Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Research Articles

A survey on the relationship between mental health literacy and beliefs toward mental illness among nurses in general hospitals in Turkey

AimThe study aimed to determine the relationship between general nurses' mental health literacy and beliefs toward mental illness. MethodThe study involved 285 nurses aged 23 to 47 from three hospitals in western Turkey, who completed the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMIS) between December 2023 and March 2024. ResultsThose who received training on mental illnesses as students (t = 2.115, p = 0.018), those who had moderate knowledge about mental illnesses (F = 8.177, p < 0.001), those who were willing to receive training on mental illnesses (t = 1.673, p = 0.048), those who encounter individuals with mental illness in their work units (F = 11.233, p < 0.001) and those who care for individuals with mental illness in their work units (t = 1.808, p = 0.036) have higher mental health literacy levels. There was a negative relationship between nurses' negative beliefs toward mental illness levels and their mental health literacymental health literacy levels (r = −0.432, p < 0.001). ConclusionMental health literacy is a crucial element in reducing general nurses' negative beliefs about mental illnesses. Thıus, psychiatric mental health nurses can actively prevent negative beliefs and increase awareness by providing mental health education to general nurses. Awareness programs should be accorded greater emphasize on individuals who are not trained in mental disorders when they are students, those who have low knowledge about mental disorders, those who are reluctant to receive training on mental disorders, and cohorts of nurses who are likely to encounter patients with mental disorders in their respective work units.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses: Providers of Care Excellence.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses: Providers of Care Excellence.

Nurse Perceptions of Pediatric Mental Health Emergency Care: A Qualitative Study

The key goal of the mental health nurse practicing in emergency mental health care services is ensuring that their patients have access to best practice mental health care. The aim of this study was to examine mental health nurses’ perceptions of their role in and preparation for providing mental health care services for pediatric emergency department patients. A qualitative constructivist method was employed. Inductive data were gathered using a focus group discussion model employing open-ended questions as probes. The participants were nine experienced practicing mental health nurses. Discussion was facilitated through detailed probing of the nurses’ experiences in providing care for clients in emergency departments. Four principal themes emerged from the data about mental health nurses’ experiences during the provision of emergency care: (i) barriers to adequate care provision; (ii) problems among populations; (iii) pediatric special needs; and (iv) the general need for improvements to mental health care. Each participant in this study asserted that they endorse the introduction of care by specialized mental health nurses in emergency care departments to better serve this population in Saudi Arabia. Inclusion and acceptance of psychiatric mental health nurses as full members of the multidisciplinary emergency department team, improved education and training opportunities, standards-based evaluation by collegial supervisors, availability of tools for assessment, and recognition of the role of pediatric psychiatric mental health nurses in emergency department care were goals expressed by the focus group members.

Psychotherapy Skills for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Students in the Age of Competency-Based Education.

As the field of nursing moves toward competency-based education, faculty need to adapt teaching and learning strategies to meet standards for assessing core behaviors of graduate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students. This article reviews a psychotherapy skills-based learning assignment at Frontier Nursing University that was adapted to meet developing competency-based learning standards. The assignment utilizes prerecorded video scenarios to provide students with opportunities to reinforce psychotherapy skills during didactic coursework. Assessment is conducted via an analytic rubric and specific feedback is given to each student in writing.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Educators' Perceptions of Teaching Dissociative Disorders: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Although the prevalence of dissociative disorders (DDs) is up to 10 percent of the general population, psychiatric-mental health (PMH) registered nurses lack education on how to care for individuals diagnosed with these disorders. Sixty-two PMH nurse educators completed an anonymous online survey about their perceptions of teaching DDs to nursing students. Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework was used to conduct an inductive, reflexive thematic analysis of the data. Three primary themes were identified: lack of resources, differing opinions on the value of teaching DDs, and stigma. Though roughly 75 percent of participants reported that they teach DDs to their nursing students, they endorsed concerning misperceptions about the diagnoses. By failing to properly educate future PMH RNs about DDs, individuals with DDs are at risk of receiving inadequate and inappropriate nursing care and experiencing poor outcomes.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Perspectives of Caring for Patients with Disorders of Autism

