Presence Of Mental Health Problems Research Articles

Prevalence of Somatic Symptoms and Somatoform Disorders among a German Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Sample.

Somatoform disorders (SD), commencing during adolescence, represent a major problem in health care systems. While literature underlines the high presence of mental health problems among children and adolescents afflicted by somatic symptoms in the general population, limited evidence is available on the prevalence of comorbid somatic symptoms in child and adolescent psychiatric populations. We assessed the prevalence of somatic symptoms, depression, and anxiety by validated questionnaires in an inpatient cohort. We further screened for the presence of SD. Out of 434 inpatients aged 11-17 years, 371 were included and a total of n = 288 (77.6%) children and adolescents participated in the study. A total of 93.8% of the inpatients reported somatic symptoms within the past six months and still almost half (45.7%) of the sample reported at least one somatic symptom within the last seven days prior to inquiry. Relating to the past six months, 59.5% were positively screened for SD, and 44.6% reported symptoms eligible for positive screening within the past seven days prior to the survey. Somatoform symptomatology was highly associated with anxiety and depression scores, but functional decline was amenable to the number of somatic symptoms only. We provide evidence that somatic symptoms are frequent in children and adolescents being treated in child and adolescent psychiatry and are relevant to everyday functioning. Screening for somatic symptoms should be introduced in the routine diagnostic procedures for early detection of SD in the commencing stages.

Problematična upotreba mobilnih telefona i problemi mentalnog zdravlja adolescenata sa lakom intelektualnom ometenošću

In the last few decades, more people have been using mobile phones, even people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The most common consequence of excessive use of mobile phones is the emergence of mental health (MH) problems. This research aims to determine the predictors and correlation between problematic mobile phone use and MH problems in adolescents with mild ID. The sample comprised 54 adolescents of both genders who have mild ID and who attend the Vocational High School in Belgrade. The Problematic Cellular Phone Use Questionnaire was used to measure the characteristics of the respondents' use of mobile phones and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to measure MH problems. It was found that adolescents with mild ID have a statistically significantly high degree of problematic mobile phone use. Younger adolescents, those who use a mobile phone more time during the day and adolescents who use psychoactive substances have a higher degree of problematic mobile phone use. Girls have more MH problems compared to male adolescents. In addition, adolescents with mild ID who have a higher degree of problematic mobile phone use have more MH problems, and the presence of MH problems in one domain is positively correlated with the presence of others. In conclusion, we highlight the limitations as well as recommendations for future researchers and practitioners working with this population.

Complicated grief and its relationship with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundComplicated grief (CG) resulting from poor adaptation to the death of a close person may have been related with the presence of other mental health problems in older adults in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aimed to assess the association between CG and anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in older adults in Peru in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the “Socioemotional evaluation form” applied in 2020 to mental health problems in older adults attending the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). For our study, we included older adults who reported the death of a close person during the last six months when this assessment was performed. CG, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation were initially evaluated using validated questionnaires. The association between CG and the presence of mental health problems was calculated through multivariate analysis, where prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf the 249 older adults included, 175 (70.3%) were female with a median age of 71 years (interquartile range: 9), and 35 (14.1%) reported the presence of CG. It was found that CG in this population was associated with the presence of anxiety (PR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.85), depression (PR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.95), and suicidal ideation (PR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.06 to 7.59).ConclusionsCG is related to the presence of mental health problems in older adults in Peru. It is essential to implement measures that facilitate the prevention and proper management of this condition in this population, especially in the context of high population mortality such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adverse childhood experiences and residential care environment: The mediating role of trauma-related symptoms and psychological maladjustment in adolescents

BackgroundResearch has consistently found poorer outcomes in adolescents who have been exposed to early interpersonal adversities, especially those in out-of-home placements. The presence of mental health problems also contributes to the perception of a more negative group climate and peer interactions through cascading effects. ObjectiveTo analyze the sequential relationships between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma-related symptoms, psychological maladjustment, and the perception of group climate and peer interactions. In addition, the study analyzes the mediating role of trauma-related symptoms and psychological maladjustment. Participants and settingThe sample comprised 161 adolescents in out-of-home care (46.6 % males, 49.7 % females, 3.7 % non-binary), aged 12–18 (M = 15.22, SD = 1.59) from 24 residential facilities in Spain. MethodsThis study is part of the VRINEP project. Group care workers reported about ACEs and trauma-related symptoms through online questionnaires, whereas adolescents self-reported about psychological maladjustment, group climate, and peer interactions. ResultsDifferential associations between ACEs with trauma-related symptoms and internalizing problems were found. The relationship between certain ACEs and externalizing problems was fully mediated by trauma-related symptoms. Likewise, psychological maladjustment was related to a more negative perception of the group climate and peer interactions. Although trauma-related symptoms were not directly associated with the perception of the residential environment, they were indirectly associated with peer relational aggression through externalizing problems. ConclusionsMental health has a significant impact on the perception of the group climate and peer interactions among adolescents in residential care who have been exposed to ACEs.

