical barriers included stigma towards HIV, injection drug use, and mental illnesses; lack of awareness around mental health issues; lack of human resources, facilities and information on mental health services; and limited affordability of mental health services. Social support from family and healthcare providers was a perceived facilitator of mental health care. Conclusions Interventions should raise self-awareness of HIV-infected PWID about common mental health problems; address social, physical, economic barriers to seeking mental health services; and increase social support for patients.

Perceptions of treatment adherence among people with mental health problems and health care professionals

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 777-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaisa Kauppi ◽  
Heli Hätönen ◽  
Clive E. Adams ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems

scholarly journals Efficiency and Outcome of Healing Practices Performed by Spirit Dancers in Healing Mental Illness – A Patient’s Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 803-808
Author(s):  
Prakasha Amin ◽  
Mohan A.K
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Traditional Healing ◽  
Black Magic

BACKGROUND In many rural communities, the cause of mental illness is attributed to black magic, spirit possession of past sin and the coastal region of Karnataka is not exempted from it. The natives of this region ascribe the cause of mental illness to the spirit or demigod, and they seek the help of traditional healers such as spirit dancers for the recovery. This help-seeking behaviour of the people results in delay in seeking psychiatry care and affects the recovery of the person with mental health problems. Therefore, this study explores the opinion of clients undergone traditional healing for mental health problems and the results of the study could contribute to planning an appropriate health promotion activity to promote community mental health. METHODS The present study was explorative, undertaken in the Udupi district of Karnataka state, which explores the views of the respondents about the cause of mental health problem and the outcome of traditional healing for their problems. Altogether 200 clients visiting traditional healers for mental health care were interviewed based on the snowball sampling technique and the interview schedule was used as a tool to gather the data. RESULTS Of the 200 respondents interviewed, 27.5 percent were adults (31 to 40 years), while 43.1 percent were unemployed. Black magic was found to be the major cause for mental health problems among 25.5 percent of the respondents; whereas, 26 percent of the respondents felt recovered completely after undergoing traditional healing for mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS The recognition of mental health problems is very much essential for people with mental health problems to seek professional help. This could help mental health professionals to diagnose illness at the very beginning and provide better mental health care. However, the explanatory model of the patients needs to be taken into consideration while providing modern medical care. KEY WORDS Black Magic, Mental Illness, Serpent Worship, Spirt Dancer, Traditional Healers

scholarly journals “Breaking the silence”: Sexual victimisation in an old age psychiatry patient population in Flanders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Nobels ◽  
Ines Keygnaert ◽  
Egon Robert ◽  
Christophe Vandeviver ◽  
An Haekens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Old Age Psychiatry

AbstractBackgroundSexual violence (SV) is linked to mental health problems in adulthood and old age. However, the extent of sexual victimisation in old age psychiatry patients is unknown. Due to insufficient communication skills in both patients and healthcare workers, assessing SV in old age psychiatry patients is challenging.MethodsBetween July 2019 and March 2020, 100 patients at three old age psychiatry wards across Flanders participated in a face-to-face structured interview receiving inpatient treatment. The participation rate was 58%. We applied the WHO definition of SV, encompassing sexual harassment, sexual abuse with physical contact without penetration, and (attempted) rape.OutcomesIn 57% of patients (65% F, 42% M) SV occurred during their lifetime and 7% (6% F, 9% M) experienced SV in the past 12-months. Half of the victims disclosed their SV experience for the first time during the interview. Only two victims had disclosed SV to a mental health care professional before.InterpretationSexual victimisation appears to be common in old age psychiatry patients, yet it remains largely undetected. Although victims did reveal SV during a face-to-face interview to a trained interviewer, they do not seem to spontaneously disclose their experiences to mental health care professionals. In order to provide tailored care for older SV victims, professionals urgently need capacity building through training, screening tools and care procedures.

scholarly journals CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF STIGMA LEADING TO MENTAL DISORDERS AMONG LEPROSY AFFECTED: KEY ELEMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF COUNSELLING TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH CARE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moturu S. Raju
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Preventive Mental Health ◽  
Counselling Needs ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

In order to explore standardised approaches for preventive mental health care rather than treatment of diseases manifested, an action research was carried out on What are the unfulfilled needs of leprosy affected that are creating crisis situations and leading to mental health issues and a practicably affective process of counselling and the essential stages to be involved in carrying out in individual counselling of leprosy affected. The study was conducted in the counselling center of referral hospital of Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation on 146 leprosy affected and counselling provided by trained counsellors in every monthly visit for MDT till declared RFT. Findings show the process of counselling practiced towards prevention of mental health problems may be illustrated as the following five essential stages viz. Rapport establishment, Identification of crisis situation, Diagnosis of Psycho-social problems and reasons thereof, Ascertaining of counselling needs, and Fulfilment of needs through counselling. Analysis shows the psychological problems are basically develop from cognition viz. lack of knowledge, lack of conviction, Lack of knowledge about Cure, Lack of conviction about known facts of cure, Fear of society/ family/ reactions/ deformities, loneliness- Lack of social support to the patient, possession of misconceptions of the patient or the family members or the community members who creates socio-behavioural problems which in turn cause psychological problems. Maintenance of mental health starts from identification of needs and fulfilment which otherwise need to mental problems. The study concludes that a systematic counselling along with leprosy treatment can be a successful method to prevent the mental health problems prior to reaching the stage of needing treatment.

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