Mental Health Problems In People Research Articles

Leveraging Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional wellbeing issues

There is a need for African people living in Australia to consider leveraging Ubuntu values as a cultural strength to address mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. for African people living in Australia. This paper is a systematic review research which employed key terms such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, African Australian, Young people. There were no participants involved, however the research articles that were reviewed in the study only focused on the African Australian community. Mental health issues among African Australian youth need to be better understood, as studies have shown they are at a higher risk for mental health, yet there has been insufficient research on the topic. In this study, most articles we employed highlighted that the extensive research on that reported migrants to be at ten times higher risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to the general population. Many studies carried out in the African Australian community have drawn more attention to the African Australian culture. This raises the need for research to be conducted on African Australian young people aged 15-29 years which is the Australian age range of a young person, to sensitize the African Australian community on mental health issues, and factors leading to young people's mental health problems in African Australian society. The aim of the study was to raise awareness about mental health issues facing the African, Australian young people and suggesting ways forward to support young people. The finding of the study demonstrates significance and values to address mental health issues in African-Australian Community groups. Research asserted that young immigrants are at greater risk of developing mental illness due to resettlement, cultural transition, and separation from extended family members. Young people lacking a secure base for emotional support from their families are more likely to face mental health issues in their lives. Mental health issues in the African context may not be categorized as a vast problem, but instead identified as life circumstances that every individual encounter. Since mental health subject is a taboo in the African culture, the study encouraged young people to pair up with other African youths to create awareness and advocate to access mental health services should need arise. This study encourages young people and their families from African heritage to leverage Ubuntu values and principles as their cultural strengths in dealing with challenging issues such as mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. How to reference using ASWNet style: Kagola F. & Abur W. (2023). Leverage Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional well-being issues. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 312-324. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.5 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Relation Between Family Environment, Life Satisfaction, Depression and Anxiety

The background of this study is that as the standard of living and stress increases, most people begin to be dissatisfied with their current lives. And there is a gradual increase in the occurrence of mental health problems in people, especially depression and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Thus, this study intends to investigate the effect of the interaction of life satisfaction and family environment on individual depression and anxiety. A cross-sectional survey method was used to administer the questionnaire to 121 respondents. The Index of Life Satisfaction Scale(LSIA), Depression Scale(PHQ-9), 7-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD-7), and Family Environment Scale(FES) were used to investigate the relationship between current life satisfaction, family environment, and individual depression and anxiety. The results shows that life satisfaction index was significantly associated with depression and anxiety (p<0.05). In addition, anxiety was significantly associated with family members are always give each other the greatest help and support (p=0.008), family members always openly expressing their feelings for each other (p=0.030); depression was significantly associated with family members are always give each other the greatest help and support (p=0.025), members often quarrel at home (p=0.002), there is a kind of harmony and consistency in family (p=0.015), and family members are all heartily supportive of each other(p=0.032). Thus, life satisfaction index affects anxiety and depression, and some family environment situations are significantly associated with the development of anxiety and depression.

Prevalence of Co-Occurring Physical and Mental Health Problems in People with Drug Addiction in Pakistan

Drug addiction is a relapsing, chronic disorder in which drug abusing and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors are prevalent. The objective of the research was to explore the prevalence of different types of drug addictions along with co-occurring physical and mental health problems. Since 2021, a team of Happy Life Psychological Services (HLPS), Pakistan has dealt with 6000 triages and 156 admissions. The sample of the study was 156 participants with drug addiction collected from February 2021 to January 2023. The outcome of the study reflected that male have higher number of drug addiction (78.8%) compared to females and the most common age of drug addiction is middle adults (67.9%). In people with drug addiction, the highly used drug was tobacco (23.41%), the most common mental health problem was anxiety disorders (28.62%), the most common medical comorbidity was Hepatitis B & C (50%), and they had higher level of suicidal thoughts (49.32%). The study recommends nationwide concerted actions to decline the illicit demands of drugs. Mass media, law enforcement, medical practitioners, local communities, NGOs, international agencies, and affected families are the possible stakeholders that should be included to make up strategies to manage the issue of drug addiction in Pakistan.

