Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey Research Articles

Common mental illness in people with sensory impairment: results from the 2014 adult psychiatric morbidity survey.

People with sensory impairments may be at increased risk of depression and anxiety but experience barriers to accessing treatment. To investigate whether people with sensory impairment have more depressive and anxiety symptoms than people without, whether this is mediated by social functioning and whether they report greater non-treatment. We analysed data from the English 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey using regression models, with the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) score as the primary outcome and self-reported hearing and vision impairment as exposures. A secondary outcome was self-reported receipt of mental health diagnosis and treatment. We used structural equation modelling to assess for mediation by social functioning. A total of 19.0% of people with hearing impairment, and 30.9% and 24.5% with distance and near visual impairments, respectively, had clinically significant psychological morbidity. Adjusted mean CIS-R score was 1.86 points higher in people with hearing impairment compared with those without (95% CI 1.30-2.42, P<0.001). People with distance and near vision impairment had mean CIS-R scores 3.61 (95% CI 2.58-4.63, P<0.001) and 2.74 (95% CI 2.12-3.37, P<0.001) points higher, respectively, than those without. Social functioning accounted for approximately 50% of these relationships between sensory impairment and psychological morbidity. We found no evidence of an increased treatment gap for people with sensory impairment. Social functioning, a potentially modifiable target, may mediate an association between sensory impairment and depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Mental health outcomes and alcohol consumption among UK military spouses/partners: a comparison with women in the general population

ABSTRACT Background: Military families can experience unique stressors that may contribute towards poorer well-being among the spouses/partners of Service personnel. However, there is little UK research regarding mental health or alcohol consumption among this population. Objective: This study examined mental health outcomes (probable depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) and alcohol consumption among UK military spouses/partners compared to women in the general population. Associations with military and socio-demographic characteristics were examined. Method: Survey data from 405 female spouses/partners of current and former UK Service personnel participating in a study of military-connected children (2010–2012) was analysed. Comparisons to women in the general population were made using the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (n = 1594). Results: Compared to women from the general population, military spouses/partners were significantly more likely to meet criteria for probable depression (adj. OR 2.50 (95% CI 1.52–4.11)). There was no significant difference regarding probable PTSD. Spouses/partners were significantly more likely to meet criteria for hazardous alcohol consumption (adj. OR 2.55 (95% CI 1.87–3.47)) and more likely to report episodes of weekly, daily or almost daily binge-drinking (adj. OR 2.15 (95% CI 1.28–3.61)) than women in the general population. Binge-drinking was significantly higher among spouses/partners of Service personnel reporting family separations of more than 2 months in the last 2 years compared to those reporting no, or shorter, separations (adj. OR 1.88 (95% CI 1.08–3.27)). Conclusion: This is the first study to examine mental health and alcohol consumption among UK military spouses/partners. The significantly higher prevalence of probable depression, hazardous alcohol consumption, and binge-drinking compared to women in the general population suggests further research is needed into the drivers of poor mental health and alcohol consumption among this population and in identifying or developing prevention campaigns to reduce alcohol use and support their well-being.

Perceived discrimination and psychotic experiences in the English general population

BackgroundPerceived discrimination has been linked to psychotic experiences (PEs). However, as yet, information is lacking on the relationship between different forms of discrimination and PEs. This study examined this association in the English general population. MethodsNationally representative, cross-sectional data were analyzed from 7363 adults aged 16 and above that came from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2007. Self-reported information was obtained on six forms of discrimination (ethnicity, sex, religious beliefs, age, physical health problems/disability, sexual orientation), while PEs were assessed with the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations. ResultsIn a fully adjusted logistic regression analysis, any discrimination was significantly associated with PEs (odds ratio [OR]: 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–3.48). All individual forms of discrimination were significantly associated with PEs except sexual orientation. Multiple forms of discrimination were associated with higher odds for PEs in a monotonic fashion with those experiencing ≥ 3 forms of discrimination having over 5 times higher odds for any PE. In addition, experiencing any discrimination was associated with significantly increased odds for all individual forms of PE with ORs ranging from 2.16 (95%CI: 1.40–3.35) for strange experience to 3.36 (95%CI: 1.47–7.76) for auditory hallucination. ConclusionDifferent forms of discrimination are associated with PEs in the general population. As discrimination is common at the societal level, this highlights the importance of public policy and evidence-based interventions to reduce discrimination and improve population mental health.