Autism was initially identified as a discrete entity in 1943. This now recognized group of disorders is often identified in children, but is a lifelong disorder requiring specialized assessment, planning, and care for patients. Nurses practicing in the Saudi Arabian healthcare system are often the first healthcare providers to encounter autism in the clinical setting. To highlight the perspective of practicing mental health nurses in Saudi Arabia regarding their experiences in caring for clients who have this disorder. A qualitative inquiry, made up of two focus groups of five members each, composed of mental health graduate students with experience in the field, facilitated a detailed investigation of nurses’ experiences in providing care for clients with these aspects of autism in clinical settings. Four principal themes and subthemes emerged from the data, which informed researchers about mental health nurses’ experiences with autism: (1) knowledge of autism; (2) previous experience in caring for those with autism; (3) practical applications used; and (4) challenges felt by mental health nurses. The Saudi nursing community appears to be looking for better training in identifying and caring for autistic patients. There also appears to be a desire to open channels of communication between primary and tertiary care facilities to improve client access.

Facilitators of and Barriers to the Therapeutic Nurse-Patient Relationship: Perceptions From Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses.

The therapeutic relationship serves as a cornerstone in psychiatric mental health nursing practice, providing a basis for implementing various interventions. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of psychiatric mental health nurses regarding factors that facilitate and impede the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. A descriptive study was conducted among psychiatric mental health nurses employed at two community psychiatric hospitals in the northeast area of the United States. A list of facilitators and barriers was developed based on an extensive literature review and subsequently validated by three experts in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing. Participants rated these factors on a 10-point scale. The study included 74 registered nurses from two psychiatric hospitals, yielding a 24% response rate. The highest-ranked facilitator was awareness that the relationship enables collaborative goal setting with patients. The most significant barrier was insufficient time due to administrative tasks. This study highlights the importance of understanding facilitators and barriers in the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Replicating the study nationally on a larger scale among psychiatric mental health nurses is recommended.

Assessing the impact of long-acting injectable compared to oral antipsychotic medications on readmission to a state psychiatric hospital.

People living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) have a higher death rate which is caused, in part, by poorer adherence to treatment as compared to those with other mental illnesses. Using long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) medications can improve medication adherence and reduce hospitalizations for people living with SSD but are often underutilized. As compared to oral antipsychotic medications provided to patients with SSD at discharge from a psychiatric hospitalization, being provided with an LAI antipsychotic medication may reduce subsequent rehospitalization. Specifically, patients discharged on an atypical or second-generation LAI medication are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital when compared to those discharged on a typical first-generation oral medication. Because LAI antipsychotic medications are often underutilized as treatment options, the study findings suggest that this modality may be considered for patients with SSD when being discharged from a psychiatric hospitalization. Ideally, psychiatric-mental health nurses can educate patients about indications, benefits, and risks of using atypical or second-generation LAI antipsychotic medications during hospitalization and at discharge prevent the risk for future rehospitalizations. INTRODUCTION: People living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) have poorer medication adherence compared to those with other mental illnesses. Long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) medication use is associated with greater adherence, reduced re-hospitalizations, and improved recovery outcomes when compared to oral formulations. To compare LAI antipsychotic medication use versus oral formulations on readmission to an inpatient hospital. Medical records (N = 707) from a state psychiatric hospital in the southern region of the United States were reviewed. Controlling for demographic variables, logistic regression analyses were used to examine LAI compared to oral formulations on readmission. Compared to patients discharged with oral antipsychotic medications, those with LAIs had a lower proportion of readmission rates in 6-month and 1-year periods, but not 30-day or 2-year periods. When controlling for demographic variables, those discharged with an atypical LAI had significantly lower odds of being readmitted within the 24-year period compared to those discharged on a typical oral antipsychotic. Compared to orals, LAIs do not increase and may mitigate readmissions to psychiatric hospitalization. Psychiatric-mental health nurses and other professionals may recommend LAIs when indicated for those with SSD.