Prevalence and associated factors of alexithymia among people living with HIV/AIDS in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlexithymia is common and causes serious harm to people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this study aimed to examine its prevalence and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in two designated AIDS medical institutions in Harbin, China between January and December 2019. In total, 767 participants completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness short-form, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the HIV Treatment Regimen Fatigue Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption. The participants responded to several questions regarding their demographic characteristics, life satisfaction, disease-related economic burden, and their antiretroviral therapy (ART) side effects. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the relationship between alexithymia and associated factors. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for OR were calculated.ResultsApproximately 36.1% of the participants were classified as having alexithymia. After adjusted age and education, the logistic regression model indicated that disease-related economic burden (OR = 1.477, 95% CI = 1.155–1.888), ART side effects (OR = 1.249, 95% CI = 1.001–1.559), loneliness (OR = 1.166, 95% CI = 1.101–1.236), and HIV treatment regimen fatigue (OR = 1.028, 95% CI = 1.017–1.039) were positively associated with alexithymia.ConclusionsThe mental health problems of people living with HIV/AIDS are essential to understand and deserve attention. Disease-related economic burdens are major associated factors. Multiple actors should provide better services and guarantees for patients.

Shifting Career Aspirations and Anxiety During The Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in young people, especially in the mental health and career aspect. The existence of COVID-19 worsens their mental health condition. Various factors make a person experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. In addition to mental health, COVID-19 has affected young people's perception of careers. The question is how far the pandemic has caused personality change in young people and affected career preferences. Therefore, this study has two objectives: understanding the intrapersonal and interpersonal changes in young people groups and what stakeholders should do about these changes. This research uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. A total of 1.036 young people participated in the survey. This study indicates that although young people feel anxious, worried, and afraid, they still adapt, as evidenced by the emergence of new hobbies and abilities. In addition, young people are also optimistic about their career preferences and believe that they can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this optimism will not last if the pandemic continues the following year. This research requires all stakeholders to formulate appropriate ways to mitigate young people's mental health problems.

Restorative effects of soundscape perception: A case of Yan Zhenqing Park in Shandong Province, China

Soundscape is an important part of landscape perception. As an important environmental element of creating the whole space of the city —— Acoustic Environment, it has been paid more and more attention to and studied gradually. With the improvement of urbanization and living conditions in China, people's mental health problems are gradually increasing. However, the studies on the restoration of soundscape consider how the perceived soundscape affects an individual’s mental health were scarce. Yan Zhenqing Park is a product of urbanization and a typical urban park, mental health and sound issues highlighted among residents near parks. The aim of this study was to improve Yan Zhenqing Park environment toward restoration of soundscape. Therefore, Yan Zhenqing Park was selected as the research case through field investigation, listening to a single sound source on the spot and designing a questionnaire. All data were collected by using the method of probability-sampling which involved questionnaires distributed to 370 of respondents. Using quantitative analysis methods to explore the relationship between properties and attributes of urban park stimulating restoration. The results show that there was a significant relationship between frequency, loudness, preference of sound, people prefer natural sounds and artificial sounds can have a negative impact on people's mental health. Research findings provide guidance for environment construction and add value to people’s health and quality of life and well-being.

The mediating effect of family health on the relationship between health literacy and mental health: A national cross-sectional survey in China.

Mental health problems significantly affect people's well-being and result in a huge health burden. Health literacy and family health are critical to reducing people's mental health problems. However, limited studies have addressed their complex interaction. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the mediating effect of family health on the relationship between health literacy and mental health. A national cross-sectional study based on multistage random sampling was conducted from July 10 to Sep 15, 2021, in China. Information about the public's health literacy, family health, and the level of three common mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) was collected. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied to explore the mediating effect of family health on the relationship between health literacy and mental health. A total of 11,031 participants were investigated. Approximately 19.93 and 13.57% of participants experienced moderate or severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The SEM showed that health literacy was directly associated with mental health, with higher health literacy resulting in lower levels of depression (coefficient: -0.018, p = .049), anxiety (coefficient: -0.040, p < .001), and stress (coefficient: -0.105, p < .001). In addition, family health played a significant mediating effect (p < .001) between health literacy and mental health, contributing to 47.5, 70.9, and 85.1% of the total effect of health literacy on personal stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. This study revealed that the improvement of health literacy is directly and indirectly associated with less likelihood of people's mental health problems via family health. Thus, future mental health interventions should be integrated and targeted both at individual level and the family level.

Healthcare professionals' experiences in identifying and supporting mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study.

Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risk of mental health problems. The interaction presents a major clinical challenge as this co-morbidity leads to worse outcomes for both conditions however, many cases go undetected. To explore perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals in the identification and support provision of mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes. Using a qualitative research design, fifteen health care professionals working in the United Kingdom were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using reflexive inductive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified relating to barriers: time, knowledge, relationship between services, and stigma. Three themes were identified related to facilitators: education, communication, and appropriate tools and services. This research emphasizes the need for educational tools to improve the skills and competency of healthcare professionals in identifying mental health problems in people with type 1 diabetes, highlighting practical and theoretical implications for healthcare improvements, and the necessity for additional research to design care pathways that better support this population in which all health care professionals are aware of.