Psychotic symptoms and sensory impairment: Findings from the 2014 adult psychiatric morbidity survey

PurposeHearing and visual impairment have been associated with psychosis. Mechanisms behind this are poorly understood. We tested whether i) self-reported hearing and visual impairments are associated with psychotic symptoms in the 2014 UK Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey; ii) the odds of having psychotic symptoms vary with self-perceived degree of impairments; and iii) reduced social functioning partially explains these associations. MethodsWe analysed cross-sectional data using logistic regression. Hearing and visual impairment were the exposures, and screening positive on the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire was the outcome. We used structural equation modelling to assess mediation by social functioning, measured by the Social Functioning Questionnaire. ResultsPsychotic symptoms were strongly associated with visual impairment (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.81, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.33 to 2.44), especially moderate visual impairment (AOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.78 to 4.24, p < .001). Psychotic symptoms were associated with a severe degree of hearing impairment (AOR 4.94, 95% CI 1.66 to 14.67, p = .004), and weakly associated with hearing impairment overall (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.04, p = .010). Social functioning accounted for approximately 50% of associations with both types of sensory impairment, but the confidence intervals around these estimates were broad. ConclusionsOur findings suggest an association between psychosis and visual impairment, with the strongest evidence for moderate visual impairment; the findings also support a linear relationship between psychosis and degree of hearing impairment. Social functioning may mediate these relationships and be a potential target for intervention, alongside sensory correction. These should be investigated longitudinally.

Flood- and Weather-Damaged Homes and Mental Health: An Analysis Using England's Mental Health Survey.

There is increasing evidence that exposure to weather-related hazards like storms and floods adversely affects mental health. However, evidence of treated and untreated mental disorders based on diagnostic criteria for the general population is limited. We analysed the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, a large probability sample survey of adults in England (n = 7525), that provides the only national data on the prevalence of mental disorders assessed to diagnostic criteria. The most recent survey (2014–2015) asked participants if they had experienced damage to their home (due to wind, rain, snow or flood) in the six months prior to interview, a period that included months of unprecedented population exposure to flooding, particularly in Southern England. One in twenty (4.5%) reported living in a storm- or flood-damaged home in the previous six months. Social advantage (home ownership, higher household income) increased the odds of exposure to storm or flood damage. Exposure predicted having a common mental disorder over and above the effects of other known predictors of poor mental health. With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of storms and flooding, improving community resilience and disaster preparedness is a priority. Evidence on the mental health of exposed populations is key to building this capacity.

Physical multimorbidity and subjective cognitive complaints among adults in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional community-based study

Our goal was to examine the association between physical multimorbidity and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) using UK nationally representative cross-sectional community-based data, and to quantify the extent to which a broad range of mainly psychological and behavioral factors explain this relationship. Data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey were analyzed [N = 7399 adults, mean (SD) age 46.3 (18.6) years, 48.6% men]. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 physical diseases. SCC included two different cognitive constructs: subjective concentration and memory complaints. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Multimorbidity was associated with higher prevalence of subjective concentration (30.7% vs. 17.3%) and memory complaints (42.8% vs. 22.9%) compared to no multimorbidity. In the regression model adjusted for sociodemographics, multimorbidity was associated with subjective concentration (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 2.25–2.96) and memory complaints (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 2.08–2.62). Sleep problems, stressful life events and any anxiety disorder explained 21–23%, 20–22% and 14–15% of the multimorbidity-SCC association, respectively. Multimorbidity and SCC are highly co-morbid. The utility of SCC screening in identifying individuals at high risk for future cognitive decline among individuals with multimorbidity should be assessed.

