Adult Mental Health
Recent Submissions
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Mental health services for black and minority ethnic elders in the United Kingdom: a systematic review of innovative practice with service provision and policy implicationsBackground: Long-standing ethnic inequalities in access and mental healthcare were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: Stakeholders coproduced local and national implementation plans to improve mental healthcare for people from minority ethnic groups. Methods: Experience-based codesign conducted in four areas covered by National Health Service (NHS) mental health trusts: Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Manchester, East London and Sheffield. Data were analysed using an interpretivist-constructivist approach, seeking validation from participants on their priority actions and implementation plans. Service users (n=29), carers (n=9) and health professionals (n=33) took part in interviews; focus groups (service users, n=15; carers, n=8; health professionals, n=24); and codesign workshops (service users, n=15; carers, n=5; health professionals, n=21) from July 2021 to July 2022. Findings: Each study site identified 2-3 local priority actions. Three were consistent across areas: (1) reaching out to communities and collaborating with third sector organisations; (2) diversifying the mental healthcare offer to provide culturally appropriate therapeutic approaches and (3) enabling open discussions about ethnicity, culture and racism. National priority actions included: (1) co-ordination of a national hub to bring about system level change and (2) recognition of the centrality of service users and communities in the design and provision of services. Conclusions: Stakeholder-led implementation plans highlight that substantial change is needed to increase equity in mental healthcare in England. Clinical implications: Working with people with lived experience in leadership roles, and collaborations between NHS and community organisations will be essential. Future research avenues include comparison of the benefits of culturally specific versus generic therapeutic interventions.
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Borderline personality disorder: course and outcomes across the lifespanThis article presents an overview of the current literature on the course and outcomes of BPD. It begins with an overview of our changing understanding of BPD in terms of age of onset and prognosis over time. Recent research on clinical, functional and social recovery from BPD in youth and adult populations is then summarised. This is followed by an overview of contemporary prospective studies of adolescent BPD in community populations which seek to unravel complex pathways and the co-development of BPD symptoms and psychosocial problems. Studies of older populations are then described to shed light on how BPD manifests in middle to old age. The review concludes by bringing together these research strands to develop a picture of BPD across the lifespan and highlight areas for future research.
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The prevalence of personality disorders in the community: a global systematic review and meta-analysisBackground: Personality disorders are now internationally recognised as a mental health priority. Nevertheless, there are no systematic reviews examining the global prevalence of personality disorders. Aims: To calculate the worldwide prevalence of personality disorders and examine whether rates vary between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Method: We systematically searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed from January 1980 to May 2018 to identify articles reporting personality disorder prevalence rates in community populations (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017065094). Results: A total of 46 studies (from 21 different countries spanning 6 continents) satisfied inclusion criteria. The worldwide pooled prevalence of any personality disorder was 7.8% (95% CI 6.1-9.5). Rates were greater in high-income countries (9.6%, 95% CI 7.9-11.3%) compared with LMICs (4.3%, 95% CI 2.6-6.1%). In univariate meta-regressions, significant heterogeneity was partly attributable to study design (two-stage v. one-stage assessment), county income (high-income countries v. LMICs) and interview administration (clinician v. trained graduate). In multiple meta-regression analysis, study design remained a significant predictor of heterogeneity. Global rates of cluster A, B and C personality disorders were 3.8% (95% CI 3.2, 4.4%), 2.8% (1.6, 3.7%) and 5.0% (4.2, 5.9%). Conclusions: Personality disorders are prevalent globally. Nevertheless, pooled prevalence rates should be interpreted with caution due to high levels of heterogeneity. More large-scale studies with standardised methodologies are now needed to increase our understanding of population needs and regional variations.
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Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Structured Psychological Support for people with probable personality disorder in mental health services in England: study protocol for a randomised controlled trialIntroduction Evidence-based psychological treatments for people with personality disorder usually involve attending group-based sessions over many months. Low-intensity psychological interventions of less than 6 months duration have been developed, but their clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are unclear. Methods and analysis This is a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, researcher-masked, superiority trial. Study participants will be aged 18 and over, have probable personality disorder and be treated by mental health staff in seven centres in England. We will exclude people who are: unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent, have a coexisting organic or psychotic mental disorder, or are already receiving psychological treatment for personality disorder or on a waiting list for such treatment. In the intervention group, participants will be offered up to 10 individual sessions of Structured Psychological Support. In the control group, participants will be offered treatment as usual plus a single session of personalised crisis planning. The primary outcome is social functioning measured over 12 months using total score on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Secondary outcomes include mental health, suicidal behaviour, health-related quality of life, patient-rated global improvement and satisfaction, and resource use and costs. The primary analysis will compare WSAS scores across the 12-month period using a general linear mixed model adjusting for baseline scores, allocation group and study centre on an intention-to-treat basis. In a parallel process evaluation, we will analyse qualitative data from interviews with study participants, clinical staff and researchers to examine mechanisms of impact and contextual factors. Ethics and dissemination The study complies with the Helsinki Declaration II and is approved by the London—Bromley Research Ethics Committee (IRAS ID 315951). Study findings will be published in an open access peer-reviewed journal; and disseminated at national and international conferences.
