Intersection Of Mental Health Research Articles

Multifaceted personas in context: mental health social worker perspectives on the intersection of mental health, social work and professional identity in England and Wales

Mental health provision in England and Wales has fluctuated between promoting social work as a valued, distinct contributor and viewing it as an adjunct to a generic workforce. Perspectives are divided on whether the profession should emphasise social work, mental health work or a cross-disciplinary blend, and definitional attempts have proved challenging, with wide variation in practice. This article explores how mental health social workers view their professional identity across practice contexts. Using a mixed-methods approach, 248 mental health social workers completed an online survey, and 30 undertook a subsequent semi-structured interview. Survey data were statistically analysed using Kruskal–Wallis H-tests to explore differences across settings. Qualitative interview data were analysed using a framework thematic approach. Participants demonstrated a strong but flexible professional identity, adopting a multifaceted, fluid sense of self that prioritised the aspect of identity most relevant to the context. Contrary to narratives of poor articulation, this was framed within a specialist knowledge- and values-based perspective that influenced practice approaches and accommodated context without requiring external validation. This fluidity suggests a need to move away from restrictive task-based definitions of social work in order to actively engage the workforce in developing professional roles that embrace this flexibility to offer holistic services.

Cultivating Common Ground: The Intersection of Mental Health and Faith.

During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced a significant increase in the prevalence of mental health problems along with a concomitant increase in mental health service utilization rates. Even though the stigma associated with mental health problems has been decreasing and service utilization rates have increased, these have not been seen in all segments of the population; for instance, some religious beliefs have been associated with less frequent and lower rates of mental health service use. In this commentary, the authors, an academic psychiatrist and a community-based pastor, describe how their informal academic-community collaboration led to a series of speaking opportunities to help an international group of clergy members develop a better understanding of mental health and how mental health problems may intersect with faith. They reflect on lessons learned from these opportunities and their professions, discuss opportunities for academic faculty to apply these lessons in their daily practices, and encourage academic faculty to consider a "common ground" approach in their own community outreach efforts. The authors underscore the importance of building connections with people who might have beliefs, views, or understandings of medical concepts that differ from academic medicine's and of teaching trainees how to build these connections. They challenge individual clinicians and academic faculty to identify spheres of influence that they have in their own lives through which they can create a positive impact for medicine and public health by finding shared experiences and common ground, clarifying misunderstandings, educating where needed, and serving as role models to encourage trainees to do the same.

Navigating the intersection of psychiatry and law: Insights into insanity defense and fitness to stand trial in the Indian legal system

In the complex landscape of forensic psychiatry, the intersection of mental health and the legal system presents challenges that demand clear guidelines for effective navigation. This letter delves into the pivotal roles psychiatrists play in assessing the insanity defense and determining fitness to stand trial, crucial aspects intertwined with the principles of justice and human rights. Moreover, we elucidate the nuanced interpretation of Section 22 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (previously Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code), which delineates the criteria for absolving individuals of criminal responsibility due to mental illness. Comparisons with McNaughten’s rule highlight subtle differences in legal frameworks and their implications for verdicts of "not guilty by reason of insanity." Furthermore, our article emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between psychiatry and forensic medicine to enhance comprehension of legal complexities thereby improving the management of forensic patients. With a visual aid we will facilitate understanding of the multifaceted concepts discussed herein. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to contribute to a more informed and equitable legal approach to individuals with mental health concerns within the criminal justice system.Top of Form

Mental health, subjective experiences and environmental change

This article responds to Coope’s call for the medical humanities to address the climate crisis as a health issue. Coope proposes three areas for progress towards ecological thinking in healthcare,...