Gambling Problems and Military- and Health-Related Behaviour in UK Armed Forces Veterans

Internationally, problem gambling is elevated in Armed Forces veterans compared to the general population. Here, we re-examined the prevalence of problem gambling in veterans and non-veterans residing in England using an established large dataset and investigated whether gambling was associated with length of service, common mental health disorders, substance abuse, or financial management history. Using the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 257 post-national service veterans and 514 age- and sex-matched controls were compared. Veterans had significantly higher rates of problem gambling than non-veterans. Male veterans were more likely than non-veterans to have experienced a traumatic event. The relationship between veteran status and problem gambling was not explained by differences in mental health conditions, substance abuse, or financial management. No differences were found for length of service. Further research is required with larger samples targeting problem gambling and Armed Forces experience in the United Kingdom population using contemporary diagnostic criteria.

Sexual minority status and symptoms of psychosis: The role of bullying, discrimination, social support, and drug use - Findings from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007.

ObjectiveSexual minorities have an increased risk of psychosis, potentially explained by experiences of social adversity. Sexual minorities may also have a specific risk of paranoid symptoms. The current study aimed to determine whether sexual minorities have increased risk of psychosis, whether they have a specific increased risk of paranoia when compared to auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), and whether social adversity such as bullying, recent discrimination, lack of social support, and drug use can explain this risk.MethodsThe study used data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 (n = 7,403), exploring both sexual identity and past sexual behaviour. Associations between sexual minority status and probable psychosis, paranoia, and AVH were analysed using logistic regression. Mediation analysis was also conducted using the Karlson–Holm–Breen method, with bullying, recent discrimination, social support, and drug use as mediators assessing pathways between sexual minority status and paranoia/AVH. Socio‐demographic confounders were included in analyses.ResultsSexual minority status did not significantly predict probable psychosis. Findings generally indicated a specific association between sexual minority status and paranoia when contrasted with AVH. However, sexual behaviour remained significantly associated with AVH in logistic regression models. Bullying, lack of social support, and drug use partially mediated the association between sexual minority status and paranoia.ConclusionsSexual minority status appears to have a specific association with paranoia symptoms, which may be partially explained by experiences of social adversity. However, the cross‐sectional nature of the study limits direct inference about causality of such symptoms.Practitioner points Sexual minority groups may be more likely to experience symptoms of paranoia.It may be important to consider experiences of social adversity such as bullying, lack of social support, and also history of drug use in the context of paranoia within these groups.

The relationship of childhood sexual and physical abuse with adulthood disability.

The aim of this study was to examine the association of childhood sexual and physical abuse with disability in adulthood, and to assess how several demographic, physical, behavioral, psychosocial, and psychiatric factors may influence this association. This study used nationally representative cross-sectional data from 7403 people aged≥16 years who participated in the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Information on childhood sexual talk, sexual touching, sexual intercourse, and physical abuse occurring before the age of 16, and disability in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living in adulthood were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. After adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, we found a positive association between different types of childhood abuse and adulthood disability: sexual talk (OR 1.54; 95%CI 1.27-1.85); sexual touching (OR 1.82; 95%CI 1.49-2.22); sexual intercourse (OR 2.58; 95%CI 1.75-3.81); physical abuse (OR 2.84; 95%CI 2.20-3.68). Increasing number of types of childhood abuse was associated with increased odds of adulthood disability. The odds of adulthood disability was increased for individuals who experienced all types of childhood abuse versus no childhood abuse (OR 3.59; 95%CI 1.64-7.84). Finally, the association between any childhood abuse and adulthood disability was largely explained by anxiety disorder, number of chronic physical conditions, and loneliness. Childhood abuse is positively associated with adulthood disability in England. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to understand the potentially complex interplay of factors that may increase risk for disability in individuals who experienced childhood abuse.

