Mental Health-related Issues Research Articles

Exploring Mental Health Literacy and Its Associated Factors: A National Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia, 2023.

The aim of this study is to examine, for the first time, the mental health literacy of the Saudi general population. Additionally, we aim to identify demographic factors associated with elevated mental health literacy scores. A cross-sectional study using a phone interview survey with quota sampling was conducted for equal distribution of sexes, age and administrative regions. Mental health literacy was assessed by the previously validated mental health literacy scale (MHLS). The MHLS ranges from 35 to 160, and a higher score indicates greater level of mental health literacy. In this study, 4,547 (70.2%) agreed to complete the interview. The sample was equally distributed across Saudi Arabia's 13 administrative regions with 50.1% female and mean age 35.9 (SD: ±12.8). In terms of education, 55.1% have a bachelor's degree or above. The nationally weighted score on the original MHLS was 110.75. the MHLS Saudi validation score was influenced by various variables including: marital status, healthcare-related job, sex, education level, and proximity to individuals with mental health issues. The study offers data for the first time on Saudi Arabian mental health literacy status. The high MHLS score reflects good societal awareness and understanding of mental health related concepts and issues in the Saudi population. The results of this study set the baseline for mental health literacy in Saudi Arabia. Future research may focus on utilizing the validated MHLS and the method used in this study to explore the effect of other social and individual factors on mental health literacy.

COVID-19 and Mental Health: A "Pandemic Within a Pandemic".

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in daily life for humanity and has had a profound impact on mental health. As widely acknowledged, the pandemic has led to notable increases in rates of anxiety, depression, distress, and other mental health-related issues, affecting both infected patients and non-infected individuals. COVID-19 patients and survivors face heightened risks for various neurological and psychiatric disorders and complications. Vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing mental health conditions and individuals living in poverty or frailty, may encounter additional challenges. Tragically, suicide rates have also risen, particularly among young people, due to factors such as unemployment, financial crises, domestic violence, substance abuse, and social isolation. Efforts are underway to address these mental health issues, with healthcare professionals urged to regularly screen both COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients and survivors for psychological distress, ensuring rapid and appropriate interventions. Ongoing periodic follow-up and multidimensional, interdisciplinary approaches are essential for individuals experiencing long-term psychiatric sequelae. Preventive strategies must be developed to mitigate mental health problems during both the acute and recovery phases of COVID-19 infection. Vaccination efforts continue to prioritize vulnerable populations, including those with mental health conditions, to prevent future complications. Given the profound implications of mental health problems, including shorter life expectancy, diminished quality of life, heightened distress among caregivers, and substantial economic burden, it is imperative that political and health authorities prioritize the mental well-being of all individuals affected by COVID-19, including infected individuals, non-infected individuals, survivors, and caregivers.

Environmental Quality of Life and Psychological Distress of Emerging Adults in Flood-Affected Areas of Assam, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Psychological reactions after any catastrophe can vary from person to person and from disaster to disaster depending upon the level of exposure, the extent of loss, coping mechanisms, and social support available at that time. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine mental health-related issues experienced by emerging adults as a result of flooding in various localities of Assam, which are considered to be as worst affected areas. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional research study and was conducted among the emerging adults of flood-affected areas of Assam amid the issues of ongoing floods between June and July 2022. The convenience sampling method was used in the selection of emerging adults in the age group of 18–25 years, residing in Assam during flooding situations. To measure psychological distress, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was used. Additionally, to measure an individual’s perception of general health, environmental quality of life, and people’s perception of the overall quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale was used. Results: The findings show that a significant difference was not found between emerging adults who had flood issues on their property and those who had not gone through in the domain of depression (Mann–Whitney U = 1644.0, p=.85), anxiety (Mann–Whitney U = 1657.0, p=.91), and stress (Mann–Whitney U = 1634.0, p=.81). Significant group difference was seen in the environmental quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 945.5, p<.001), the individual’s perception of general health (Mann–Whitney U = 1225.0, p=.01), and the individual’s perception of overall quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 991.5, p<.001). It was found that depression had a significant negative correlation with an individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.172, p=.045). Additionally, anxiety had a significant negative correlation with the individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.193, p=.024). Stress had a significant negative correlation with an individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.169, p=.048). Conclusion: The results in the present study help to comprehend emerging adults’ psychological responses to disasters and have practical insinuations for service planning and delivery. It is very important to strengthen mental health care and psychological consultation facilities, to mitigate, control, and prevent mental health problems.

