scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health: Evidence from Cyprus

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3868
Author(s):  
Marilena Mousoulidou ◽  
Michailina Siakalli ◽  
Andri Christodoulou ◽  
Marios Argyrides
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Mental Health Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the current study was to examine mental health effects of the first wave of COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) in Cyprus. Accordingly, 388 individuals aged 18–65+ responded to the Components of Mental Health Questionnaire that was distributed via social media for two weeks assessing how emotional distress, support and interest in self and others, lifestyle changes, engagement in protective measures, and avoidant behaviors were related to participants’ gender, age, and place of residency. Additionally, we measured the level of concern of individuals during and after the first wave outbreak of the pandemic. The results suggest that (a) females experience higher levels of anxiety, stress, fear, worry, and despair than males and are more likely to undertake protective measures, (b) older individuals and those who live in urban areas perceive greater social support and interest in the emotional experience of significant others, (c) emotional distress and support and interest in self and others are associated with all other variables, indicating the importance of these constructs to the experience of a pandemic, and (d) there was a decrease in participants’ concern after the end of the first wave of the pandemic. Mental health professionals could find this information useful when developing and implementing prevention programs that aim to offer psychological support during this stressful period.

What Gives a Diagnostic Label Value? Common Use Over Informativeness

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babak Hemmatian ◽  
Sze Yu Yu Chan ◽  
Steven A. Sloman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Causal Relation ◽  
Causal Beliefs ◽  
Diagnostic Categories ◽  
Diagnostic Labels ◽  
Diagnostic Label ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

A label’s entrenchment, its degree of use by members of a community, affects its perceived explanatory value even if the label provides no substantive information (Hemmatian & Sloman, 2018). In three experiments, we show that laypersons and mental health professionals see entrenched psychiatric and non-psychiatric diagnostic labels as better explanations than non-entrenched labels even if they are circular. Using scenarios involving experts who discuss unfamiliar diagnostic categories, we show that this preference is not due to violations of conversational norms, lack of reflectiveness or attentiveness, and the characters’ familiarity or unfamiliarity with the label. In Experiment 1, whether a label provided novel symptom information or not had no impact on lay responses, while its entrenchment enhanced ratings of explanation quality. The effect persisted in Experiment 2 for causally incoherent categories and regardless of direct provision of mechanistic information. The effect of entrenchment was partly related to induced causal beliefs about the category, even when participants were informed there is no causal relation. Most participants in both experiments did not report any effect of entrenchment and the effect was present for those who did not. In Experiment 3, mental health professionals showed the effect using diagnoses that were mere shorthands for symptoms, despite a tendency to rate all explanations as unsatisfactory. The data suggest that bringing experts’ attention to the manipulation eliminates the effect. We discuss practical implications for mental health disciplines and potential ways to mitigate the impact of entrenchment.

scholarly journals The Impacts of Working with People Experiencing Suicidal Ideation: Mental Health Nurses Describe Their Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lynley Murtagh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Work Place ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Graduate Studies ◽  
Mental Health Nurses ◽  
Suicidal Crisis ◽  
The Impact

<p>New Zealand has one of the highest suicide rates in the world and mental health nurses are the most likely professionals to assess a person presenting with suicidal ideation. Managing a suicidal crisis is acknowledged as being one of the most difficult and frightening challenges facing mental health professionals. This research aimed to have mental health nurses who work in acute mental health settings describe the impact that working with people experiencing suicidal ideation has on their personal and professional lives. This study followed the tenets of fundamental qualitative description as presented by Sandelowski (2000). Five mental health nurses participated in individual semi structured interviews. The data collected under-went systematic thematic analysis and the extracted findings were presented as a straight description. The findings from this study revealed that personal philosophies of care, the work place culture, organisational and professional expectations and their personal concepts about suicide all influenced the experiences of these participants. Mental exhaustion, tension and feelings of isolation and alienation from family and society were universal experiences. Two recommendations have been made based on the insights gained from this research. These are; tertiary institutions should offer post graduate studies on the subject of suicide as it relates to mental health nursing and national guidelines for the provision of supervision to mental health nurses need to be developed.</p>