Ethical and legal aspects of cybersecurity in health

Background: With the emergence of eHealth and mHealth, the use of mental health apps has increased significantly as an accessible and convenient approach as an adjunct to promoting well-being and mental health. There are several apps available that can assist with mental health monitoring and management, each with specific features to meet different needs. The intersection of mental health and cyber technology presents a number of critical legal and ethical issues. As mental health monitoring apps and devices become more integrated into clinical practice, cybersecurity takes on paramount importance. Objective: To address the ethical and legal aspects of health cybersecurity related to applications in mental health monitoring and management. Methods: We carried out a thematic synthesis of the best scientific evidence. Results: These tools have the potential to significantly improve access to and quality of care for users with mental health conditions, but they also raise substantial concerns about privacy and informed consent. Cybersecurity in mental health is not only a matter of technology, but also of human rights. The protection of sensitive mental health information is critical, and legal and ethical measures to safeguard this information must be implemented in a robust and transparent manner. Conclusion: the use of information technologies and mobile devices is now part of the clinical reality and its future perspectives. It is important to mention that while these apps can be helpful for self-care and mental well-being management, they are not a substitute for the advice and support of a qualified mental health professional (psychologist or psychiatrist). As we move into the digital age, it is imperative that mental health monitoring and management apps are developed and used responsibly, ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of users.

788 Impact of Preoperative Mental Health State on Perioperative Surgical Outcomes After Lumbar Spine Fusions: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (2009-2020)

INTRODUCTION: The intersection of mental health and patient reported outcomes after various neurosurgical procedures has been well published. Although there is paucity in the literature focused on the surgical outcomes of patients after spinal fusion and their relationship with the patient’s mental state before surgery. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized, with a search identifying all patients who underwent a spinal fusion in all years between 2009-2020. Once patients were identified, diagnosis codes for major psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) were utilized to separate sample into a psychiatric disorder cohort, and a control sample. Univariate and multivariate linear/logistic regression models were utilized to analyze data. RESULTS: A total of 2,877,241 patients were identified from this database, of which 647,951 (22.5%) of patients had a preoperative diagnosis of at least one of the psychiatric disorders. Univariate analysis of patient demographics in the psychiatric disorder cohort demonstrated that these patients were more likely to be female (67.26% vs. 50.74%, P < .001), and younger (58.88 years vs. 59.11 years, P < .001) when compared to control cohort. Increased rates of respiratory (P < .001), urinary (P < .001), cardiac (P < .001) complications were seen in the psychiatric disorder cohort. On multivariate analysis patients had increased odds of fusion disorders (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.55-1.70, P < .001), mechanical injuries (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.20-1.35, P < .001), and postoperative hematomas (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.26-1.33; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative diagnosis of various psychiatric conditions have notable effects on postoperative outcomes after spinal fusion and should be evaluated preoperatively.

Windows of opportunity in integrating mental health into care of neglected tropical diseases: the Nigeria experience.

In this invited commentary, the Mental Health and the Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTDs) Program leads in the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare share the opportunities that have arisen from recent global progress in normative guidance and political interest in the intersection of mental health and NTDs. They describe the new collaboration that has taken place between their programs, e.g. contributing to the World Health Organization Essential Care Package for Mental Health, Stigma and NTDs and integration of mental health for the first time into the new National NTD Masterplan.

REVIEW AND INTEGRATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES IN PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES

The intersection of mental health and substance use presents a complex challenge for public health initiatives globally. This review delves into the critical review and integration of mental health and substance use services within public health frameworks. Understanding the intricate relationship between mental health disorders and substance abuse is pivotal in designing effective interventions and policies. The review examines existing literature, policies, and programs aimed at addressing mental health and substance use disorders within public health initiatives. It highlights the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for integrated approaches that consider the biopsychosocial aspects of individuals' well-being. Furthermore, it explores the prevalence of comorbidity and the implications it poses for treatment outcomes and resource allocation. Integration of mental health and substance use services into public health initiatives involves the collaboration of various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, community organizations, and individuals with lived experiences. Strategies such as co-location of services, cross-training of professionals, and implementation of evidence-based practices are essential for fostering synergy and enhancing service delivery. Moreover, the review discusses the importance of destigmatizing mental health and substance use disorders to facilitate help-seeking behavior and access to care. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives play a crucial role in challenging misconceptions and promoting a culture of acceptance and support. This review underscores the significance of reviewing and integrating mental health and substance use services within public health initiatives. It advocates for a holistic approach that addresses the complex needs of individuals while striving for equity, accessibility, and quality in service provision.
 Keywords: Mental Health, Healthcare, Public Health, Services, Cross-training, Review.