Examining the mental health literacy and challenges to supporting students among regional Philippine teacher education faculty

Mental health has become an increasingly important public health issue as it plays a vital role in modern society. The education sector, for example, has become a common focus of mental health studies as students and teachers are subject to frequent social interactions and academic pressure. To better understand how equipped students and teachers are in addressing mental health-related issues, taking a look at their mental health literacy is essential. In the Philippines, the mental health literacy of teachers remains an untapped area of research yet to be explored and understood. The current study aimed to a) examine the mental health literacy of faculty in a regional Philippine teacher education institution and b) identify the challenges met by the faculty in providing needed help to students with mental health-related issues. A total of forty-four faculty participated in the study and answered a mental health literacy scale. The average mental health literacy score of the overall sample was 114.45. This was found to be relatively higher than the scores of K-12 teachers but relatively lower than the scores of university students, healthcare professionals, athletic coaches and therapists, and members of the community. The challenges met by the respondents in providing needed help to students include lack of self-efficacy, resistance of students, conflicting values with the students, and lack of time. This study has provided evidence on the current mental health literacy level of regional teacher education faculty and the challenges they encounter in supporting students; insights gained from it may inform mental health-related professional development initiatives. Implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.

Adverse Psychological and Therapeutic Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use: A Systematic Review

Aims: This review aimed to comprehensively examine kratom’s therapeutic potential for treatment of mental health-related issues as well as any related benefits and risks. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Medline. Review methods: Three authors carried out electronic search of articles published between 1950 to September 2022 through major databases for a duration of three months (from July to September 2022). Each author independently screened the literature for inclusion and exclusion criteria, the findings were then compared, discrepancies between authors were resolved, and the final selection of articles were reviewed. Results: A total of 46 articles were included in this review. A total of three in vitro and animal studies and five cross-sectional online surveys reported the therapeutic potential of kratom in opioid replacement therapy. In addition, a total of two animal studies and three cross-sectional online surveys highlighted the role of kratom as a potential antidepressant and anxiolytic. Contrastingly, two animal studies, 11 studies in human subjects, and 16 case reports documented the risk of kratom dependence, cravings, tolerance, and kratom-related substance use disorder as the major safety concern of implementing kratom use as a therapeutic agent. Conclusion and impact: In the absence of human clinical trial, coupled with various considerable adverse events of kratom (not limited to psychological side effects), evidence to support kratom as potential therapeutic use remains inconclusive.

Cancer Research in Vulnerable Populations: A Call for Collaboration and Sustainability From MENAT Countries.

Cancer is a major burden across Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye (MENAT). Many MENAT countries experience multiple conflicts that compound vulnerabilities, but little research investigates the linkages between vulnerability and cancer research. This study examines the current level and the potential for cancer research among vulnerable populations in the MENAT region, aiming to provide direction toward developing a research agenda on the region's vulnerable populations. Expert-driven meetings were arranged among the 10 authors. After obtaining institutional review board approval, a self-administered online survey questionnaire was circulated to more than 500 cancer practitioners working in 22 MENAT countries. Two hundred sixteen cancer practitioners across the MENAT region responded. Fifty percent of the respondents identified clinical research in vulnerable patients with cancer as a significant issue; 21.8% reported previous research experience that included vulnerable populations, and 60% reported encountering vulnerable populations in their daily clinical practice. The main barriers to conducting research were lack of funding (60%), protected time (42%), and research training (35%). More than half of the respondents believed that wars/conflicts constituted an important source of vulnerability. The most vulnerable cancer populations were the elderly, palliative/terminally ill, those with concomitant mental health-related issues, those with other chronic illnesses, and socioeconomically deprived patients. Results support that a major effort is needed to improve cancer research among vulnerable cancer populations in the MENAT region. We call for interdisciplinary research that accounts for the region's unique, compounding, and cumulative forms of vulnerability. This cancer research agenda on different vulnerable populations must balance sociobehavioral studies that explore sociopolitical barriers to quality care and clinical studies that gauge and refine treatment protocols. Building a research agenda through collaboration and solidarity with international partners is prime time.

Understanding pandemic resilience: a mixed-methods exploration of burdens, resources, and determinants of good or poor well-being among Austrian psychotherapists.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health burden on the general population, resulting in increased demands on mental healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists. This cross-sectional study assessed the challenges and resources encountered by 513 psychotherapists based on an online survey conducted between April and May 2022. Qualitative methods content analysis of written reports was employed to investigate the emerging challenges and sources of support during the pandemic. A comparative analysis of burdens, resources, sociodemographic factors and daily physical activity was conducted to discern patterns of good and poor well-being. The predominant burden identified was mental health-related issues, followed by global crises and government-imposed restrictions to mitigate virus transmission. Essential resources encompassed social connections, mindfulness, work satisfaction, and internal processes. Notably, psychotherapists demonstrating good well-being were older, more physically active, had a lower proportion of females, were employed in private practices rather than in institutionalized settings, had more years of professional experience and treated more patients weekly than their counterparts with poor well-being. Furthermore, they exhibited greater optimism, health focus, and satisfaction with their coping methods. These findings can help develop support systems, policies, and educational programs to better support mental health professionals during global crises and offer strategies for individual practitioners to maintain their well-being.