Food Insecurity and Mental Health among Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees Living in Peru: Secondary Data Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey.

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between food insecurity and mental health in Venezuelan migrants and refugees residing in Peru using data from the Survey Directed at the Venezuelan Population Residing in the Country (ENPOVE) conducted in 2022. The analysis included 7739 Venezuelan adults. The presence of mental health problems was self-reported, and household food insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. The study found that 4 out of 10 participants lived in households with moderate to severe food insecurity, and around 10% reported experiencing some mental health problem in the last month. The study identified a positive association between living in households with moderate to severe food insecurity and having some mental health problem compared to living in households without food insecurity. The findings suggest that food insecurity is a common problem among the Venezuelan migrant population residing in Peru, and measures are required to address this problem and mitigate its consequences on mental health and other health problems. The study highlights the need for international organizations to provide assistance and support to these populations and ensure adequate and sustainable follow-up of food insecurity at the national level. It is also necessary to implement early detection tests for mental health problems in the migrant population, especially in individuals exposed to food insecurity. This study provides relevant evidence for addressing public health in the Venezuelan migrant population residing in Peru.

Recommendations for follow-up care during post-deployment screening of Canadian Armed Forces personnel: how well does self-reported mental health predict referral decisions?

ObjectiveCanadian Armed Forces (CAF) post-deployment screening aims to facilitate early care for members with mental health issues. The process consists of a questionnaire to screen for mental health problems, followed...

Who has mental health problems? Comparing individual, social and psychiatric constructions of mental health

PurposeThe persistent gap between population indicators of poor mental health and the uptake of services raises questions about similarities and differences between social and medical/psychiatric constructions. Rarely do studies have assessments from different perspectives to examine whether and how lay individuals and professionals diverge.MethodsData from the Person-to-Person Health Interview Study (P2P), a representative U.S. state sample (N ~ 2700) are used to examine the overlap and correlates of three diverse perspectives—self-reported mental health, a self/other problem recognition, and the CAT-MH™ a validated, computer adaptive test for psychopathology screening. Descriptive and multinominal logit analyses compare the presence of mental health problems across stakeholders and their association with respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsAnalyses reveal a set of socially constructed patterns. Two convergent patterns indicate whether there is (6.9%, The “Sick”) or is not (64.6%, The “Well”) a problem. The “Unmet Needers” (8.7%) indicates that neither respondents nor those around them recognize a problem identified by the screener. Two patterns indicate clinical need where either respondents (The “Self Deniers”, 2.9%) or others (The “Network Deniers”, 6.0%) do not. Patterns where the diagnostic indicator does not suggest a problem include The “Worried Well” (4.9%) where only the respondent does, The “Network Coerced” (4.6%) where only others do, and The “Prodromal” (1.4%) where both self and others do. Education, gender, race, and age are associated with social constructions of mental health problems.ConclusionsThe implications of these results hold the potential to improve our understanding of unmet need, mental health literacy, stigma, and treatment resistance.

Scientific evidence on mental health in nursing professionals in the hospital setting [Evidencias científicas sobre la salud mental en profesionales de enfermería en el contexto hospitalario

Nowadays, given the pandemic situation caused by COVID 19, it has become clear that health personnel are at high risk of presenting emotional problems due to the uncertainty of the potential risks of the hospital environment. Objective: To determine the scientific evidence on mental health in nursing professionals in the hospital context. Method: Integrative, exploratory review in 2 databases, Dialnet and Google Scholar, considering the inclusion criteria as English, Spanish and Portuguese. Results. There is evidence of an increase in the presence of mental health problems in nurses, such as stress, anxiety, depression, fear, among others. In the face of unknown highly contagious illnesses that have appeared in recent years, which places them at high occupational risk and affects the quality of life of the professionals responsible for care. It is concluded that, in the face of the health emergency, nurses should use biosecurity and personal protection measures in health practice, such as taking care of their mental health, in order to maintain an adequate relationship involving patient-nurse care. It also favours timely preventive interventions in the mental health care of nurses.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND PSYCHOPATHIC TRAITS: THE PERSPECTIVE OF BELGIAN PRACTITIONERS