Examining a Triple Threat: The Intersection of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Re-entry of a Sample of Justice-Involved Persons.

Having a mental health (MH) or substance use (SU) issue can make the transition from prison to the community a challenging process. Despite this, few studies have quantified how justice-involved individuals with mental health issues only, substance use only, those with both struggles, and those with neither are uniquely affected. Using a sample of re-entering men who were released from twelve state prisons in the United States, we assessed the effects of having MH and SU issues on their drug use during re-entry. Furthermore, we examined their differing coping reactions to housing insecurity, joblessness, and family tension after release. The results demonstrated that respondents' risk of SU during re-entry was associated with MH and SU issues measured at release. Those with co-occurring MH and SU challenges were at the highest risk of SU during re-entry. Furthermore, challenging life situations during re-entry exerted an amplified effect on SU for respondents with both anxiety and SU issues. The findings suggest that post-incarcerated individuals with co-occurring MH and SU issues have the highest risk of SU, and their reaction to re-entry barriers is distinct from their peers. Quality services to address co-occurring MH and SU may be needed to facilitate a smooth transition from prison to the community.

MENTAL HEALTH AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: A PUBLIC HEALTH REVIEW OF CURRENT TRENDS AND RESPONSES

The intersection of mental health and digital technology has become a critical focus in the realm of public health. This paper provides a concise overview of the current trends and responses within this evolving landscape. The widespread integration of digital technology into daily life has both positive and negative implications for mental health. On one hand, digital platforms offer innovative tools for mental health support, including virtual therapy, mental health apps, and online communities. These resources enhance accessibility and reduce barriers to seeking help. Conversely, concerns have arisen regarding the adverse impact of excessive digital screen time, social media use, and cyberbullying on mental well-being. The paper explores the prevalence of digital mental health interventions, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices and regulatory frameworks to ensure their efficacy and user safety. Additionally, it addresses the growing recognition of the digital divide and disparities in access to mental health resources, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in digital mental health initiatives. Responses to these challenges involve collaborative efforts among mental health professionals, technology developers, policymakers, and public health practitioners. The paper highlights the importance of research in understanding the nuanced relationship between digital technology and mental health, informing the development of targeted interventions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for comprehensive public health strategies that prioritize digital literacy, mental health education, and the promotion of positive online behaviors. The paper underscores the multifaceted nature of the relationship between mental health and digital technology, calling for a holistic and collaborative approach to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in this dynamic landscape.
 Keywords: Mental health, Digital technologies, Public health, Trends, Review.

Looking back, moving forward: An introduction to the special issue honoring the 100th anniversary of the global alliance for behavioral health and social justice.

Since its founding, American Orthopsychiatric Association (AOA) has been at the forefront of working at the intersection of mental health and social justice. In Mental Health and Social Change: 50 Years of Orthopsychiatry (Shore & Mannino, 1975), former organization president and journal editor Milton Shore and Fortune Mannino wrote that the association had consistently held a philosophy that included (a) a commitment to an interdisciplinary approach in the study of mental health problems and the development of mental health programs; (b) an emphasis on prevention as well as treatment; (c) the integration of the clinical and the social; (d) a major focus on the social scene and its interweaving with mental health problems in individuals within society; and (e) an avoidance of dilettantism, superficiality, and well-meaning generalizations through a commitment to high-quality research, thoughtful analysis of mental health issues, and high professional standards of practice in all areas of mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Intersection of Mental Health, Law, and Rehabilitation