Lose yourself: Spacious nature and the connected self

A crucial but thus far overlooked dimension of mental health benefits of nature interaction involves the extent to which the self is experienced as a separate, stand-alone identity cut off from its surroundings or rather as a fluid entity connected to the world at large. Based on research findings that hint at the importance of spaciousness for promoting a selfless (rather than self-centered) mode of psychological functioning, an experimental study was conducted using VR-simulations of natural landscapes varying in the extent of spaciousness and type of nature. Results show that spacious, rather than dense, landscapes promote selflessness and related measures including connectedness and positive affect. Subsequent mediation analyses indicate that effects of spaciousness on selflessness and positive affect are mediated by an embodied process in which perceived body boundaries loosen up. These findings testify to the importance of nature interaction for counteracting self-centeredness and related mental health issues.

Domestic violence against women has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective paper about the need for change to current and future practice.

The COVID-19 outbreak led to widespread disruption and stress to people's lives. Concern about the escalation of domestic violence (DV) rates and related mental health issues soon emerged following the implementation of strategies aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. This perspective paper presents an overview of the issues, argues for greater recognition of the link between DV against women and serious emotional distress, and the need for greater awareness and knowledge about DV among mental health professionals. While we acknowledge that men also experience DV, their rates are much lower than for women and in this paper our focus is on women.

Traumatic brain injury and mental health outcomes among recently incarcerated men.

This study examined the association between experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) before or during incarceration and several postrelease negative mental health consequences in a cohort of men recently released from prison. The goal of the study was to explicate the variety of mental health-related issues incurring a TBI has on one's ability to successfully reintegrate back into society following incarceration. Using data from the LoneStar Project, we used ordinary least squares regression and logistic regression to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms, stress, trauma flashbacks, and psychosis in a representative sample of men released from Texas prisons (N = 498) approximately 9 months post-prison release. Recently released men with a history of head injury exhibited higher levels of depression, B = 0.204, 95% CI [.071, .337]; stress, B = 0.266, 95% CI [.116, .416]; experiencing trauma-related flashbacks, odds ratio (OR) = 2.950, 95% CI [1.740, 5.001]; and psychosis, OR = 3.093, 95% CI [1.601, 5.975], compared to their non-head-injured counterparts. TBIs-whether sustained before or during incarceration-pose significant risks for adverse mental health outcomes, particularly for recently released individuals during the already challenging and strained period of reintegration.

"How is your thesis going?"-Ph.D. students' perspectives on mental health and stress in academia.

Mental health issues among Ph.D. students are prevalent and on the rise, with multiple studies showing that Ph.D. students are more likely to experience symptoms of mental health-related issues than the general population. However, the data is still sparse. This study aims to investigate the mental health of 589 Ph.D. students at a public university in Germany using a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. We administered a web-based self-report questionnaire to gather data on the mental health status, investigated mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and potential areas for improvement of the mental health and well-being of Ph.D. students. Our results revealed that one-third of the participants were above the cut-off for depression and that factors such as perceived stress and self-doubt were prominent predictors of the mental health status of Ph.D. students. Additionally, we found job insecurity and low job satisfaction to be predictors of stress and anxiety. Many participants in our study reported working more than full-time while being employed part-time. Importantly, deficient supervision was found to have a negative effect on Ph.D. students' mental health. The study's results are in line with those of earlier investigations of mental health in academia, which likewise reveal significant levels of depression and anxiety among Ph.D. students. Overall, the findings provide a greater knowledge of the underlying reasons and potential interventions required for advancing the mental health problems experienced by Ph.D. students. The results of this research can guide the development of effective strategies to support the mental health of Ph.D. students.