The literature on restorative justice practices and more specifically victim-offender mediation in psychopathic individuals is scarce. At first glance, restorative justice practices might not be possible or useful when dealing with psychopathic offenders due to inherent characteristics they possess. The present study examined the possibility and usefulness of restorative justice practices in Flanders (i.e. victim-offender mediation) with psychopathic offenders. It focused on how practitioners think and feel about working with psychopathic offenders during victim-offender mediation. Understanding if and how this practice can be used with psychopathic individuals can contribute to the literature of restorative justice in general. Practitioners are mostly unaware of the presence of mental health problems at the start of the process. However, despite the presence of dysfunctional traits such as psychopathic traits, most facilitators argued that everyone should be able to get involved in victim-offender mediation. Victim-offender mediation is possible and may be useful for everyone involved. Despite the presence of psychopathic traits, it are the expectations of both the victim and offender about the mediation process that is of uttermost importance. Both expectations need to align with one another in order for the mediation to be successful.

Investigating tinnitus subgroups based on hearing-related difficulties.

Meaningfully grouping individuals with tinnitus who share a common characteristics (ie, subgrouping, phenotyping) may help tailor interventions to certain tinnitus subgroups and hence reduce outcome variability. The purpose of this study was to test if the presence of tinnitus subgroups are discernible based on hearing-related comorbidities, and to identify predictors of tinnitus severity for each subgroup identified. An exploratory cross-sectional study was used. The study was nested within an online survey distributed worldwide to investigate tinnitus experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main outcome measure was the tinnitus Handicap Inventory- Screening Version. From the 3400 respondents, 2980 were eligible adults with tinnitus with an average age of 58years (SD=14.7) and 49% (n=1457) being female. A three-cluster solution identified distinct subgroups, namely, those with tinnitus-only (n=1306; 44%), those presenting with tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss and/or misophonia (n=795; 27%), and those with tinnitus and hearing loss (n=879; 29%). Those with tinnitus and hyperacusis reported the highest tinnitus severity (M=20.3; SD=10.5) and those with tinnitus and no hearing loss had the lowest tinnitus severity (M=15.7; SD=10.4). Younger age and the presence of mental health problems predicted greater tinnitus severity for all groups (β≤-0.1, P≤.016). Further exploration of these potential subtypes are needed in both further research and clinical practice by initially triaging tinnitus patients prior to their clinical appointments based on the presence of hearing-related comorbidities. Unique management pathways and interventions could be tailored for each tinnitus subgroup.

Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation in Chinese University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously threatened the global public health security and caused a series of mental health problem. Current research focuses mainly on mental health status and related factors in the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese university students. Data from 11133 participants was obtained through an online survey. The Patient Health Question-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms, the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS) was used to assess social support. We also used 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to assess anxiety symptoms. Totally, 37.0% of the subjects were experiencing depressive symptoms, 24.9% anxiety symptoms, 20.9% comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, and 7.3% suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an increased presence of mental health problems in female students, graduate students, and those with personal COVID-19 exposure. Awareness of COVID-19, living with family were protective factors that reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. In addition, male, personal COVID-19 exposure, depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Social support, COVID-19 preventive and control measures, prediction of COVID-19 trends, living with family and graduate students are protective factors for reducing suicidal ideation.

Mental Health Status among Adolescents of High Schools: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Adolescents are prone to develop various psychosocial problems with a long-standing impact. We aimed to investigate the mental health status among adolescents from high schools in Dharan sub-metropolitan city.
 Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we enrolled 150 adolescents from two different schools of Dharan, using a stratified random sampling technique. The Pediatric Symptoms Checklist for Youth was used to assess their mental health status. A score of 30 or more was considered as a mental health problem. Poverty, family dispute, punishment, and personal and family history of a psychiatric condition were considered as potential predictors of mental health problem. The chi-square test was applied to identify the predictors of mental health problem.
 Results: The final analysis included 141 samples. More than 60% of the students belonged to the age group 13-15 years, and 52.5% were females. About 59.6% were Janajatis, and 61% were Hindus. The majority (63.8%) were living below the poverty line. The majority (83.7%) had no dispute in the family. All the students had received punishment, and 51.1% had received it at home. One-third of the students had mental health problem. The presence of mental health problem was significantly associated with nuclear family status (p = 0.04), and history of a family dispute (p = 0.04).
 Conclusion: Mental health problem was common among adolescents, and it was associated with the nuclear family structure and the presence of family dispute.