Prisoners are people who are serving a sentence or criminal period in a correctional institution, but the human rights of prisoners must also be protected. However, prisoners are also part of those who have rights as human beings, including the right to live life, the right to receive welfare, and also have the right to obtain health services. The rights of prisoners are even regulated in law number 22 of 2022 concerning correctional facilities. In addition to physical health, there is mental health that is vulnerable to threats to prisoners. The importance of mental health in relation to the law relates to several issues, including the difficulty of individuals to provide accurate testimony, the consideration of mental capacity in the judicial process, as well as the protection of the rights of mentally ill individuals. This research explores the intersection between mental health, law, and rehabilitation in the context of prisoners. The main focus is to evaluate the challenges that arise in fulfilling prisoners' mental health service rights through the existing legal and rehabilitation systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this research seeks an in-depth understanding of how legal factors and the detention environment can affect the mental health of inmates. This approach includes prevention, diagnosis and intervention measures covering medical, psychological, social and legal aspects. The research seeks to provide a basis for policy change that supports the rights of individuals with mental illness, promotes fairness in the justice system, and reduces stigmatisation associated with mental health in legal contexts.

Analyzing Knowledge Networks in Health Care through Collaborative Research Exploration

The exploration of collaborative research in healthcare is a dynamic and multifaceted endeavor, as evidenced by analysis of influential articles, citation patterns, and keyword frequencies. Davenport and Prusak's seminal work on knowledge management serves as a foundational foundation, emphasizing the critical role of effective knowledge utilization and sharing in collaborative healthcare research. This research explores linkages with other influential articles, including Scott's examination of social network analysis, Star and Griesemer's insights on institutional ecology, and Tranfield et al.'s methodology on evidence-based knowledge management. Further analysis extends to works on thematic analysis, inter-organizational collaboration, cancer genomics, and qualitative research methods, all of which contribute to a rich tapestry of collaborative healthcare research. Keyword analysis revealed thematic priorities, with a major focus on "Care" and "Experience", emphasizing the human dimension of healthcare. Challenges, technology and organizational aspects emerged as prominent themes, reflecting a holistic approach to collaborative exploration. The interplay between keywords such as "Dynamic", "Mechanisms", and "Performance" underscores the evolving nature of collaborative efforts and the need for strategic mechanisms to address challenges and improve performance. The analysis also highlights contemporary concerns, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers to collaboration, and the intersection of mental health and social media.

The Association of Mental Illness With Outcomes of Emergency Surgery for Bowel Obstruction

IntroductionBowel obstruction is one of the most common surgical emergencies. The management of SBO is variable and influenced by numerous confounding factors. Recent studies have identified mental health as a health disparity that affects surgical outcomes. We aim to assess whether mental illness is a health disparity and its association with postoperative complications and secondary outcomes for bowel obstruction in Emergency General Surgery (EGS). MethodsThis was a retrospective study utilizing the National Inpatient Sample. Individuals aged 18-64 who underwent emergency adehesiolysis or bowel resection from 2015 to 2017 were identified. Postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total cost for surgical patients with and without mental illness were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the association between mental health and bowel obstruction. Results20,574 patients who underwent surgery for bowel obstruction were identified. 3756 of these patients had mental illness and 16,998 patients did not. Patients with mental illness did not have significantly worse outcomes compared to patients without mental illness. Among 3576 patients with mental illness, sex, race, patient location, insurance, location/teaching status of hospital, hospital control and procedure type were significant predictors of prolonged length of stay, higher cost, and increased postoperative complications. ConclusionsMental health does not appear to be a health disparity in outcomes for bowel obstruction procedures. However, the intersection of mental health with race and insurance status predicts worse outcomes. This essential area should be further explored to determine how marginalized populations are affected in emergency surgical care.

Preliminary Program Guide: Monday, May 22, 2023

Preliminary Program Guide: Monday, May 22, 2023

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Hollywood & Mind, a first‐of‐its‐kind venture focused on the intersection of mental health and the entertainment industry, will hold its inaugural event May 11, 2023, at the Beverly Hills campus of founding sponsor United Talent Agency, according to a news release from SpinLab Communications. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, the one‐day event will bring together mental wellness experts with executives and talent across music, film, TV, digital, sports and other sectors for an intersectional day of conversation, performance and networking to foster collaboration and catalyze action to help destigmatize mental health. Hollywood & Mind is the brainchild of veteran entertainment journalist Cathy Applefeld Olson, who through the years has spoken with some of the most prominent artists, performers and industry executives about their own mental health struggles and approaches to solutions. Topics to be explored at the May 11 event include mental health storytelling, the power of song, mental health conversations in a direct‐to‐fan context, and best practices to support the well‐being of talent and those working in the entertainment industry. Additional programming, schedule and ticket information will be announced in the coming months.