HIDDEN STRUGGLES: SHEDDING LIGHT ON DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITION

This quantitative survey was designed to investigate the symptoms of depression and the level of generalized anxiety in adults with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). For this purpose, 90 adults with ASC, aged 17 years and above with mild autistic symptoms, were selected through the convenient sampling method. The study findings, using the “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” (GAD-7) tool, indicated that adults with ASC experience mild to moderate levels of anxiety, with irritability and annoyance being the highest-scoring items. The study further utilized the "Patient Health Questionnaire" (PHQ-9), to assess depression, which revealed that the majority of adults with ASC experienced moderate levels of depression, with symptoms occurring on several days in their lives. These depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with ASC are most common and there could be multiple factors behind these symptoms which affects their quality of life. It is important that mental health teams assess adults with ASC to determine the reasons behind their mental health-related issues and provide appropriate support and treatment. Raising awareness about autism and other disabilities is also crucial to reduce stigma and promote acceptance in society

Parenting and Self-Criticism among Offspring: A Systematic Review

Self-criticism involves negatively evaluating oneself and being critical of self-contemplations, beliefs, and actions, leading to dysfunction. Studies suggest that parenting plays a role in an individual's level of self-criticism. As primary caregivers, parents greatly influence their children's well-being, humility, distress, and self-criticism. To assess this relationship, a systematic review was conducted using various databases from 2003 to 2019. Out of 47 articles identified, 10 were excluded based on their abstracts and titles, and 23 were excluded after full-text assessment. The remaining 17 articles showed a significant association between parenting and self-criticism, with parental rejection being a stronger predictor of intense self-criticism. The systematic review identified limitations in the included studies' variables and outcomes, internal limitations, and a small number of research papers. To address these limitations, future studies should explore the relationship between parenting styles and self-criticism in different dimensions and investigate potential moderating factors such as environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Identifying such factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention efforts to help adolescents manage their self-criticism and related mental health issues. In practical terms, the findings of the systematic review highlight the importance of parents, educators, and mental health professionals being mindful of how parenting styles may affect children's development of self-criticism. To reduce the risk of self-criticism and improve adolescents' emotional well-being, promoting positive parenting styles and behaviors, as well as identifying potential moderating factors, could be beneficial.

Increased Reports of Depression in Hawaiʻi during the first wave of COVID-19

Introduction: Reports of mental health issues increased nationally in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic, often attributed to the effects of quarantine, isolation, and restriction of travel. Given that Hawaiʻi State’s population is unique in its largely ethnic minority population, geographic isolation, and economic dependence on tourism, it is important to document if similar mental health outcomes have occurred during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Methods: This study compares Hawaiʻi’s rates of depression using data from the National Center for Health Statistics collected in 2020 and the Hawaiʻi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System collected in 2016.
 Results: Hawaiʻi’s rate of depression, like the rest of the nation, increased significantly during the first wave. A chi-square test of independence was conducted, and the results were significant, χ2 (1, n = 20,261.42) = 582.48, p < .001. Before COVID-19, typical rates of depression were at 11.03%, 95% CI [10.51%, 11.55%]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of depression increased to 24.23%, 95% CI [23.16%, 25.31%].
 Conclusion: Depressive symptoms doubled during the early stages of the pandemic in Hawaiʻi. Evidence-based strategies should be developed now to help prevent future possible mental health related issues that are attributable to pandemic related safety protocols.

Effects of floods on the mental health of Pakistanis: a commentary.

Over the years, worsening climate change has led to multiple spells of heavy rain and floods in Pakistan, with the 2022 floods ranked as the deadliest in world history. To top it off, decades of political instability, mental health stigma, and lack of psychological support have tipped the after-effects over the edge. These floods have taken a toll on more than 13000 people, with inaccessibility to vital necessities leading to further deaths every week. Local and international support is imminent for better handling of the crisis and reducing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health-related issues.

Assessment of self-injurious behavior in major depressive disorder: a case report

Introduction: Self-harm and depression are two related mental health issues that often co-occur and can have serious impacts on individuals and their well-being. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition that is prevalent among young adults. It is a significant public health concern that affects individuals, families and society as a whole, contributing to considerable social, economic, and health-related costs. Despite the high prevalence of depression in young adults, there is a lack of understanding of its etiology, risk factors, and optimal treatment strategies. Self-harm behavior is a concerning manifestation of MDD that can have serious consequences, including injury, infection, or even death. Methods: In this article, we report a case of an MDD patient with self-harm behavior and discuss the assessment method and treatment options. Our aim is to raise awareness of these pathologies among psychiatrists and the general population and to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment in reducing the risk of self-harm behavior and suicide. Conclusion: In light of the case presented, it is evident that early detection and targeted intervention are crucial in mitigating the risk of self-injurious behavior in MDD patients. The utilization of a comprehensive assessment methodology, inclusive of a thorough review of the patient’s clinical history and utilization of standardized rating scales, proved indispensable in the tailoring of an individualized treatment regimen. The amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy proved to be a successful strategy in the amelioration of depressive symptoms and consequent self-harm behavior. As such, we trust that this case report will serve to sensitize clinicians to the importance of early identification and prompt management of these pathologies, in the quest for enhanced mental health outcomes.