Saudi Arabian Nurses' Motivations and Barriers to Employment in Inpatient Mental Health Facilities: A Qualitative Investigation.

The shortage of inpatient psychiatric mental health care nurses in Saudi Arabia represents an important health care challenge. The aim of this study was to illuminate perspectives of psychiatric mental health nurses employed in psychiatric inpatient settings about their employment experiences. This study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach using thematic content analysis. Ten professional nurses with psychiatric inpatient caring experience participated in two focus groups composed of Master of Nursing students. Four main themes emerged: inadequate professional skills and knowledge for psychiatric mental health care practice, negative public attitudes toward psychiatric/mental health nurses, concerns for personal safety, and alternatives and advantages. The findings of this study suggest that nurses' lack of interest in working in psychiatric units is not merely personal but also social and organizational. The study findings may encourage managers and authorities to develop measures to attract more mental health nurses to work in psychiatric units. Such strategies may include modification of nurses' skills, training, and professional knowledge, collegial supervision, mentoring, and working conditions and environment.

Evaluation of the relationship between childhood traumas and emotion regulation skills in terms of adult obesity

This study aims to reveal the relationship between childhood traumas and emotion regulation skills of obese and non-obese individuals. The research is a comparative-descriptive and correlational study. The obese group included 52 people with a BMI ≥ 30, and the non-obese group included 58 people with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2. Information Form, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ) were used in the study data. The rates of total childhood trauma and physical neglect were significantly higher in obese individuals (53.8 % vs. 32.8 %; 50 % vs. 22.4 %, respectively) than in non-obese individuals. Obese individuals were found to have lower emotion regulation skills. While a significant inverse relationship was found between childhood trauma and emotion regulation skills total and sub-dimension scores in obese individuals, no significant relationship was found in non-obese individuals. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can play an active role in the prevention and treatment of obesity by providing emotion regulation training to individuals in their roles as counselors and educators.

Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-Based Anger Management Training on Anger and Aggression Levels of Individuals Convicted of Violent Crimes.

To determine the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based anger management training on anger and aggression levels of individuals convicted of violent crimes. This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in a prison. Seventy-two individuals who met inclusion criteria were included in the study sample. The experimental group received 10 sessions of CBT-based anger management therapy over a 5-week period. After CBT-based anger management training, mean total score and mean subdimension scores of the Trait Anger and Anger Expression Style Scale of the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the control group. Similarly, Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire total mean score and mean sub-dimension scores of the experimental group significantly decreased compared to the control group. Results demonstrate that CBT-based anger management training effectively reduces anger and aggression levels among individuals convicted of violent crimes. In this regard, it is recommended that forensic psychiatric-mental health nurses, physicians, and psychologists working in correctional institutions apply CBT-based anger management training. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(10), 51-58.].

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses' Perceptions and Experiences of Inpatient Mental Health Care Safety Culture in Saudi Arabia.

Although patient safety culture is gaining attention globally, more studies are needed to investigate its relevance to the nursing care of mental health (MH) patients. This study aimed to illustrate the perceptions and experiences of nurses who work in inpatient mental health care (IMHC) concerning the patient safety practices that are employed to avert safety hazards encountered during the provision of care in IMHC settings. Eighteen postgraduate students working as MH nurses in nonprofit hospitals comprised the study sample. The participants had a minimum of 2 years' nursing experience in IMHC settings. Each participant was interviewed individually using a guided interview technique. The inductive data underwent thematic analysis. Patient protection and a safety perspective were the overarching themes that emerged from the data. Three principal themes and 9 subthemes were illuminated: (a) patient care safety knowledge and background, (b) improving MH care, and (c) development of MH nursing care. The findings of this investigation may assist in providing guidance for the further research into and development of a patient safety culture appropriate for IMHC nursing practice, including increased structured educational experiences, judicious risk assessment, assignment of staff to include a mixture of skills and experience levels during assignments, use of standardized handoff procedures, engagement with multidisciplinary care providers, blame-free reflective information sharing and mentoring, and attention to the built environment with consideration of patient and staff safety needs.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Job and Patient Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) offer a solution to the shortage of mental health care providers in a time of increased mental health demand. However, little is known about their job and patient outcomes. This scoping review aimed to explore PMHNP job outcomes, including satisfaction, burnout, and quality of work life, and patient mental health outcomes of PMHNP-delivered care. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were published from January 2002 through October 2023. The existing research suggests that PMHNP-delivered care results in positive patient mental health outcomes for a variety of mental health conditions. For job outcomes, further research is warranted.