Evaluating Factors Related to Health Anxiety in COVID-19 Patients.

The COVID-19 outbreak affects both the physical and mental health of individuals and society. This study investigates the factors related to health anxiety in COVID-19 patients and explores their sociodemographic-, disease-, and treatment-related factors, trait anxiety, and characteristics of secure or insecure attachment. The sample consisted of 420 individuals aged 18-65 years and diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 15 and May 15, 2020. The participants completed a sociodemographic data form and the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that female gender, presence of chronic physical diseases, presence of mental health problems, and high AAS insecure attachment scores significantly predicted high HAI scores. Moreover, results indicated that the model explained approximately 21% of variance in HAI scores. Factors such as gender, presence of chronic physical diseases, presence of mental health problems, and attachment style influence health anxiety. Determining the appropriate factors that cause health anxiety can contribute to the implementation of protective measures for mental health and to the application of effective interventions for individuals who develop mental problems.

Mental Health Disturbances and Related Problems in Italian University Medical Students from 2000 to 2020: An Integrative Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies.

Background and objectives: The presence of mental health problems in the population of medical students in Italy has been evaluated in several cross-sectional studies, which have used different methodologies and study designs. However, a global overview of the prevalence of mental health problems in Italian medical students is not available, although this would be essential for promoting preventive strategies and supportive treatments. Materials and Methods: An integrative review aiming to describe the prevalence of mental health problems in Italian medical students has been performed. Results: The most relevant findings are the high prevalence of substance use, in particular alcohol and nicotine, and of depressive and anxiety disorders in Italian medical students. In particular, substance use ranges from 13 to 86%, which is higher compared to Italian students coming from other faculties. Italian medical students show a high rate of smoking and of depressive symptoms of about 20%. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need to develop appropriate supportive interventions for the medical student population, which are rarely provided and implemented among the routine activities of Italian medical universities. A relevant aspect to be considered is the stigma and anticipated discrimination attached to mental disorders, which reduce the help-seeking process in medical students.

The Relationship Between Family Gambling Problems, Other Family Stressors, and Health Indicators in a Large Population-Representative Sample of Australian Adults.

Harms due to excessive gambling can be experienced by gamblers and those close to them. Family gambling problems (FGPs) are currently under-researched, particularly in population-representative samples. This study aimed to identify prevalence, risk factors, and the complex of stressors and health-related consequences associated with FGPs, as well as isolating the impact of FGPs on physical and psychological health problems. We analysed data from the National Health Survey 2011-13, a large (N = 15,475) nationally representative sample of Australian adults. Participants reported on the presence of 14 family stressors (including FGPs), self-assessed health status, and risky health behaviours. Psychological impact was measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10, as well as several indicators of the presence of mental health problems. Overall, 1.7% of households reported a FGP. Interviewees in these households reported three times the number of other stressors than those without a FGP. In addition, they were around eight times more likely to be experiencing other addictions (drug and alcohol related problems) and stressors associated with socially deviant behaviours (trouble with police, abuse or violent crime, and witness to violence). Once age, gender, socioeconomic disadvantage, and other stressors were controlled for, FGPs significantly predicted lower self-assessed health and higher psychological distress. FGPs occur within a complex of other addictions and stressors, impacting the quality of life of people close to problem gambling. The findings are discussed in relation to their support for General Strain Theory (Agnew, Criminology 30:47-87, 1992).

Physical Violence and Property Damage towards Parents, Committed by Adult Children with Drug Problems

Drug use has previously been identified as a risk factor for child-to-parent abuse. We examine how common it is for parents to be exposed to physical violence and property damage by adult children with drug problems, and whether such victimization varies based on factors related to the parents and the adult children, respectively. A self-report questionnaire on victimization was completed by 687 parents of adult children with drug problems. The data were collected via a postal questionnaire to members of the Parents Against Drugs association and a web-based questionnaire to persons recruited via social media, treatment centers and other associations for families of drug users. The proportion of parents who reported having been exposed to physical violence was 19% ever, 6% during the past year. The proportion who had been exposed to property damage was 40% ever, 10% during the past year. Exposure during the past year was higher among parents whose children were currently experiencing drug problems. Mental health problems in the children were associated with higher levels of parental victimization, particularly in the form of physical violence. Parental victimization was also associated with the children being younger and still living at home. Exposure to property damage was higher among parents of male children. Adult children’s drug problems are of significance for parental victimization; they do not however appear to constitute a major risk factor but rather one risk factor among several others. Exposure to physical violence is clearly related to the presence of mental health problems in the children.