Prevalence of non-suicidal self-harm and service contact in England, 2000–14: repeated cross-sectional surveys of the general population

SummaryBackgroundThe number of people presenting to hospital emergency departments after self-harming has increased in England. However, most people who self-harm do not present to hospitals, so whether this rise reflects an increase in the prevalence of self-harm in the community is unknown. Also unknown is whether the prevalence of non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) or suicidal self-harm, or both, has increased. We aimed to establish temporal trends in the prevalence of NSSH in England.MethodsWe analysed data from participants in the 2000 (n=7243), 2007 (n=6444), and 2014 (n=6477) Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys of the general population, selecting those aged 16–74 years and living in England. We used weighted data and controlled for complex survey design. We generated temporal trends in lifetime prevalence and methods of, and motivations for, NSSH, and consequent service contact. We used multiple variable logistic regression analyses to investigate factors associated with service contact.FindingsThe prevalence of self-reported lifetime NSSH increased from 2·4% (95% CI 2·0–2·8) in 2000, to 6·4% (5·8–7·2) in 2014. Increases in prevalence were noted in both sexes and across age groups—most notably in women and girls aged 16–24 years, in whom prevalence increased from 6·5% (4·2–10·0) in 2000, to 19·7% (15·7–24·5) in 2014. The proportion of the population reporting NSSH to relieve unpleasant feelings of anger, tension, anxiety, or depression increased from 1·4% (95% CI 1·0–2·0) to 4·0% (3·2–5·0) in men and boys, and from 2·1% (1·6–2·7) to 6·8% (6·0–7·8) in women and girls, between 2000 and 2014. In 2014, 59·4% (95% CI 54·7–63·9) of participants who had engaged in NSSH reported no consequent medical or psychological service contact, compared with 51·2% (42·2–60·0) in 2000 and 51·8% (47·3–56·4) in 2007. Male participants and those aged 16–34 years were less likely to have contact with health services than were female participants and older people.InterpretationThe prevalence of NSSH has increased in England, but resultant service contact remains low. In 2014, about one in five female 16–24-year-olds reported NSSH. There are potential lifelong implications of NSSH, such as an increased frequency of suicide, especially if the behaviours are adopted as a long-term coping strategy. Self-harm needs to be discussed with young people without normalising it. Young people should be offered help by primary care, educational, and other services to find safer ways to deal with emotional stress.FundingNHS Digital, English Department of Health and Social Care, and the National Institute for Health Research.

Suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm among university students: prevalence study.

Suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) are major public health concerns that affect millions of young people worldwide. Consequently, there is a strong need for up-to-date epidemiological data in this population.AimsTo provide prevalence and trend estimates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and NSSH thoughts and behaviour in university students. Data are from a 2018 national health survey for higher education in Norway. A total of 50 054 full-time students (69.1% women) aged 18-35 years participated (response rate 31%). Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and NSSH were assessed with three items drawn from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, and thoughts of NSSH were assessed with one item from the Child and Adolescent Self-Harm in Europe study. Lifetime suicidal thoughts were reported by 21.0%, and 7.2% reported having such thoughts within the past year. In total, 4.2% reported a suicide attempt, of whom 0.4% reported attempting suicide within the past year. The prevalence of lifetime NSSH behaviour and thoughts was 19.6% and 22.6%, respectively. All four suicidal behaviour and NSSH variables were more common among students who were single, living alone and with a low annual income, as well as among immigrants. There was an increase in suicidal thoughts from 2010 (7.7%) to 2018 (11.4%), which was evident in both men and women. The observed high and increasing prevalence of suicidal thoughts and NSSH among college and university students is alarming, underscoring the need for further research, preferably registry-linked studies, to confirm whether the reported prevalence is representative of the student population as a whole.Declaration of interestNone.

Suicidality in People With Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms or Personality Traits.