scholarly journals The Impact of Intervention to Routine Surveillance of Natural Focal Diseases During the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianli Hu ◽  
Xiaoqing Cheng ◽  
Li Luo ◽  
Zeyu Zhao ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limit ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Nonparametric Tests ◽  
Jiangsu Province ◽  
Control Effect ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: With the strength intervention of China, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a great control effect. The measures may influence the development and progression of others infectious diseases.Method: The data of daily coronavirus virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases from January 3, 2020 to April 30, 2020 and natural focal disease cases from January, 2005 to April, 2020 were collected from Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Jiangsu Provincial CDC). We describe and compare the data of natural focal diseases from January to April, 2020 with the same months from 2015 to 2019 in the four aspects: trend of incidence, regional, age and sex distribution. Nonparametric tests were used to analyzed to the difference between the duration from onset of illness to date of diagnosis of natural focal diseases and the same period of the previous year. Results: The incidence of malaria in February (0.9 per 10,000,000 people), March (0.3 per 10,000,000 people) and April (0.1 per 10,000,000 people) 2020 less than the lower limit for range of February (1.6-4.5 per 10,000,000 people), March (0.8-3.3 per 10,000,000 people) and April (1.0-2.9 per 10,000,000 people) from 2015 to 2019 respectively. The incidence of brucellosis in February was 0.9 (per 10,000,000 people), less than the lower limit for the range from 2015 to 2019 (1.6-4.5 per 10,000,000 people). The incidence of hemorrhagic fever (HF) in March was 1.0 (per 10,000,000 people), less than the lower limit for the range from 2015 to 2019 (1.4-2.6 per 10,000,000 people). However, the incidence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SEFT) in March was 0.3 (per 10,000,000 people), higher than the upper limit for the range from 2015 to 2019 (0.0-0.1 per 10,000,000 people). Furthermore, we respectively observed the incidence with various degree of reduction in male, 20-60 years old and both rural and urban areas. Conclusions: In Jiangsu province, the incidence of natural focal diseases decreased during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, especially malaria, HF and SEFT. The impact of interventions were felt most by male individuals within the age group of 20-50 years. The interventions for COVID-19 may control the epidemics of natural focal diseases.

scholarly journals Considering Mindfulness Techniques in School-based Anti-bullying Programmes

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairead Foody ◽  
Muthanna Samara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
School Bullying ◽  
Duty Of Care ◽  
Whole School ◽  
School Based ◽  
Current Psychological ◽  
The Impact

Schools have a duty of care to all students and to directly prevent and intervene with bullying amongst children and adolescents. The emergence of cyberbullying escalates this responsibility as the strategies that have become appropriate at national levels for bullying do not always parallel over to online environments. The impact on mental health is the most obvious concern for those responsible for reducing bullying, however, input from psychologists and mental health professionals is scant and often limited on this topic. This paper outlines what bullying is and the devastating impact it can have on the mental health of those involved. It will outline the most common anti-bullying initiatives as well as the current psychological and educational techniques, which could also be used to alleviate distress associated with bullying involvement. We will focus specifically on the role of mindfulness techniques and argue for more of such exercises to be included in whole-school bullying programmes. We conclude by arguing the need to investigate components relevant to both mindfulness and anti-bullying programmes (e.g., empathy, perspective-taking) as active ingredients for reducing the impact of bullying on mental health.

Population-level effects of diet, lifestyle, and health environment on obesity and non-communicable diseases in India

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuhu Joshi ◽  
Devesh Roy ◽  
Lora Iannotti ◽  
Aishwarya Nagar ◽  
Avinash Kishore
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Exact Matching ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Linear Probability ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Obesity is rising in developing countries like India and is associated with an increase in cardiometabolic problems. Rising incomes, rapid urbanization, and mechanization have induced lifestyle changes like consumption of more obesogenic foods and sedentary habits at work and leisure, contributing to a transition from under- to over-nutrition. This study maps the prevalence of adult (15-49 years) overweight and obesity across regions and socioeconomic groups in India, and estimates its association with lifestyle, health environment, dietary patterns, diabetes, and hypertension.Methods: We employ a combination of 3 latest nationally representative datasets with over 700,000 adults. We use a linear probability regression model to identify the correlates of overweight/obesity and their relative magnitudes. We use intra-household regression to identify differences between men and women and coarsened exact matching to causally estimate the impact of obesity on diabetes and hypertension.Results: Overweight/obesity rates have increased across all states, in rural and urban areas, and for all wealth levels. Women are more likely to be overweight/obese than men, even in the same household. Improved health environment (toilets, piped water, clean cooking fuel), urban jobs, television watching, and processed snacks increase the risk of overweight/obesity. Adults who are overweight/obese have a 5.6% higher risk of diabetes and a 9.7% higher risk of hypertension.Conclusions: Our results underscore the need for policy intervention to reduce the burden of obesity and NCD’s in India.

