Modern Mental Health Care Research Articles

History of Psychopathology and Therapeutic Interventions, a perspective of Classical Islamic Scholars

The works of Al-Razi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Balkhi on the contributions of classical Islamic scholars to understanding and treatment have been discussed. An analysis is done with a critical approach to provide insight into their holistic approaches that deal with the integration of health dimensions in a physical, psychological, and spiritual aspect. The early classifications made by them about mental disorders, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and lifestyle interventions have also been investigated, showing the similarity in such practices with those of current therapies. This approach emphasizes the cultural and ethical value attached to these historical insights in modern mental health care. The findings suggest that ideas from these thinkers will enhance contemporary mental health care since the thoughts provided a more humane, ethical, and culturally appropriate care.

Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health

In addition to identifying challenges and prospects for such application, this paper intends to present significant implementation science ideas that may be pertinent to comprehending and aiding artificial intelligence (AI) deployment in mental health care. This paper provides an overview of AI technology in modern mental health care and evaluates recent research developments, with a focus on the developing field of digital psychiatry. AI application in psychiatry to improve our knowledge, diagnosis, and treatment of mental diseases; to address concerns with availability, appeal, and accessibility of mental health-care services. Nursing staff members and other medical professionals, who operate in clinical settings, such as mental health facilities, stand to gain significantly from AI’s potential to increase workplace productivity and efficiency. Using the phrases “AI in mental health,” “diagnosis of mental health disorders,” “artificial intelligence,” and “deep learning,” we searched PubMed psychological testing and psychotherapy are being impacted by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial and Web of science. The research covered in this overview of the literature discusses how intelligence. This is a survey article, hence not applicable. The advantages and moral dilemmas associated with the use of AI in psychiatry are outweighed by its potential uses. More research and advancement are needed to get past these obstacles and guarantee the ethical and safe integration of AI in the psychiatric sector. By doing this, AI can significantly advance both long-term outcomes and the organization of mental health services.

Artificial intelligence in mental healthcare: an overview and future perspectives.

Artificial intelligence is disrupting the field of mental healthcare through applications in computational psychiatry, which leverages quantitative techniques to inform our understanding, detection, and treatment of mental illnesses. This paper provides an overview of artificial intelligence technologies in modern mental healthcare and surveys recent advances made by researchers, focusing on the nascent field of digital psychiatry. We also consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence playing a greater role in mental healthcare.

‘Let there be light’ or life in the dark? Vital geographies of mental healthcare

This paper explores the relations between light and dark/white and black disclosed in a study of Gartnavel Royal Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, where an old Victorian lunatic asylum remains, if becoming ruined, on the same site as a modern mental healthcare campus. In-depth interview work recovering the ‘spatial stories’ of patients and staff, past and present, reveals a complex mixture of positive and negative memories and interpretations prompted by both the ‘darkened spaces’ of Old Gartnavel and the liveliness associated with both sets of spaces. These findings are framed by (a) a reading of Badiou's short monograph on Black (Badiou, 2017) and (b) an engagement with light and dark studies, both of which suggest a rebalancing of the normal valuations whereby dark/black is cast as the realm of death, everything that deadens and threatens life, whereas light/white is cast as that of life, liveliness and vitality. The scholarship here speaks to work on vitalist health geographies, agreeing that vital health-worlds can surface almost anywhere, but reminding that the fragility of such worlds can always be threatened by too much over-ordering.

Integration of traditional medicine into the mental healthcare system in Tshwane, South Africa.

Mental healthcare providers have a negative attitude towards the integration of traditional health medicine (THM) into the mental health system. The attitude is based on their lack of trust in traditional practices, which are not supported by substantial evidence-based medical research. The study was conducted to determine mental healthcare providers views on the integration of traditional health medicine into the mental healthcare system. The study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was conducted on 85 respondents who consented to participate. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire from 23 psychiatrists and 62 psychiatric nurses. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of graphs, frequencies and percentages. Mental healthcare providers displayed a negative attitude towards integrating THM in psychiatric hospitals. The results showed no significant difference between psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses in their preference for modern mental healthcare practices (p= 0.25). There is still doubt among the mental healthcare providers on whether to support integration of the THM into mental health system or not. The doubt is based on the two-health system isolated from each other especially in South Africa.Contribution:This study contributed by showing the need and importance of understanding a patients' cultural background, which supports the integration of a traditional health system into the mental healthcare system, which in turn will lead to the appropriate management of mental illnesses.

Solution-focused approaches in adult mental health research: A conceptual literature review and narrative synthesis.