Objective: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) have been reported to be associated with mood instability (MI), depression and suicide-related outcomes. We examined whether obsessive-compulsive symptoms and personality traits as well as obsessional thoughts of death, are associated with suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury and attempted suicide.Methods: We used data from 7,839 people from the 2000 British Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey that elicited symptoms of OCD with a computerized version of the Clinical Interview Schedule—Revised (CIS-R) and traits of OCPD with a self-completed version of the SCID-II. We created a series of logistic regression models, first entering only OCD symptoms and OCPD traits in separate models, to which depression and mood instability (MI) were added. We also examined the relation of obsessional thoughts about death with self-harm in a network analysis model that included the main symptoms of mood instability and depression.Results: OCD symptoms were associated with suicidal thoughts (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14–1.32), and suicide attempts (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24) in the fully-adjusted model. OCPD traits were associated with suicidal thoughts (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.10–1.19), non-suicidal self-injury (OR: 1.14 95% CI: 1.03–1.26), and suicide attempts (OR: 1.09; 1.01–1.17). Depression and MI were both associated with all three suicide-related outcomes. In the network analysis, MI was the most prominent correlate of suicide-related outcomes, being associated with suicidal ideas (partial r = 0.15) and non-suicidal self-injury (partial r = 0.07).Limitation: This was a cross-sectional study that used a single-item measure for mood instability.Conclusions: Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and personality traits are related to suicide-related outcomes independently of depressive symptoms and mood instability. This relationship is not accounted for by obsessional thoughts of death alone.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and perceived mental health discrimination in adults in the general population

BackgroundThe experience of discrimination is common in individuals with mental health problems and has been associated with a range of negative outcomes. As yet, however, there has been an absence of research on this phenomenon in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study examined the association between ADHD symptoms and mental health discrimination in the general adult population. MethodsThe analytic sample comprised 7274 individuals aged 18 and above residing in private households in England that were drawn from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2007. Information on ADHD was obtained with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. A single-item question was used to assess mental health discrimination experienced in the previous 12 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations. ResultsThe prevalence of discrimination increased as ADHD symptoms increased but was especially elevated in those with the most severe ADHD symptoms (ASRS score 18–24). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis that was adjusted for a variety of covariates including common mental disorders, ADHD symptoms (ASRS ≥ 14) were associated with almost 3 times higher odds for experiencing mental health discrimination (odds ratio: 2.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.49–5.31). ConclusionADHD symptoms are associated with higher odds for experiencing mental health discrimination and this association is especially elevated in those with the most severe ADHD symptoms. Interventions to inform the general public about ADHD may be important for reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with this disorder in adults.

Mental Health Disorders and Alcohol Misuse Among UK Military Veterans and the General Population: A Comparison Study

Background: For a small minority, military service can have a negative impact on their mental health. Yet no studies have assessed how the mental health of UK veterans (who served during the recent operations in Afghanistan or Iraq) compares to non-veterans, to determine if they are at a disadvantage. We examine the prevalence of mental disorders and alcohol misuse in UK veterans compared to civilians. Methods: Veteran data was taken from the third phase of the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) cohort study (n=2,917). These data were compared with data on non-veterans taken from two large general population surveys: 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS, n=5,871) and wave 6 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS, n=22,760). Findings: We found that, overall, UK veterans who served at the time of recent military operations were more likely to report significantly higher prevalence of CMD (23% vs 16%), PTSD (8% vs 5%) and alcohol misuse (11% vs 6%) than non-veterans. Stratifying by gender showed that the negative impact of being a veteran on mental health and alcohol misuse was restricted to male veterans. Being ill or disabled was associated with a higher prevalence of CMD and PTSD for both veterans and non-veterans. Interpretation: Whilst the same sociodemographic demographic groups within the veteran and non-veteran populations seemed to have an increased risk of mental health problems (e.g. those who were unemployed), male veterans in particular appear to be at a distinct disadvantage compared to those who have never served. Funding Statement: Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT16/0304K). Declaration of Interests: The authors state that they have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study received ethical approval from the Proportionate Review Sub-committee of the West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (REC reference:17/WM/0147, IRAS project ID: 224664).

Age and Gender Measurement Noninvariance of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener

Objective: The nature and form of demographics-related differences in ADHD self-reported symptoms across adulthood is currently poorly understood. This study explored the psychometrics of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS-6), including its age- and gender-related measurement invariance. Method: Structural equation models were used to analyze adult data—aged 16 to 95 years—from the 2007 British Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Results: The three-factor model (disorganization, inattention, hyperactivity) outperformed one- and two-factor models. Self-reported attentional deficits may be more pathognomonic of overall self-reported ADHD in adults than other symptoms. All items exhibited age measurement noninvariance while only a subset exhibited gender measurement noninvariance. Individuals who are male and younger tend to have lower thresholds for endorsement for ASRS-6 items than individuals who are female and older. Conclusion: The ASRS-6 does not appear to be unidimensional, and self-reported ASRS-6 symptomatology changes in meaning with age.