Pilot Study Focused on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Health Access Behaviors of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses Regarding Suicide Prevention.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a web-based education module on the knowledge, attitudes, and ratings of willingness to access help related to suicide prevention in psychiatric-mental health nurses. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was employed. Registered nurses from two academic health center units and a 239-bed Psychiatric Hospital were invited to participate. Scores on knowledge of suicide risk and prevention, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intent to seek help upon experiencing suicidal ideations were obtained before and after administering a 25-min web-based training. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants completed the pre-survey, web-based education module, and post-survey. Significant increases from baseline in the scores on knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions related to help-seeking behaviors for nurse suicide prevention were noted. Perceived behavioral control median scores increased but were not statistically significant. More than 40% of the participants reported having experienced suicidal thoughts. CONCLUSIONS: Further study is needed to determine contributors to this higher rate. Understanding the effectiveness of strategies to reduce nurse suicide can provide insights into building better nurse suicide prevention programs.

Exploring Psychosocial Distress in Caregivers of Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs.

Caring for a child or youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) can be overwhelming. Parents and caregivers may experience psychosocial distress, such as depression, frustration, and hopelessness. The purpose of the current study was to gain further insight into families' perspectives on the psychosocial impacts of caring for CYSHCN to identify gaps in health care systems and strengthen systems of support. A qualitative descriptive design was used in 16 parents and caregivers. Colaizzi's method of analysis and semi-structured interviews were used. Six themes emerged from this study: (1) Stigma and Isolation, (2) Religion as a Coping Mechanism, (3) Financial Challenges, (4) Bearing the Burden, (5) Familial Denial, and (6) System-Related Concerns. Psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) are in a pivotal position to use their knowledge, skills, and experiences to guide families. PMHNs can also engage communities and enhance mental health promotion to break the stigma associated with having a CYSHCN. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(9), 37-46.].

Exploratory factor analysis of shared trauma in psychiatric-mental health nurses using the Shared Trauma Professional Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (STPPG)

IntroductionThe Shared Trauma Professional Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (STPPG) was developed by Tosone et al. (2014) to help understand shared trauma (ST) in social workers. ST occurs when the healthcare professional and client both experience the same collective traumatic event. This inventory has been adapted for use with mental health nurses. A cross-sectional study of N = 552 mental health nurses was completed in the spring of 2023 to assess the feasibility of using the STPPG to explore shared trauma in mental health nurses. MethodsAn exploratory factor analysis was run for the STPPG using squared multiple correlations with the maximum likelihood method. ResultsThe alpha coefficient ranged from 0.82 to 0.89 for 2-factors and 0.73 to 0.89 for 3-factors. The results indicated that all correlations were significant among the total scales and subscales. All correlations were positive, ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 for two factors and 0.58 to 0.89 for three factors. ConclusionThe STPPG has confirmed a two-factor analysis for mental health nurses. The STPPG is a valid inventory to measure ST in mental health nurses and will allow the concept to be further studied.

Spirituality and Recovery From Severe Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review.