Ujawnianie problemów ze zdrowiem psychicznym: zakres, predyktory i konsekwencje dla osób z rozpoznaniem zaburzeń psychotycznych

The analysis of the extent, sociodemographic and clinical predictors, and consequences of disclosing mental health problems for people with psychotic disorders. 147 individuals with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder (ICD-10 categories F20-F29) were examined with questionnaires to assess the extent and consequences of their disclosing of mental health problems to others, as well as their social functioning, depressive symptoms, and the global severity of psychopathological symptoms. The majority of respondents talked openly about their mental health problems to their parents, spouses or life partners, as well as physicians and other non-psychiatric health care professionals, while a substantial minority (less than one-fifth) talked about these issues to casual acquaintances, neighbors, teachers and lecturers, co-workers, police officers and municipal guards, representatives of the court system, or public officials. Multiple regression analysis showed that the older the respondents were, the less willing they were to disclose their mental problems to others (β = -0.34; p <0.05). In contrast, the longer they were ill, the more inclined they were to disclose their mental health issues (β = 0.29; p <0.05). Disclosure of mental health problems had varying effects on the subjects' social relationships, with a significant proportion reporting no difference in the way they were treated by others, while others reported either deterioration or improvement in this area. The results of the study provide clinicians with practical guidance on supporting and assisting patients with psychotic disorders in the process of making informed decisions about "coming out".

Influence of Aerobic Exercise Load Intensity on Children's Mental Health.

As people have become more aware in recent years, aerobic physical exercise plays an important role in alleviating people's mental health problems. However, traditionally, it is believed that young children do not have mental health problems. To help people change this fixed idea, and to study how to correctly adjust the load intensity of aerobic physical exercise under the condition of limited physical fitness of young children, and accurately help children's mental health development, this paper studies the influence of aerobic physical exercise load intensity on children's mental health. In this paper, the detection and tracking technology of video moving objects is used to analyze the data of the research object. This technique includes several commonly used and improved video analysis algorithms. The use of moving target and tracking technology and algorithms can completely extract moving targets, eliminate the phenomenon of void and nothingness, and improve data acquisition and analysis capabilities. The results show that taking part in aerobic exercise with appropriate intensity is beneficial to regulating children's emotional state, reducing their psychological burden, enhancing their negative energy resistance, and arousing their positive participation. Compared with before aerobic exercise, the learning efficiency was improved by 6.36%.

Metoda Diskusi Sebagai Upaya Melambungkan Kesadaran Masyarakat Terhadap Urgensi Kesehatan Jiwa

People's mental health problems often do not get adequate attention so that they have an impact on the deterioration of the quality of life. It is necessary to increase public awareness of the importance of mental health, but the steps to equalize public perception are still very limited. This service activity aims to equalize understanding of the urgency of maintaining mental health through the application of discussion methods. The discussion, which was attended by 23 participants, covered the stages of preparation, implementation and evaluation. The preparation stage has involved various parties, from the neighborhood level to the sub-district level, community leaders, religious leaders and community groups. At the implementation stage, the discussion begins with brainstorming, explanations about mental health and the preparation of the organizational structure of the mental health post. The residents seemed enthusiastic, accompanied by the support of policy makers and the coordination of related parties. At the evaluation stage, participants' understanding of the importance of mental health increased and commitments and work programs were agreed upon to support the establishment of mental health posts. This activity has implications for improving the mental health condition of the community through community empowerment by solving community mental health problems collectively.

Association between Internalized Stigma and Depression among People Living with HIV in Thailand.

Internalized stigma and depression are among the most common mental health problems in people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study aimed to examine the association between depression and overall internalized stigma, as well as different aspects of internalized stigma in PLHIV. The study included 400 PLHIV receiving care in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficients. The results indicated the PLHIV with mild depression had lower median scores for the social relationship internalized stigma subscale than PLHIV with major depressive disorder (p = 0.009). Total HIV internalized stigma scores were significantly correlated with PHQ-9 scores in the mild depression group (r = 0.327, p = 0.004). Depression and internalized stigma were prevalent and associated, especially in the area of social relationships. Health personnel should be aware of possible depression in PLHIV who have internalized stigma. Intervention to promote understanding and social support for PLHIV is warranted.