Smoking and quitting behaviours by mental health conditions in Great Britain (1993–2014)

Smoking is a major contributor to the disparity in life expectancy between those with and without a mental health condition. Previous work has found associations between individual conditions such as depression and current smoking, cigarette consumption and dependence, but did not compare a range of specific mental disorders. Using data from the nationally-representative Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, we characterised trends in smoking prevalence in the general population in Great Britain and among those with and without mental health conditions for the period 1993–2014. We tested associations across different common mental health conditions (including depression, phobia, generalised anxiety and mixed anxiety and depression), in addition to personality conditions, and heaviness of smoking, desire to quit, perceived difficulty of remaining abstinent and successful cessation within the previous 12 months. Smoking prevalence among those without any mental health condition decreased from 29.3% in 1993 to 19.6% in 2014. Prevalence was higher among those with a condition but fell from 44.6% to 34.1%. Having a mental health condition was associated with current smoking, heavy smoking, difficulty remaining abstinent, desire to quit and perceived difficulty remaining abstinent. The same was found for all conditions individually but the strength and significance of the associations varied. Having any common mental health condition was associated with lower odds of smoking cessation—but not after adjustment for heavy smoking. We found no significant associations between individual conditions and cessation outcomes, however. In summary, smoking prevalence among people with common mental health conditions remained around 50% higher than among those without despite their higher desire to quit. Adequately addressing higher dependence could support cessation and contribute to narrowing health disparities.

Suicide prevention proposals

British Journal of Healthcare ManagementVol. 24, No. 10 CommentSuicide prevention proposalsKate Harmond AllanKate Harmond AllanSearch for more papers by this authorKate Harmond AllanPublished Online:13 Oct 2018https://doi.org/10.12968/bjhc.2018.24.10.479AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Fiore V. 2017. GPs report ‘85% increase’ in patients with mental health conditions. http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/clinical-specialties/mental-health/gps-report-85-increase-in-patients-with-mental-health-conditions/20035612.article (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarHealthcare Conferences UK. 2018. The wounded healer. https://www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk/practitioner-health-summit (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarMind. 2018. 40 per cent of GP appointments about mental health. https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/40-per-cent-of-all-gp-appointments-about-mental-health/#.W6JV8yOZNjR (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarMinistry of Defence. 2018. Suicide and open verdict deaths in the UK regular armed forces. https://data.gov.uk/dataset/b7c1ef47-3374-4322-925a-d82132cff6b0/suicide-and-open-verdict-deaths-in-the-uk-regular-armed-forces (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarNHS Digital. 2016. Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of mental health and wellbeing. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-survey/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-survey-survey-of-mental-health-and-wellbeing-england-2014 (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarNICE. 2018. Depression in adults: recognition and management. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90 (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarONS. 2017. Suicides in the UK: 2016 registrations. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2016registrations (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarRoyal Foundation. 2018. The Duchess of Cambridge announces plans to support early intervention for young children and families. https://www.royalfoundation.com/duchess-cambridge-announces-plans-support-early-intervention-young-children-families/ (accessed June 2018) Google ScholarThe Festival of Higher Education. 2018. http://www.hefestival.com (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarThe Times. 2018. Do Less Harm. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/do-less-harm-tnpcq67gw (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarWeale S. 2018. Seventh Bristol university student takes his own life. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/jan/22/seventh-bristol-university-student-takes-his-own-life (accessed 1 October 2018) Google ScholarWoolcock N, Joiner S, Watts R. 2018. Schools buckle under 70,000 self-harm cases. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/schools-buckle-under-70-000-self-harm-cases-nbfxpg5h7 (accessed 24 September 2018) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 October 2018Volume 24Issue 10ISSN (print): 1358-0574ISSN (online): 1759-7382 Metrics History Published online 13 October 2018 Published in print 2 October 2018 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Relationship between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and problem gambling: A mediation analysis of influential factors among 7,403 individuals from the UK.