Incorporating Mental Health Into Lifestyle Medicine.

The evidence-based interconnection between mental health with lifestyle medicine practice is discussed. The extent to which physical health, and mental and behavioral health overlap are significant, and their interaction is seen in many ways. These bidirectional influences form a continuous thread through all lifestyle medicine pillars. The intersection of mental health and lifestyle should be considered and applied to provide optimal evidence-based lifestyle medicine for all patient populations who will benefit from the specific attention to diet, physical activity, relationships, stress, sleep, and substance use. Lifestyle medicine can be utilized to directly address and treat a range of mental health symptoms and disorders, and physical illnesses. In addition, behavior change skills and addressing the psychological factors contributing to barriers are crucial to helping patients reach their lifestyle medicine goals. Approaches to practice that attend to, and address, mental and behavioral health are relevant to and necessary for all types of providers who work within the lifestyle medicine framework.

Can cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing alleviate psychological distress in early miscarriage? A commentary.

Psychological, emotional, and mental distress affects many patients who experience early pregnancy loss (EPL). A common concern is that the patient's actions or choices caused the loss. Understanding the cause of EPL may improve the distress of EPL patients and their partners. Chromosomal abnormalities leading to a significant portion of EPL. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, a non-invasive test providing high quality information about the chromosomal makeup of a fetus, may offer assurance that a fetal abnormality caused the loss, and provide more certainty or closure in processing EPL. CfDNA may be a useful adjunct to patient-centered care in the setting of EPL. This commentary explores the possibility of cfDNA testing in lessening the emotional distress that often accompanies EPL. The peer reviewed literature was explored for manuscripts addressing (1) the potential for cfDNA serum testing for patients experiencing EPL and screening products of conception to determine the cause of EPL; and/or (2) the impact that information might have on the psychological morbidity of EPL for patients and their partners. Themes generated from extracted data were used to generate key questions for future research. Preliminary findings suggest fetal fraction values are instrumental in the success of cfDNA testing, and a successful cfDNA testing experience can have a positive impact on patients. Ultimately, we conclude cfDNA testing could have a positive impact in patient care and improve the well-being of patients undergoing the emotional toll of EPL by reducing feelings of guilt and providing closure to those who learn the loss was associated with chromosomal abnormality. Further trials and studies that explore the intersection of mental health of EPL on patients should explore the efficacy of cfDNA testing as an adjunct to patient-centered care in these cases.

Good Citizens with the Wrong Arguments: A critical comment on Sullivan's Social Diversion

Abstract
 In the wake of the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision in R v Sullivan, striking down legislative limits on the extreme intoxication defence in Canada, significant public debate arose about how the intoxication defence applies to sexual assault. Currently, the social debate has focused on implications for individual criminals and victims. This paper will argue the terms of the debate have dodged the larger social issues at the intersection of mental health, addiction, gender, and racial inequity, and poverty. These issues have been sidelined in the social discourse due to the efforts of institutions to divert away from the role they play in the underpinnings of crime and victimization. To affect social diversion, institutions notably leverage harm decisionism rhetoric to uphold existing responsibilization paradigms. Thus, to meaningfully affect social change, the call to action is rather than arguing amongst themselves within the current ideologically driven parameters, activists should deconstruct the discourse to hold institutions accountable for the inequitable social structures they uphold. Analysis of the Sullivan case grounded in social statistics and penal philosophy demonstrates how institutions can covertly pit activists against one another and uphold a socially misinformed status quo. Rather than attack criminals or victims affected by their social circumstance, activists should expose this process of how crime occurs and persists to victimize: institutionally supported responsibilization of disadvantaged groups due to an unwillingness to allocate appropriate resources to address their needs.

Lessons From the Pandemic: The Intersection of Mental Health, Wellness, and High-Quality Patient Care

Lessons From the Pandemic: The Intersection of Mental Health, Wellness, and High-Quality Patient Care