Clinical Crisis: When Your Therapist Needs Therapy!

Social workers are struggling within their professional and personal lives. Many clinical social workers who work in the mental health and medical field are struggling with poor health behaviors, secondary traumatic stress (STS), depression, anxiety, and burnout due to staff shortages, rapid turnover, compassion fatigue, and poor staff recruitment (Toh et al., 2018). Untreated trauma related to bereavement issues can result in PTSD and complicated grief symptoms in clinical populations when left untreated by a trained mental health clinician (Glad et al., 2022). Social work clinicians can expect therapeutic encounters to include discussions of deaths, loss, and reduced security contributing to negative mental health occurrences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers who work with families and individuals who are experiencing trauma are often adversely affected by these interactions, resulting in negative outcomes for the social worker (Caringi et al., 2017). A recent study of the COVID-19 pandemic and related mental health issues found an increase in anxiety and mental health issues related to stress, grief, fear, and depression (Estes & Thompson, 2020). Many social work clinicians may require mental health treatment of their own COVID-19 experiences, while simultaneously developing vicarious trauma (VT) and countertransference issues as a result of working with a clinical population in the treatment setting.

COVID-19, Mental Health, and Chronic Illnesses: A Syndemic Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an epidemiological and psychological crisis; what it does to the body is quite well known by now, and more research is underway, but the syndemic impact of COVID-19 and mental health on underlying chronic illnesses among the general population is not completely understood. We carried out a literature review to identify the potential impact of COVID-19 and related mental health issues on underlying comorbidities that could affect the overall health of the population. Many available studies have highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on mental health only, but how complex their interaction is in patients with comorbidities and COVID-19, the absolute risks, and how they connect with the interrelated risks in the general population, remain unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic can be recognized as a syndemic due to; synergistic interactions among different diseases and other health conditions, increasing overall illness burden, emergence, spread, and interactions between infectious zoonotic diseases leading to new infectious zoonotic diseases; this is together with social and health interactions leading to increased risks in vulnerable populations and exacerbating clustering of multiple diseases. There is a need to develop evidence to support appropriate and effective interventions for the overall improvement of health and psychosocial wellbeing of at-risk populations during this pandemic. The syndemic framework is an important framework that can be used to investigate and examine the potential benefits and impact of codesigning COVID-19/non-communicable diseases (NCDs)/mental health programming services which can tackle these epidemics concurrently.

Let's put mental health problems and related issues appropriately in social media: A voice of psychiatric nurses.

Social media is one convenient way to express ourselves. Much information is offered; most is difficult to filter and can be consumed by anyone, anywhere, anytime. However, sometimes it crosses the boundaries of someone else's life or privacy, especially when discussing sensitive issues, such as mental health problems. There are a lot of discussions about whether bringing the personal experiences of people with mental health problems to the public domain can potentially increase the community's attitudes toward them or not. Still, one thing is for sure, this kind of content has caught public attention by having more viewers. Unfortunately, it potentially brings other consequences for people with mental health problems, such as stigmatization, discrimination, and sadfishing. Therefore, this paper aims to provide the viewpoints of psychiatric nurses regarding how to address mental health-related issues and appropriately put content about mental health problems on social media.

Pattern and Experience of Internet Use among Persons with Severe Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Aims: To understand the current patterns and experience of using internet among individuals with severe mental disorders and assess the impact of internet technology in their daily life, particularly mental health-related issues. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted on individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD)/ schizophrenia (DSM-5) (N=20), aged ≥ 18 years who could read and write in Hindi/ English, using an interview guide. HAM-D, YMRS, SAPS, and SANS were used as screening instruments. The interview guide contained questions related to internet use in daily life, internet use for health-related issues, particularly BD/ schizophrenia. Results: All individuals used the internet in day-to-day life for the purpose of communication, entertainment and getting information. They predominantly use internet to find out about their illness & medications. For their illness, most common source of searching was Google (N=20), followed by YouTube (N=17). Three themes could be identified about patterns and experience of internet use: health/ illness-related reasons for searching internet, beliefs about the suggestions on internet, risky practices regarding suggestions from internet. The impact of internet use was variable. They often believed that they were misinformed or unsure of the information available online. Most of them did not discuss about their internet use for their disease with their treating doctor. But they tend to follow advice that they perceive might be harmless. Conclusion: Patients with SMD commonly use internet for retrieving information about their illness. They tend to follow perceivably harmless advice available online.