Solution-focused approaches are one approach to treatment used in a wide variety of settings in modern mental healthcare services. As yet, there has been no overall synthesis of how this approach is understood in the adult mental health literature. This conceptual review aimed to synthesize the ways that solution-focused approaches have been conceptualized and understood, within the adult mental health literature, in the five decades since their conception. A systematic search followed by multiple techniques from the narrative synthesis approach were used to develop a conceptual framework of the extracted data. Fifty-six papers published between 1993 and 2019 were included in the review. These papers spanned a variety of clinical contexts and countries, but despite this the underlying key principles and concepts of solution-focused approaches were remarkably similar over time and setting. Thematic analysis of extracted data outlined five key themes relevant to the conceptualization of this approach. This conceptual framework will help support clinicians using solution-focused techniques or therapies by giving them a coherent understanding of such approaches, by what mechanisms they work, and how key principles of this approach can be utilized in adult mental health settings.

Professional training and case-load mix within a community mental health team

AimsCommunity Mental Health Teams (CMHTS) are now the cornerstone of modern mental health care and play a central role in assessment, diagnosis and care coordination. CMHTs vary widely in their service provision and composition. Within teams there is latitude for variation of professional roles but the extent to which different disciplines undertake generic and profession-specific work is poorly defined. This cross-sectional study aims to establish how professional training influences the distribution of case-load mix within a general adult CMHTMethodThe GR1 CMHT provides care to a mixed urban/rural population of 25,000 in Galway city and Connemara. A review was conducted of multi-disciplinary case notes for all patients actively registered with the team for a period of one year. Name, age, gender, whether referred or admitted in the past year, medication and day hospital attendance were recorded. Clinical diagnoses were recorded but, where missing, verified with a relevant team member. The team consultant reviewed and verified the 1CD-10 primary clinical diagnosis for all patients. Evidence of clinical input by multidisciplinary team members was recorded from clinical files with the final electronic database being checked by each professional for accuracy. We examined any input over the past year rather thanfrequency of input. Patient characteristics and diagnosis by professional discipline were examined using descriptive statistics.ResultOf a total of 246 patients registered to the team, 37.8% (N = 93) saw one, 34.6% (N = 85) saw two and 24.4% (N = 60) saw 3 or more team members. Of those who saw three or more team members, psychotic disorders represented the majority diagnoses (40%, N = 24) followed by personality disorders (25%, N = 15) and affective disorders (15%, N = 9). Patients were most commonly seen by a doctor (91.5%, N = 225) followed by community mental health nurses (CMHNs) (52.8%, N = 130). Doctors saw 85% or more of all patients grouped by ICD-10 diagnoses. The majority of social work and occupational therapy case-mix comprised psychotic disorders (SW = 44.2%, OT = 34.2%) followed by personality disorders (SW = 25.6%, OT = 23.7%). Of psychology case-mix, the highest was personalitydisorders at 41.6% (N = 13) followed by anxiety and related disorders at 25% (N = 8). CMHN case-mix was highest for psychotic disorders at 44.6% (N = 58) followed by 21.5% mood disorders (N = 28).ConclusionThis cross sectional survey informs how we currently target our specialist resources. We will now develop this to include frequency of contact to inform resource allocation and skill mix.

Am I a researcher or a self-harmer? Mental health, objectivity and identity politics in history

The different models of self-harm in other eras can challenge the presumed universality of modern concepts, from psychiatric diagnoses to the very idea of objectivity in science and medicine. In this paper I argue that the history of psychiatry is not a neutral set of ideas by which we understand the past but an opportunity to reflect on, critique and improve modern mental healthcare. By writing as omniscient narrators of the past, historians often do create the impression that there is only one interpretation of a set of ideas. Incorporating personal material into a narrative is one way of countering this tendency, reminding the reader that the researcher is a part of his or her field of research. Yet there are challenges here as well. In identifying as a particular kind of person—a mental health service user—we run the risk of narrowing the field. By exploring the tensions between research and experience, I highlight the importance of critical reflection on identity politics within mental health care and practice today.

The religious and secular antecedents of modern mental health care

Peter Nolan reflects on the effects of monasteries and the Poor Law on mental health

Building bridges: Yoga in psychological therapies

As a multi-tiered biopsychosocial system focused on mental development, yoga aligns with principles of modern mental healthcare. This paper explores mechanisms through which yoga offers its salutatory effects and guidance for its further integration into the NHS.

