Intersection Of Mental Health Research Articles

Global Mental Health and Nutrition: Moving Toward a Convergent Research Agenda.

Both malnutrition and poor mental health are leading sources of global mortality, disease, and disability. The fields of global food security and nutrition (FSN) and mental health have historically been seen as separate fields of research. Each have undergone substantial transformation, especially from clinical, primary care orientations to wider, sociopolitical approaches to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In recent years, the trajectories of research on mental health and FSN are further evolving into an intersection of evidence. FSN impacts mental health through various pathways such as food insecurity and nutrients important for neurotransmission. Mental health drives FSN outcomes, for example through loss of motivation and caregiving capacities. They are also linked through a complex and interrelated set of determinants. However, the heterogeneity of the evidence base limits inferences about these important dynamics. Furthermore, interdisciplinary projects and programmes are gaining ground in methodology and impact, but further guidance in integration is much needed. An evidence-driven conceptual framework should inform hypothesis testing and programme implementation. The intersection of mental health and FSN can be an opportunity to invest holistically in advancing thinking in both fields.

Self-inflicted injuries: The intersection of mental health and traumatic injury in Malawi

Self-inflicted injury, the most common form of intentional injury, disproportionately affects low-income countries, but is poorly described in this setting. This retrospective review of the 2008-2018 trauma registry at a referral hospital in Malawi included all victims of intentional injury ≥10 years. Self-inflicted injuries were compared to assaults. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Common mechanisms of self-inflicted injuries were fall from height, poisoning, and penetrating injury. In-hospital mortality from self-inflicted injury was 8.8% vs. 1.9% for assault. Those who died from self-inflicted injury were more often older (median 34 vs. 26 years, p < 0.001), male (91.9% vs. 67.8%, p < 0.001), unemployed (32.8% vs. 6.4%, p < 0.001), and most commonly died by hanging (60%). The odds of in-hospital mortality after self-inflicted injury was four times assault (OR 4.0 [95% CI 1.4-11.5], p = 0.01). The trauma registry proved useful for describing self-inflicted injury in this setting.

The Intersection of Mental Health, Self-Reported Neurocognitive Functioning, and Education in Older HIV+ Gay Men

Older people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face different mental and neurocognitive challenges related to their health and well-being. Using data from a cross-sectional study (n=250) on older (age 50-69) gay men living with HIV/AIDS in NYC, this study examined the multi-level associations between self-reported neurocognitive functioning, mental health, and key sociodemographics (age, race/ethnicity, financial situation, and education). Findings suggest those who have higher self-reported neurocognitive functioning have higher levels of education, better self-rated health, and lower levels of PTSD and depression (p<0.01). Differences were not observed based on race/ethnicity, financial situation, and age. The overall findings demonstrate educational differences in self-reported cognitive functioning among older HIV+ gay men and highlight the importance of enhancing interventions and policies to promote better cognitive and mental health outcomes. More research is warranted to understand the intersection of education and cognitive performance among other sub-groups of PLWHA to understand whether these findings are consistent.

Student Veterans: Meaning in Life, Negative Career Thoughts, and Depression

Student veterans may experience challenges as they transition from military to student life, including adjusting to the academic environment, coping with mental health concerns, and redefining their identities. Research indicates that veterans may have difficulty finding meaning and purpose outside of the military (Brenner et al., 2008; Doenges, 2011). This study explored variables that may affect meaning and purpose in student veterans' lives, specifically negative career thoughts and depression. One hundred thirty‐two student veterans at U.S. institutions were surveyed. The results revealed that both negative career thoughts and depression were statistically significant predictors (p &lt; .001) of the presence of meaning in life, with 46% of the variance in the presence of meaning in life scores accounted for by participants' negative career thinking and depression levels. Pearson correlations indicated that all variables were statistically significant (p &lt; .01). Future research could explore how other career readiness and self‐assessment constructs are related to meaning and purpose in student veterans' lives, as well as the intersection of mental health and career factors. Interventions that focus both on the presence of negative career thoughts and depressive symptomatology may positively influence student veterans' report of meaning and purpose in life.