Background and aimsOur goal was to examine the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and gambling problems, and to identify potential mediating factors of this association.MethodsThis study used cross-sectional, community-based data from 7,403 people aged ≥16 years who participated in the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. Problem gambling was assessed using a questionnaire based on the 10 DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Respondents were classified as having no problem, at-risk, or problem gambling. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to analyze the association between ADHD symptoms (i.e., ASRS score ≥14) and problem gambling and the role of several variables in this association.ResultsThe prevalence of at-risk (5.3% vs. 2.4%) and problem gambling (2.4% vs. 0.6%) was higher in individuals with ADHD symptoms than in those without ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with both at-risk (OR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.22–3.79) and problem gambling (OR = 3.57; 95% CI = 1.53–8.31) when adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. Common mental disorders (CMDs; i.e., depression and anxiety disorders) (mediated percentage = 22.4%), borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits (22.1%), stressful life events (13.2%), stress at work or home (12.6%), alcohol dependence (11.8%), and impulsivity (11.2%) were significant mediators in the ADHD–gambling association.Discussion and conclusionsOverall, ADHD symptoms were positively associated with problem gambling. CMDs, BPD traits, and stressful life events were important mediators in this relationship.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and disordered eating in the English general population.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and eating problems often coexist, but many of the previous studies have not taken into account key variables which may be important in this association. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the association between ADHD symptoms and disordered eating, while taking into account of a variety of factors. This study used cross-sectional, nationally representative data from 7,403 people aged ≥16 years from England who participated in the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS). ADHD symptoms were assessed with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. Questions from the five-item SCOFF screening instrument were used to identify possible ED. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of possible eating disorder (ED) was much higher among those with ADHD symptoms (ASRS score ≥14) compared to those without ADHD symptoms (19.2 vs. 5.7%). ADHD symptoms were associated with possible ED (odds ratio [OR] = 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.56-4.72) after adjustment for age, sex, and ethnicity. After further adjustment for alcohol dependence, drug use, intelligence quotient, stressful life events, perceived stress, impulsivity, depression, anxiety disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits, the OR was attenuated to 1.32 (95% CI = 0.82-2.13). Anxiety and BPD were the factors that led to the largest degree of attenuation. A high prevalence of disordered eating in individuals with ADHD was observed. Factors such as co-existing anxiety and BPD traits may be particularly important in this association. Future research should focus on the factors involved in the association between ADHD symptoms and disordered eating behavior.

Association between intelligence quotient and violence perpetration in the English general population.

Data on the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and violence perpetration are scarce and nationally representative data from the UK adult population is lacking. Therefore, our goal was to examine the relationship between IQ and violence perpetration using nationally representative community-based data from the UK. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. IQ was estimated using the National Adult Reading Test (NART). Violence perpetration referred to being in a physical fight or having deliberately hit anyone in the past 5 years. We conducted logistic regression analysis to assess the association between IQ (exposure variable) and violence perpetration (outcome variable). There were 6872 participants aged ⩾16 years included in this study. The prevalence of violence perpetration decreased linearly with increasing IQ [16.3% (IQ 70-79) v. 2.9% (IQ 120-129)]. After adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors, childhood adversity, and psychiatric morbidity, compared with those with IQ 120-129, IQ scores of 110-119, 100-109, 90-99, 80-89, and 70-79 were associated with 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-1.84], 1.90 (95% CI 1.12-3.22), 1.80 (95% CI 1.05-3.13), 2.36 (95% CI 1.32-4.22), and 2.25 (95% CI 1.26-4.01) times higher odds for violence perpetration, respectively. Lower IQ was associated with violence perpetration in the UK general population. Further studies are warranted to assess how low IQ can lead to violence perpetration, and whether interventions are possible for this high-risk group.