A. Beck’s Cognitive Psychotherapy and L. S. Vygotsky’s Cultural - Historical Psychology

Last year was celebrated by the international professional community as the 95th jubilee of Aaron Beck - founder of one of the most authoritative branches of modern psychotherapy, the influence of which on the sphere of modern mental healthcare can be compared with the value of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis in the last century. Developmental psychologists celebrate one more anniversary last year - 120 years since the birth of the creator of cultural-historical psychology, founder of Moscow psychological school - Lev S. Vygotsky, who was called “the Mozart in psychology” by a famous British philosopher and methodologist working in the USA Tulmin (1981). Mozart discovered a new epoch in music and died at the prime of creative life - sick, poor and lonely. L. S. Vygotsky in the same way made a revolution in the psychology of the last century and died at the age of 37, persecuted and rejected by the oÿcial Stalinist science, in isolation from the international community.

Progressing recovery-oriented care in psychiatric inpatient units

Purpose Initiated by the service user movement, recovery-oriented practices are one of the keystones of modern mental health care. Over the past two decades, substantial gains have been made with introducing recovery-oriented practice in many areas of mental health practice, but there remain areas where progress is delayed, notably, the psychiatric inpatient environment. The peer support workforce can play a pivotal role in progressing recovery-oriented practices. The purpose of this paper is to provide a pragmatic consideration of how occupational therapists can influence mental health systems to work proactively with a peer workforce. Design/methodology/approach The authors reviewed current literature and considered practical approaches to building a peer workforce in collaboration with occupational therapists. Findings It is suggested that the peer support workforce should be consciously enhanced in the inpatient setting to support culture change as a matter of priority. Occupational therapists working on inpatient units should play a key role in promoting and supporting the growth in the peer support workforce. Doing so will enrich the Occupational Therapy profession as well as improving service user outcomes. Originality/value This paper seeks to provide a pragmatic consideration of how occupational therapists can influence mental health systems to work proactively with a peer workforce.

Concepts, models and measurement of continuity of care in mental health services: A systematic appraisal of the literature

Introduction The increased complexity of community mental health services, and associated fragmentation of traditional dividing lines between services, has underscored the centrality of care continuity and coordination in modern mental health care. However, clarification of the key features of the care continuity concept has proved difficult and a consensus has not been reached. Aim/Question This review draws together and critically examines latest evidence concerning concepts, models and scales based on a multidimensional understanding of care continuity. Method Databases ASSIA, PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane were searched for papers dating from January 2005 to July 2016, of which 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. These were subjected to quality appraisal based on CASP and COSMIN checklists. Studies were grouped into three thematic categories describing concepts, models and scales of care continuity. Results/Discussion Synthesis indicated correspondence between independent, multidimensional models of care continuity, providing greater clarity regarding the essential features of the concept. Association, although not causation, between care continuity factors and health outcomes is supported by current evidence. Implications for practice Clarification of care continuity in mental health services may enable nurses working as care coordinators to develop a better understanding of key elements of their role, and provide guidance for future service development.

Mental Health & Community Mental Health in Nepal: Major Milestones in the development of Modern Mental Health Care

Bir Hospital, the first general hospital with specialist services was established in the country in 1889 A.D. When I came back to Nepal after MBBS in 1971, most of the specialties like Medicine, Surgery, Gynae & Obs, Opthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Emergency department with 24 hours service were there. Paediatric OPD service was available, and children were admitted in Kanti children hospital Kathmandu. So mental health service in Nepal was started in a general hospital with different specialties.

Psychotherapy in Saudi Arabia: Its History and Cultural Context

The introduction of modern mental healthcare standards and services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has resulted in a gradual shift towards a more positive perspective on mental health issues and related services, and has increased the demand for qualified mental health professionals and psychological interventions (WHO 2016). Despite recent advances in mental healthcare services, psychopharmacology remains the main treatment modality for the majority of mental health issues in KSA. Psychotherapy has had a rather slow developmental trajectory in KSA, and its provision requires an understanding of many specific aspects of Saudi culture (Dubovsky 1983). This paper will shed light on the historical development and current challenges of psychiatric and psychological services and the availability of psychotherapy in KSA. By offering an explication of a selection of local social phenomena, this paper will attempt to explain how unique Saudi cultural constructs and social contexts influence the training, perception, and practice of psychotherapy in the country, outlining existing challenges as well as some expected future directions.

New Facility to Be Capstone of Indiana’s Unified MH System

New Facility to Be Capstone of Indiana’s Unified MH System

Shared decision making for psychiatric medication management: beyond the micro-social.