Experiences of minority stress among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa: The intersection of mental health, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behavior

ABSTRACT Nigerian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience social marginalisation, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation and same-sex attraction, which may affect mental health, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behavior. The goal of the current study was to conduct formative qualitative research to gain better understanding of these issues among GBMSM in Lagos, Nigeria. Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 GBMSM in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach. We found that Nigerian GBMSM experienced both general life stressors as well as proximal and distal sexual minority identity stressors, including rejection by family members, harassment, and physical violence perpetrated by the general public and police officers. Participants described dealing with mental health problems within the context of family rejection, experienced stigma due to sexual orientation, and feelings of social isolation. Substance use was described as occurring within the context of social settings. Lastly, some participants mentioned that they engaged in risky sexual behaviour while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These findings call for comprehensive and innovative, GBMSM-affirming behavioural healthcare, substance cessation services, and innovative HIV prevention interventions specifically designed and tailored for Nigerian GBMSM.

Social Media Use in College-age Youth: A Comprehensive Review and a Call to Action

Background: Social media is a relatively new and impactful way to connect millions of people around the world. The intersection of mental health and social media is a poorly studied, yet important area of research. Specifically, with regard to college-aged youth, social media can potentially offer an educational tool to enhance mental health awareness or augment treatment when it is used for professional purposes by mental health advocates or healthcare professionals. There is also the added risk of disinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy breaches. Objective: This review aims to assess the current state of social media use and its influence on mental health, especially in college-age youth. Methods: The authors of this paper utilized PubMed and Medline databases to review the most recent experimental studies and literature reviews available on the topic of mental health and social media. Results: Abstracts and relevant papers were read in full, and information from these studies was cited accordingly. Conclusion: The authors conclude that although more research needs to be conducted, social media may offer benefits for mental health awareness, education, and treatment, specifically in populations such as college-age youth.

At the intersection of mental health and drug addiction

Q&amp;A with Jibran Khokhar, biomedical science researcher and assistant professor at the University of Guelph

Influencing Mental Health and Well-Being of Older Adults Through Advocacy: Beyond the Bedside.

Estimates indicate that approximately 20% of adults 65 and older have one or more mental health or substance use conditions. As caregivers, mental health nurses are natural advocates for older patients facing mental health challenges in the clinical environment. Substantive opportunities exist to shape older adult mental health and well-being through advocacy. Nurse advocates can be effective influencers helping address key challenges at the intersection of mental health, aging, and policy. Resource barriers such as workforce issues and funding challenges, coupled with the stigma associated with mental health, are three of the many areas where nurses can advocate to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults. By becoming active and engaged in advocacy opportunities that effect positive change, beyond the bedside, nurses influence older adult mental health at the population level. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(7), 13-15.].

Self-help Smartphone Applications for Alcohol Use, PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression: Addressing the New Research-Practice Gap

The primary objectives of this paper were to (1) review empirical support for existing self-help smartphone applications for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol use disorders; (2) evaluate whether commercially available self-help applications offer, or were derived from, empirically supported approaches; and (3) provide a framework for evaluating applications for use in the absence of existing empirical support. We performed a systematic review of existing applications via PubMed and performed a content analysis, based on theoretically grounded evidence-based review criteria, on each commercially available application retrieved from Google Play and Apple Store searches. Seventeen academic papers met inclusion criteria and were evaluated; only four empirically supported applications were available commercially. Of the commercial applications, one was found via the PubMed search. While the majority of the smartphone applications evaluated in the content analysis included at least one empirically supported component, there was great variability in how comprehensive the integrated tools were, and a significant proportion included non-evidence-based tools. In this study, we found that evidence-based applications are often not available to the general public and those that are available offer varying degrees of empirically derived tools. These findings unveil a new “research-practice gap” at the intersection of mental health and emergent technology-based interventions. As research attempts to keep pace with emergent intervention technologies, we provide suggestions to consumers and clinicians for reviewing these applications, and for future research in the service of reducing the “research-practice gap.”

The resilience paradox: flooding experience, coping and climate change mitigation intentions

ABSTRACTClimate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity and unpredictability of extreme weather events across the globe and these events are likely to have significant mental health implications. The mental health literature broadly characterises negative emotional reactions to extreme weather experiences as undesirable impacts on wellbeing. Yet, other research in psychology suggests that negative emotional responses to extreme weather are an important motivation for personal action on climate change. This article addresses the intersection of mental health and functional perspectives on negative emotions, with a specific focus on the potential that reduced negative emotional responses to extreme weather may also translate to diminished motivation to undertake climate change mitigation actions – which we term the ‘resilience paradox’. Using survey data gathered in the aftermath of severe flooding across the UK in winter 2013/2014, we present new evidence indicating that self-appraised coping ability moderates the link between flooding experience and negative emotions and thereby attenuates the indirect link between flooding experience and climate change mitigation intentions. We conclude that support for flood victims should extend beyond addressing emotional, physical and financial stresses to include acknowledgement of the involvement of climate change and communication of the need for action to combat future climate risks.Key policy insightsPsychological resilience to flooding and other extreme weather events can translate to diminished motivation to mitigate climate changeNegative emotional reactions need to occur at an optimal level to enable people to respond appropriately to climate risks.Flood victims’ subjective appraisal of their ability to cope does not necessarily encompass consideration of the role played by climate change. Therefore, support for victims of extreme weather should include explicit acknowledgement of the involvement of climate change and the need for action to mitigate future climate risks.