Students Responding to Natural Disasters and Terrorism

2012 ◽  
pp. 229-250
Author(s):  
Ryan P. Kilmer ◽  
Virginia Gil-Rivas ◽  
Steven J. Hardy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
School Mental Health ◽  
School Setting ◽  
School Personnel ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Cultural Considerations ◽  
School Based ◽  
The Impact

This chapter seeks to help teachers and school mental health professionals understand the needs of students who have faced a disaster or terrorism and identify strategies for school-based responses. The chapter provides an overview of the effects of these events on school children and youths, including relevant developmental and cultural considerations, and the impact on the school setting. Then, the discussion emphasizes recommendations for, and possible responses by, teachers, school-based mental health professionals, and administrators. Indeed, just as these traumas can affect multiple levels of school children’s lives, the needed response of school-based professionals can be framed as multi-level, ranging from curricular modification to interventions specifically targeting youngsters’ socio-emotional needs. The sections that follow seek to inform and guide responses for school personnel and provide clear, “actionable” recommendations.

scholarly journals Self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal: findings from an online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamal Gautam ◽  
Ramesh P. Adhikari ◽  
Aman Sen Gupta ◽  
Rajan Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Pitambar Koirala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
The Past ◽  
Psychological Impacts ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background A lower respiratory tract infection caused by novel coronavirus termed as Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was first identified in China and subsequently took the form of pandemic. Studies on disease outbreak in the past and recent COVID-19 outbreak have demonstrated increased psychological distress and adverse impacts on mental health and psychological wellbeing of people. However, the impact of COVID-19 on psychological wellbeing of people in Nepal hasn't been studied adequately. So, this paper aims to report the findings from a social media survey on psychological impacts of COVID-19 in Nepal. Methods Data were collected through social media from 2082 Nepalese respondents between 23rd April, 2020 and 3rd May, 2020. A total of 2014 respondents who were currently residing in Nepal were included in the analysis. Results The study suggested that half of the respondents suffered from at least one symptom of psychological distress whereas 32% suffered from two or more symptoms of psychological distress such as restlessness, fearfulness, anxiety and worry and sadness in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey date. The findings further suggested that respondents having lower family income, residing in rented room, and participants from province 2 were more likely to suffer from both single and multiple symptoms of psychological distress. Conclusion The study has shown high prevalence of psychological distress amongst the Nepalese respondents following COVID-19 outbreak. Appropriate mental health and psychosocial support response needs to be instituted to adequately respond to psychological impacts of the epidemic.

scholarly journals Mental health professionals’ perceptions on patients control of data sharing

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 2011-2029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Ivanova ◽  
Adela Grando ◽  
Anita Murcko ◽  
Michael Saks ◽  
Mary Jo Whitfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Data Sharing ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
The Impact

Integrated mental and physical care environments require data sharing, but little is known about health professionals’ perceptions of patient-controlled health data sharing. We describe mental health professionals’ views on patient-controlled data sharing using semi-structured interviews and a mixed-method analysis with thematic coding. Health information rights, specifically those of patients and health care professionals, emerged as a key theme. Behavioral health professionals identified patient motivations for non-sharing sensitive mental health records relating to substance use, emergency treatment, and serious mental illness (94%). We explore conflicts between professional need for timely access to health information and patient desire to withhold some data categories. Health professionals’ views on data sharing are integral to the redesign of health data sharing and informed consent. As well, they seek clarity about the impact of patient-controlled sharing on health professionals’ roles and scope of practice.

scholarly journals Why Do Approved Mental Health Professionals Think Detentions under the Mental Health Act Are Rising and What Do They Think Should Be Done about It?

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 616-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bonnet ◽  
Nicola Moran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Social Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Act ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The number of people detained under the 1983 Mental Health Act has risen significantly in recent years and has recently been the subject of an independent review. Most existing research into the rise in detentions has tended to prioritise the perspectives of psychiatrists and failed to consider the views of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), usually social workers, who ultimately determine whether detention is appropriate. This mixed-methods study focused on AMHPs’ views on the reasons behind the rise in detentions and potential solutions. It included a national online survey of AMHPs (n = 160) and semi-structured interviews with six AMHPs within a Community Mental Health Team in England. AMHPs reported that demand for mental health services vastly exceeded supply and, due to inadequate resources, more people were being detained in hospital. AMHPs argued that greater investment in preventative mental health services and ‘low intensity’ support would help to mitigate the impact of social risk factors on mental health; and greater investment in crisis services, including non-medical alternatives to hospital, was required. Such investment at either end of the spectrum was expected to be more effective than changes to the law and lead to better outcomes for mental health service users.

Urban Mental Health (Oxford Cultural Psychiatry series)

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Internal Migration ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Urban Mental Health ◽  
The Past

The internal migration in countries around the globe as a result of rapid urbanization and related to industrialization as a consequence of globalization has been truly remarkable. The past 50 years have seen a massive rise in the numbers of people moving and creating megapolis in many parts of the world. It is inevitable that with such massive internal migration come stressors such as pollution, lack of space, overcrowding, unemployment, and increased likelihood of infectious diseases, all of which contribute to an increase in psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, such migration can also lead to the splintering of social support and the fraying of social networks, which can further contribute to poor help-seeking and poor therapeutic adherence and poor prognosis. This book highlights challenges in managing mental health and psychiatric disorders in urban areas. The contributors include researchers, clinicians, urban planners, urban designers, and others who are interested in the field. The book will appeal to all mental health professionals, whether they are working in urban areas or rural areas.

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