Domestic violence and risk of internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents living with relatives displaying substance use disorders

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between exposure to domestic violence and increased risk of internalizing and externalizing problems and substance use among adolescents living with relatives with substance use disorder (SUD) at a low-income community of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 adolescents aged 12-17 years (M = 14.2, SD = 1.7) who were living with relatives suffering from SUD. Outcomes were measured using the Youth Self-Report (YSR), psychosocial stress factors questionnaire, Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI) and Phrase Inventory of Intrafamily Child Abuse (PIICA). Results The sample presented high prevalence of emotional/behavioral problems with YSR’s scores in the clinical range for Internalizing Problems (24.5%), Externalizing Problems (21.6%), and Total Problems (26.5%). The presence of mental health problems predicted substance use (PR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.2-4.13), and substance use predicted increased risk of mental health problems. Alcohol use predicted more than double the risk of emotional/behavioral problems (PR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.08-3.76), while illicit drug use was associated with an almost threefold increase in the prevalence of Internalizing (PR = 2.87; 95% CI = 1.19-6.89) and Externalizing Problems (PR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.35-8.04). Conclusion Adolescents of relatives with SUD are at risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems. These findings reinforce the need to develop public mental health policies, which include protective interventions to adolescents living in families affected by substance use disorders.

Screening for common mental health problems and their determinants among school-going adolescent girls in Gujarat, India.

Background:The school health program is a flagship program of Government of India with a focus on improving the physical and mental health of school children, but there is no specific strategy to screen for mental health disorders under the school health program. Also, the estimation of the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as anxiety, depression, and psychosocial distress among school children is lacking.Methods:The author conducted a cross-sectional study among 742 adolescent schoolgirls from one government, one government-aided, and one private school in an urban area in Gujarat. We used the pre-validated instrument, general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) to screen for CMDs. We estimated adjusted odds of association between screening positive for CMDs and various determinants.Results:48.78% adolescent girls screened positive for CMDs which is alarming. Among sociodemographic characteristics, the type of school (adjusted odds of private is 1.8 and government 1.6), mother's higher education (3.0), father's less education (3.1), and working mother (1.5) had shown significant association with positive cases of the girls. Among psychosocial factors, abnormal sleep patterns (1.9) and disturbance in studies (2.3) have been found statistically significant for the presence of mental health problems among adolescent girls as per the GHQ score.Conclusion:CMDs such as anxiety, depression, and psychosocial distress were indeed very common among adolescent school-going girls in an urban area of Gujarat, India. There is an urgent need to focus attention on the mental health of adolescent girls.

MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYAN SCHOOLS: TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES.

This qualitative study, conducted in public primary and secondary schools, sought teachers' perceptions of mental health concerns that are relevant in school settings. Based on the phenomenological theory, the study aimed to understand the teachers experiences of mental health problems in the schools and how they handled them. The schools sampled represented rural, suburban and urban sections of Kiambu County in Kenya. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The researcher made summary notes from both audio taped interviews and notes made by the research assistants and summarized the major themes. Teachers reported that they were aware that students suffered from mental health problems. They recognized learning difficulties, externalizing problems, internalizing problems, bizarre behavior, and problem substance use among students. Teachers reported that lack of skills and time were challenges in dealing with student mental health problems. Teachers perceive presence of mental health problems among the students. There is need for in- service training for identification and referral and that school psychologists be employed to deal with student mental health problems.

Needs assessment of youths in residential child care in Portugal / Evaluación de necesidades de jóvenes en acogimiento residencial en Portugal / Evaluación de necesidades de jóvenes en acogimiento residencial en Portugal

Residential child care in Portugal is the most common protection measure in cases of family separation, since family foster care is still very rare. However, little is known about the needs of these children and young people. The purpose of this study is to describe the profile of adolescents close to legal adulthood who are in residential care, comparing it with a Spanish sample. The sample is composed of 345 young people aged 16 to 17 on whom information has been collected regarding their history of protection, family background, schooling, mental health and offending behaviour. A Spanish sample was selected as a comparison group (N = 384). The results reveal the complexity and special seriousness of the profile of young people in residential care in Portugal compared to a Spanish sample, highlighting a high presence of mental health problems and especially suicidal behaviours. Given these results, efforts should be focused on developing specialized residential care programmes adapted to the specific needs of these young people.