Association between Noise Annoyance and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To date, most studies of noise and mental health have focused on noise exposure rather than noise annoyance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether the available evidence supports an adverse association between noise annoyance and mental health problems in people. We carried out a literature search of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and conference proceedings published between 2000 and 2022. Thirteen papers met the inclusion criteria. We conducted meta-analyses of noise annoyance in relation to depression, anxiety, and general mental health. In the meta-analyses, we found that depression was approximately 1.23 times greater in those who were highly noise-annoyed (N = 8 studies). We found an approximately 55% higher risk of anxiety (N = 6) in highly noise-annoyed people. For general mental health (N = 5), highly annoyed participants had an almost 119% increased risk of mental health problems as assessed by Short Form (SF) or General Household Questionnaires (GHQ), but with high heterogeneity and risk of publication bias. In conclusion, findings are suggestive of a potential link between noise annoyance and poorer mental health based on a small number of studies. More evidence is needed to confirm these findings.

A Quick Overview of LGBTQIA+ in India

LGBT describes those who are drawn to other LGBT individuals. These individuals identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In India, homosexuality is nothing new. India is regarded as a nation that embraces and accepts all cultures and customs. However, Indian society is still conservative when it comes to tolerating homosexuality in the general population, and despite the fact that the LGBT community is widely accepted around the world, we still do not wish to embrace LGBT individuals in our ostensibly modern society. In India, sexual minorities are frequently the targets of hate crimes. They are taken advantage of verbally, physically, and sexually since they are easy prey. In order to better understand the LGBTQ community and treat them with respect and dignity rather than labelling them, this study presents a brief summary of the LGBTQ community as well as other glossaries and words of the same group. This review demonstrates social problems like stigma and discrimination, which are still widespread in our Indian society even after the passage of Act 377. It also demonstrates how stigma and discrimination cause mental health problems in people, which in turn lead to suicide because of the severity of their mental health issues.

Effect of online counselling on emotional outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An innovative group intervention for university students using the Brain Wave Modulation Technique

Young people's mental health problems are a matter of concern during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Counselling services for university students by means of telemental support can help them to deal with psychological issues that they may be facing due to the pandemic. The present study investigated the effects of four once‐weekly online counselling sessions based on a mind‐body technique (the Brain Wave Modulation Technique; BWM‐T) on enhancing positive affect and on reducing negative affect and anxiety in a sample of 54 university students (96.3% females; M age = 21.31 years, SD = 2.09). An experimental design was conducted: the participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group, which received 15 min of a guided online BWM‐T session, or to the control group, which watched a 15‐min video on how to sustain their psychological well‐being. The results of a two‐factor mixed‐design analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the participants in the intervention group reported a significant increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect over time compared to those in the control group. They also reported a slight decrease in state anxiety compared to the control group, although this was just short of statistical significance. The information provided by this study, regarding emotional outcomes among university students after four brief online counselling sessions, suggests that such interventions could be an effective and sustainable way to reinforce young people's mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as well as later in their university careers and adult lives.

Mental Health of People in State Quarantine during COVID-19 Situation in Thailand

When the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the globe, Thailand was the first country to report a COVID patient outside of China. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to examine the mental health condition and the risk factors associated with the mental health problems of people in state quarantine. Our study sample included 4,069 people who were in state quarantine in the eastern region of Thailand. We administered a stress assessment test, a depression screening questionnaire, a suicidal risks screening tool and a COVID-19 anxiety screening scale, which were developed by the Department of Mental Health, Thailand. We found that most people in state quarantine reported a moderate level of COVID-19 anxiety, a mild level of stress, and no current risk of suicide. The risk factors associated with stress were female gender (OR = 2.290, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95% CI [1.687, 3.109]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 2.443, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95%CI [1.720, 3.470]). The factor associated with depression was female gender (OR = 1.380, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95%CI [1.201, 1.586]). The factors associated with risks for suicide were female gender (OR = 2.059, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95%CI [1.553, 2.729]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 2.128, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95%CI [1.510, 2.998]). The factors associated with COVID-19 anxiety were female gender (OR = 1.469, p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95%CI [1.294, 1.669]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 1.329, p = 0.011, 95%CI [1.066, 1.657]). A system to screen for mental health problems and rapid assistance offered to people in state quarantine who are at risk of mental health problems are recommended to reduce the severity of the problems.

Effectiveness of Identity-based Psychodrama Educational-therapeutic Program on Identity Styles and Neuroticism

Background: Neuroticism is one of the serious mental health problems of people. No study has been conducted on the impact of identity issues in the treatment of neurotic people. Objectives: This study aims to formulate, design, and investigate the effect of identity-based psychodrama educational program on identity styles and neuroticism. Materials &amp; Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test design using a control group. The study participants were 40 people aged 15-30 years referred to Pendare Nik Counseling Center in Najafabad City, Isfahan Province, Iran, in 2020. They were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned into the intervention (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. The data collection instruments were Berzonsky Identity Style Inventory (1992) and McCrae and Costa 5-factor inventory (1992). A Researcher-made Identity-Based Psychodrama Program (2020) was used for the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS v. 23. Results: The educational-therapeutic program significantly affected identity styles and neuroticism (P&lt;0.001). It significantly reduced the neuroticism level of people in the intervention group (F=200.71, η2=0.84). Conclusion: The identity-based psychodrama program reduced diffuse-avoidant, normative, and informational identity styles and neuroticism and promoted the achieved identity style.