Unexplored Ethical Issues at the Intersection of Mental Health and Oncology

Unexplored Ethical Issues at the Intersection of Mental Health and Oncology

A silver lining in strife torn camps of Bodoland, Assam: a case study intersecting gender, disaster, and mental health

A case of a 40-year-old, Muslim woman, educated up to class IV, homemaker by profession, hailing from a lower socioeconomic background of Chirang district of Assam was referred to medical camp, with symptoms of reduced interest in daily activities, increased tension, fearfulness, with decreased amount of sleep and appetite. Psychiatric social work assessment showed that she had a frictional and conflicting relationship with her husband. Due to which her quality of life was compromised. On further assessment it was found that the client was having moderate level of functioning. Impact of Event Scale score suggested cutoff for a probable diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), consider consulting a mental health professional. The client was referred to a psychiatrist for further assessment and treatment, and she was diagnosed as PTSD. Later individual, marital, and group interventions were provided and moderate improvement in terms of self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and enhancing coping mechanism. The present case study prompts us to look at the intersection of mental health, disaster, and gender. Disasters have been taking place since time immemorial and will continue to occur. A significant percentage of survivors develop profound, debilitating posttraumatic stress reactions requiring extended mental health intervention. These extreme stress reactions include fear and irrational behaviour, shock, immobilisation, withdrawal, denial and intrusive thoughts, hyper-vigilance, easy startle, insomnia, decreased attention and concentration, and psycho-physiological reactions. The social work professionals have long been involved with disaster relief work, both at individual and community level.

Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Humanities: the Dalhousie Psychiatry Student Writing Competition.

Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Humanities: the Dalhousie Psychiatry Student Writing Competition.

The Intersection of Mental Health and Juvenile Justice for Youth with and without Trauma

The high rates of both mental health disorders and exposure to trauma among the juvenile justice population highlights the importance of understanding whether and under what conditions mental health services can prevent further justice system involvement among youth with previous juvenile justice encounters. The relationship between mental health treatment and juvenile justice recidivism is examined for youth distinguishing between those who have experienced trauma and those who have not. This article examines whether mental health treatment reduces the likelihood of juvenile justice recidivism among youth with several risk factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Counties Seek Help to Reduce Numbers of Mentally Ill Inmates

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Full AccessCounties Seek Help to Reduce Numbers of Mentally Ill InmatesAaron LevinAaron LevinSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:14 Jan 2015https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2015.1b7Abstract“Something is wrong when we use the criminal justice system as a mental health system,” Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said at a Capitol Hill briefing in December.America’s county governments, straining under the burden of caring for inmates with mental illness housed in their jails, couldn’t agree more.Sen. Al Franken declares that “the intersection of mental health and the justice system is not a partisan issue.”Aaron LevinAbout 2 million people with serious mental illnesses are booked into jails each year, and the counties—and their taxpayers—must provide them with treatment. Yet even as the numbers devastate local jail budgets, outcomes are rarely improved, according to the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Justice Center of the Council of State Governments (CSG), which organized the briefing.While 5 percent of people in the general population have a serious mental illness, 17 percent of those booked into U.S. jails do. Within that population, 31 percent of the women and 15 percent of the men have serious mental illness, said Fred Osher, M.D., director of Health Systems and Services Policy at the CSG Justice Center in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, of those with a mental illness, 72 percent have a co-occurring substance use disorder.This population is at greater risk at every stage of the criminal justice process, said Osher: “They are arrested in disproportionate numbers, stay longer in jail, have higher recidivism rates, and have less access to health care than those without mental illness.”Tackling the problem is hampered by the constant churning of individuals in and out of jails and by a consequent lack of baseline data against which to test interventions, said Osher. “Plus, the workforce in jails is not well trained for mental health care and so needs new skills and cross-training.”“We need to make a change,” agreed Judge Steven Leifman, J.D., of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida in Miami and a member of the American Psychiatric Foundation’s (APF) Board of Directors. Leifman has worked closely with APF through the Judges’ Leadership Initiative for Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health to increase court officials’ understanding of mental illnesses and the ways to respond to people with them.Fred Osher, M.D., stresses that “crime rates are dropping, but the percentage of people with mental illness in jails is increasing.”Aaron Levin“The issue affects every county in the nation,” added Rep. Richard Nugent (R-Fla.), a former sheriff of Hernando County, Fla., at the same briefing. Nugent cosponsored the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act of 2013, intended to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in county jails. Franken introduced similar legislation in the Senate. The bills will be refiled in the new Congress.In addition to seeking help from the federal government, counties must gather teams of local leaders not only from corrections departments but from the legal, mental health, medical, social service, and law enforcement communities, said Osher. Collecting prevalence data and formulating needs assessments are critical, as is evaluating available treatment systems and their capacity. Finally, implementing evidence-based interventions must be followed by closely tracking outcomes.Those interventions can include crisis intervention training for police, diversion programs like mental health courts, better access to community-based treatment, and improved prerelease planning before jail inmates return to their communities.“Mental health in the justice system is not a partisan issue,” concluded Franken, urging grassroots support for the pending legislation.“I don’t always agree with Al Franken, but we do agree on this issue,” said Nugent, a conservative Republican. “I’m optimistic we’ll get this done. It’s important to the people back home.”Toward that goal, NACo and the CSG Justice Center will join the APF at a summit of county officials and others later this year to discuss and disseminate best practices used by counties that have already developed plans for coping with the crisis. ■More information on CSG’s mental health programs can be accessed here. The APF’s work with the Judges’ Leadership Initiative is described here. ISSUES NewArchived