BackgroundMental health care has lagged behind other health‐care domains in developing and applying shared decision making (SDM) for treatment decisions. This is despite compatibilities with ideals of modern mental health care such as self‐management and recovery‐oriented practice, and growing policy‐level interest. Psychiatric medication is a mainstay of mental health treatment, but there are known problems with prescribing practices, and service users report feeling uninvolved in medication decisions and concerned about adverse effects. SDM has potential to produce better tailoring of psychiatric medication to individuals' needs.ObjectivesThis conceptual review argues that several aspects of mental health care that differ from other health‐care contexts (e.g. forms of coercion, questions about service users' insight and disempowerment) may impact on processes and possibilities for SDM. It is therefore problematic to uncritically import models of SDM developed in other health‐care contexts. We argue that decision making for psychiatric medication is better understood in a broader way that moves beyond the micro‐social focus of a medical consultation. Contextualizing specific medication‐related consultations within longer term relationships, and broader service systems enables recognition of the multiple processes, actors and agendas that shape how psychiatric medication is prescribed, managed and used, and which may facilitate or impede SDM.ConclusionA broad conceptualization of decision making for psychiatric medication that moves beyond the micro‐social can account for why SDM in this domain remains a rarity. It has both conceptual and practical utility for evaluating research evidence, identifying future research priorities and highlighting fruitful ways of developing and implementing SDM in mental health care.

Internet Supported Psychological Interventions (ISPIs) and Mobile Phone Applications: A Literature Review and Proposed Model

Internet Supported Psychological Interventions (ISPIs) and mobile phone applications are increasing in the modern mental health care environment, most commonly with anxiety and depressive disorders. These emerging e-mental health services offer increased public access to psychological services that maximise outcomes at reduced cost and therefore are increasingly being endorsed by policy makers, therapists and clients. This paper presents a literature review which shows that ISPIs have consistently demonstrated positive treatment effects and reductions in symptomatology for clients with a range of psychological and physical complaints. However, the issues of support, attrition, usability, and theoretical approach, all warrant further examination. Therefore, the formulation of a new model of mental health care that incorporates ISPIs into everyday practice settings represents an expedition into a new frontier for the brain-wise therapist. A new model of care is proposed in this article that utilises a “bottom-up” neuropsychotherapeutic approach to ISPI development. The model provides standardised homework modules as an adjunct to therapy with feedback to the consulting therapist. This new model of care aims to enhance facilitation and consolidation of neural pathways that promote wellness, down regulation of the limbic response and engagement with higher cortical areas throughout the therapeutic process, whilst providing for the basic needs (attachment, control, self-esteem and pleasure maximisation/distress avoidance) of the client

Support from the Internet for Individuals with Mental Disorders: Advantages and Disadvantages of e-Mental Health Service Delivery.

Mental disorders are common in almost all industrialized countries and many emerging economies. While several trials have shown that effective treatments exist for mental disorders, such as pharmacotherapy, psychological interventions, and self-help programs, the treatment gap in mental health care remains pervasive. Unrestricted access to adequate medical care for people with mental disorders will be one of the pressing public mental health tasks in the near future. In addition, scarcity of financial resources across the public mental health sector is a powerful argument for investigating innovative alternatives of delivering mental health care. Thus, one challenge that arises in modern mental health care is the development of innovative treatment concepts. One possibility for improving mental health care services is to deliver them via the Internet. Online-based mental health services have the potential to address the unmet need for mental health care.

Mental health policy in Eastern Europe: a comparative analysis of seven mental health systems.

BackgroundThe objective of this international comparative study is to describe and compare the mental health policies in seven countries of Eastern Europe that share their common communist history: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.MethodsThe health policy questionnaire was developed and the country-specific information was gathered by local experts. The questionnaire includes both qualitative and quantitative information on various aspects of mental health policy: (1) basic country information (demography, health, and economic indicators), (2) health care financing, (3) mental health services (capacities and utilisation, ownership), (4) health service purchasing (purchasing organisations, contracting, reimbursement of services), and (5) mental health policy (policy documents, legislation, civic society).ResultsThe social and economic transition in the 1990s initiated the process of new mental health policy formulation, adoption of mental health legislation stressing human rights of patients, and a strong call for a pragmatic balance of community and hospital services. In contrast to the development in the Western Europe, the civic society was suppressed and NGOs and similar organizations were practically non-existent or under governmental control. Mental health services are financed from the public health insurance as any other health services. There is no separate budget for mental health. We can observe that the know-how about modern mental health care and about direction of needed reforms is available in documents, policies and programmes. However, this does not mean real implementation.ConclusionsThe burden of totalitarian history still influences many areas of social and economic life, which also has to be taken into account in mental health policy. We may observe that after twenty years of health reforms and reforms of health reforms, the transition of the mental health systems still continues. In spite of many reform efforts in the past, a balance of community and hospital mental health services has not been achieved in this part of the world yet.