Relationship of Leisure Time Activities With Fatigue and Mental Health Problems in People With Multiple Sclerosi

Objective: One of the essential aspects of life in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is leisure time activities. One of the duties of occupational therapists is the evaluation and implementation of therapeutic interventions in the field of leisure for patients with neurological disorders such as MS. However, before presenting any intervention for increasing the ability of MS patients to spend their leisure time, it is necessary to study the concept of this field scientifically and systematically and identify and evaluate the factors affecting it. Many symptoms of MS, such as fatigue and mental health problems, may affect leisure activities. This study examines the relationship of leisure time activities with fatigue and mental health problems (stress, anxiety, and depression) in MS patients. Materials &amp; Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of all MS patients referred to Imam Khomeini Clinic, Mobasher Kashani Hospital, and MS Association in Hamadan City, Iran, in 2019. Of them, 99 (70 women, 29 men) with a Mean±SD age of 32.28±8.26 years were selected by using a convenience sampling method and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For data collection, we used the MS leisure questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAFS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS). After obtaining written informed consent from the patients, the study questionnaires were completed by them. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 16. The Spearman correlation test was used to examine the relationship of leisure time activities with fatigue and mental health problems. Results: There was a significant relationship between leisure activities and fatigue tests of VAFS (P=0.003) and FSS (P=0.001). Fatigue showed a high negative correlation with all leisure domains (r=0.350, P=0.001) of difficult, social, spiritual/religious, out-of-home physical, and art/cultural activities and reduced them. The overall score of DASS was significantly correlated with leisure time spiritual/religious activity (r= -0.263), out-of-home physical activity (r= -0.213) and art/cultural activity (r= -0.205). Regarding its subscales, anxiety showed a significant correlation only with leisure time social activities (r= -0.259), stress with spiritual/religious activities (r= -0.212), and depression with all domains of leisure time activities except for difficult activities (P≤0.005) Conclusion: Leisure time activities are associated with fatigue and mental health problems (stress, anxiety, and depression) in MS patients. Stress and anxiety only affect their leisure time social activities. Fatigue or mental health problems can reduce the amount of leisure time.

The psychological impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a case study

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are the most effective therapy available to prevent sudden cardiac death. Both depression and anxiety are common disorders in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Nurses need to recognise both mental distress and mental illness to ensure that these patients receive prompt assessment, care and management. This article discusses the nature of mental health problems in people with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and how nurses can recognise and assess them, as well as support patients.

Falling through the cracks’ – the role of assertive alcohol outreach teams in treating comorbid mental health problems in people with addictions

AimsInput from Assertive Alcohol Outreach Teams (AAOTs) reduces the ‘burden’ on already overstretched community mental health teams (CMHTs).AAOTs are specialist addictions services. This project focuses on an AAOT based in the London, which engages with people with severe alcohol and illicit substance misuse problems.Previous research has shown that input from AAOTs reduces hospital admissions. This project examined the impact of AAOT input on reducing the ‘burden’ on CMHTs.MethodThe full caseload of the Southwark-based AAOT was reviewed, including mental health records, general practitioner notes, hospital notes and discharge summaries. We collected data on diagnoses and previous hospital admissions. Patients were assessed to determine whether they met criteria to be open to a CMHT (the presence of complex or serious mental health problems, in addition to addictions).ResultThe caseload was made up of 39 patients, 85% of patients were deemed to meet criteria for being under the care of a CMHT. Only 15% of patients are currently under the care of a CMHT. 87% of patients had at least one comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. 72% of patients had had at least one emergency department or medical hospital admission due to mental health-related problems. 39% had previous admissions to mental health wards. 21% of patients has been admitted under Section of Mental Health Act.ConclusionThe majority of AAOT patients have severe mental health problems in addition to addictions. The patients are complex and often have a history of disengagement from standard mental health services. Formal diagnosis and treatment of comorbid mental health problems is challenging in the presence of protracted drug and alcohol misuse. AAOT input appears to address a serious ‘gap’ in supporting patients with complex mental health needs who are often ineligible for CMHT input or disengage from CMHT support.