APA Hosts Meeting to Build Bridges Between Faith, Mental Health Communities

APA Hosts Meeting to Build Bridges Between Faith, Mental Health Communities

Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Release Status with Recidivism

The purpose of this study was to explore how the intersection of offenders' mental health (MH) problems and release statuses impacts recidivism. We examined three-years of postrelease recidivism data for former inmates that reintegrated into New Jersey communities in 2006 (n = 10,777). We constructed Cox regression models predicting various forms of criminal and non-criminal recidivism including rearrests, reconvictions, parole revocations, and a combined measure of rearrests and parole revocations. In addition to models that included all returning offenders, we constructed smaller models that isolated the impact of MH problems for parolees and unconditionally released inmates as well as the impact of supervision status for inmates with and without MH problems. Our results indicate that parole supervision can aid those with MH concerns in making a successful transition into the community. Parole decreased the likelihood of experiencing a new arrest by 30% while controlling for MH problems and MH problems increased the likelihood of experiencing a new arrest by 20% while controlling for release status. Findings are discussed within the contexts of service availability and case management.

Medical diagnosis of legal culpability: The impact of early psychiatric testimony in the 19th century English criminal trial

Fast-paced developments in psychiatry, neuroscience and emerging neuroimaging technologies place continual pressure on the legal recognition of mental illness and disease across jurisdictional boundaries. Nevertheless, the Canadian legal definition of exculpatory mental disease in the context of criminal liability has remained largely static, sheltered from the immediate influence of medical theory and advancements. In order to effectively reflect on the intersection of mental health and criminal justice systems in this area, it is important to understand its historical development and the English common law origins of the current approach. Specifically turning to the early 19th century, documented history and accounts of early medical witness testimony on the mental state of the accused provide a unique opportunity to understand the initial collision between fundamental concepts of moral and legal culpability and new scientific understandings of mental function and disease. In this article, I suggest that early psychiatric testimony to the accused's mental state challenged the evolving criminal law of 19th century England to reconcile its restrictive definition of “insanity” with expanding scientific reasoning and accounts of mental disease. The trial of Edward Oxford, an attempted royal assassination case of 1840, is examined as a symbolic height in this conflict prior to the first common law pronouncement of the current approach in 1843. As debate continues on the role of medical advancement in the identification of exculpatory medical disorders in law, this historical perspective may serve as a touchstone in balancing the enforcement of legal culpability with our society's greater appreciation for mental illness.

Sexual harassment between same-sex peers: intersection of mental health, homophobia, and sexual violence in schools.

This article provides a historical and legal framework for defining peer sexual harassment from three different perspectives: sex discrimination, mental health, and sexual violence. Major court decisions that define sexual harassment in both education and the workplace are highlighted, and arguments regarding sexual harassment between peers of the same sex are profiled. This research also identifies sexism and heterosexism as a major social violence problem in U.S. education and argues that peer sexual harassment is sexual violence with considerable mental health implications for both boys and girls. Recommendations for social work practice regarding peer sexual harassment in schools are discussed.