The current study investigated the impact of spirituality and mental disorder recovery practices among individuals with severe mental disorders. A comprehensive search across six databases-Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, SpringerLink, PubMed, and CINAHL-was performed to identify relevant articles. A total of 651 articles were screened, and 16 met inclusion criteria. Findings revealed that spirituality significantly contributed to the improvement of individuals with severe mental disorders by fostering the development of self-confidence, self-control, strength, and hope, thereby enhancing overall quality of life. In addition, spirituality appeared to correlate with increased self-efficacy. Within the mental health recovery framework, spirituality has emerged as a crucial element in facilitating significant life improvements through the exploration of essential motivational strategies. Psychiatric-mental health nurses could play a pivotal role in helping individuals with severe mental disorders by addressing their spiritual needs, thereby promoting holistic recovery and care. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(8), 11-17.].

Advancing Behavioral Health Equity Through Telehealth and Remote Training of Newly Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

Rural communities are disproportionately impacted by acute shortages of mental health providers. This problem, combined with complex behavioral health conditions, elicited the need for a university-based, remote telepsychiatric traineeship for newly board certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse TechNology Enhanced Residency (PARTNER) Program was developed to advance behavioral health equity by increasing state-wide access to care, removing geographical barriers, and enhancing PMHNP workforce readiness by strengthening trainees' ability to manage complex behavioral health conditions. In a southeastern state over a period of 3 years, six PMHNPs cumulatively provided behavioral health services to 1,195 patients, managed >118 diagnoses, and completed 3,535 visits, with 95.6% of visits comprising provision of care to patients residing in rural areas. Care was provided through the implementation of a collaborative-interdisciplinary-care model provided by route of telehealth and comprising a partnership between PMHNPs and patients' primary care providers. The training program enhanced providers' clinical proficiency, improved patient outcomes, and increased the number of skilled providers trained to manage patients with complex behavioral health conditions. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(8), 19-24.].

Postpartum Depression Screening Scale: Its Availability for Use.

A silent health crisis in the United States is the underdiagnosed and undertreated mental health of women related to childbirth. This discussion paper describes the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) with its scoring and interpretation along with its psychometric testing and translations. In addition to the studies conducted by the instrument developers, databases were searched for studies where other researchers used the PDSS to assess postpartum depressive symptoms. Studies were included that measured the psychometrics of the scale and studies that reported the translation of the PDSS into other languages. Evidence is presented that the PDSS is a reliable and valid screening scale for use by psychiatric mental health nurses and other health care providers. The scale also has been translated into 14 languages, so it is available to screen non-English speaking mothers. Childbirth is one of the most powerful triggers of psychiatric illness in a woman's life. Postpartum depression is a treatable mental health condition, but first, women need to be screened so they can be identified and referrals made. Screening for this devastating mood disorder in new mothers is an essential role of psychiatric mental health nurses and other clinicians so that treatment can be started as early as possible to avoid harmful consequences.

Impact of enacted stigma on mental health, substance use, and HIV-related behaviors among sexual minority men in Zambia

Sexual minority men (SMM) in Zambia face significant challenges including stigma, discrimination, and mental health issues, which further impact their HIV-related risk behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the associations between enacted stigma, substance abuse, HIV-related behaviors, and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms) among SMM in Zambia. SMM aged 18–35 years who reported having multiple and/or concurrent sexual partners or low and/or inconsistent condom use in the past three months were recruited from four districts in Zambia between February and November 2021. Participants completed an anonymous interviewer-administered survey. Key variables of interest were compared between participants with higher vs. lower levels of enacted stigma. Independent samples t-tests were used for continuous variables, and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. A total of 197 eligible SMM participated in the study (mean age = 24.41 years). Participants with a higher level of enacted stigma showed a higher level of anxiety symptoms (χ2 = 12.91, p ≤ .001), PTSD symptoms (χ2 = 7.13, p < .01), tobacco use (χ2 = 10.47, p < .01), cannabis use (χ2 = 5.90, p < .05), and a higher number of sexual partners (t = 1.99, p < .05) in the past three months. Stigma reduction interventions may help mitigate substance abuse, HIV-related behaviors, and adverse mental health outcomes among SMM in Zambia. Health care providers, especially psychiatric-mental health nurses, can incorporate strategies for recognizing and addressing stigma into their practice through training and integrate multiple resources to create an inclusive and non-judgmental environment for SMM to improve their well-being.