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The Experiences and Views of Service Providers on the Mental Health and Well-Being Services for Syrian Refugees in Coventry and WarwickshireObjectives: Previous literature demonstrated that, even when mental health and psychological support services are available for refugees, there may still be obstacles in accessing services. This is the first known study to explore the experiences of mental-health and well-being services for Syrian refugees in Coventry and Warwickshire, United Kingdom. The research investigates the views and perceptions of service providers on the current mental-health and well-being services provided for this population. Methods: Eight service providers participated in semistructured interviews and focus groups, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged from an analysis of the data: “positive aspects of service delivery,” “service challenges,” and “recommendations for service improvements and quality.” Conclusion: The findings bring to the fore specific gaps in current provision and interpreting services. Recommendations for proposed improvements in service provision and policy as well as clinical implications are included in this article.
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The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and autoerotic asphyxiation: pleasure versus the risk of harmThere has been a series of judgments in recent years emanating from the Court of Protection in England and Wales involving sexual relations. One such judgment is unique in that it is the first time the court has assessed capacity in the sexual practice of autoerotic asphyxiation in a person with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This article reviews the judgment and specifically the key section of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, section 27, which applies to capacity decisions in the context of family relationships, including sexual relationships. The practice of autoerotic asphyxia can be a complex and emotive subject and dangerous to individuals undertaking it. The judgment provides guidance and a framework for applying the Act to assess the capacity of someone practising autoerotic asphyxia that can be used in clinical practice for people with any mental disorder.
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Demographic, clinical, and service-use characteristics related to the clinician's recommendation to transition from child to adult mental health services.Purpose: The service configuration with distinct child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services (AMHS) may be a barrier to continuity of care. Because of a lack of transition policy, CAMHS clinicians have to decide whether and when a young person should transition to AMHS. This study describes which characteristics are associated with the clinicians' advice to continue treatment at AMHS. Methods: Demographic, family, clinical, treatment, and service-use characteristics of the MILESTONE cohort of 763 young people from 39 CAMHS in Europe were assessed using multi-informant and standardized assessment tools. Logistic mixed models were fitted to assess the relationship between these characteristics and clinicians' transition recommendations. Results: Young people with higher clinician-rated severity of psychopathology scores, with self- and parent-reported need for ongoing treatment, with lower everyday functional skills and without self-reported psychotic experiences were more likely to be recommended to continue treatment. Among those who had been recommended to continue treatment, young people who used psychotropic medication, who had been in CAMHS for more than a year, and for whom appropriate AMHS were available were more likely to be recommended to continue treatment at AMHS. Young people whose parents indicated a need for ongoing treatment were more likely to be recommended to stay in CAMHS. Conclusion: Although the decision regarding continuity of treatment was mostly determined by a small set of clinical characteristics, the recommendation to continue treatment at AMHS was mostly affected by service-use related characteristics, such as the availability of appropriate services.
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Are Psychiatrists Trained to Address the Mental Health Needs of Young People Transitioning From Child to Adult Services? Insights From a European Survey.Background: In mental health, transition refers to the pathway of young people from child and adolescent to adult services. Training of mental health psychiatrists on transition-related topics offers the opportunity to improve clinical practice and experiences of young people reaching the upper age limit of child and adolescent care. Methods: National psychiatrist's organizations or experts from 21 European countries were surveyed 1/ to describe the status of transition in adult psychiatry (AP) and child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) postgraduate training in Europe; 2/ to explore the amount of cross-training between both specialties. This survey was a part of the MILESTONE project aiming to study and improve the transition process of young people at the service boundary. Results: Transition was a mandatory topic in the AP curriculum of 1/19 countries (5%) and in the CAP curriculum of 4/17 countries (24%). Most topics relevant for transition planning were addressed during AP training in 7/17 countries (41%) to 10/17 countries (59%), and during CAP training in 9/11 countries (82%) to 13/13 countries (100%). Depending on the training models, theoretical education in CAP was mandatory during AP training in 94% (15/16) to 100% of the countries (3/3); and in AP during CAP training in 81% (13/16) to 100% of the countries (3/3). Placements were mandatory in CAP during AP training in 67% (2/3) to 71% of the countries (12/17); and in AP during CAP training in 87% (13/15) to 100% of the countries (3/3). Discussion and conclusion: Specific training about transition is limited during CAP and AP postgraduate training in Europe. Cross-training between both specialties offers a basis for improved communication between child and adult services but efforts should be sustained in practical training. Recommendations are provided to foster further development and meet the specific needs of young people transitioning to adult services.
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Improving the Referral Pathway to AMHAT at George Eliot Hospital (GEH)To reduce the time of the Arden Mental Health Acute Team (AMHAT) referral process for patients on GEH wards by 15 minutes and for patients in A&E by 10 minutes by 30th April 2024. AMHAT at CWPT provides liaison work to UHCW, SWFT and GEH and receives referrals from each of these areas. This project focussed on referrals from GEH wards and A&E. The AMHAT team receives an average of 45 referrals from wards at GEH and 75 referrals from GEH A&E each month. Staff on wards were required to write out referrals by hand and to then ask ward clerks to scan and email them to the AMHAT team; this whole process, if done smoothly took an average of 30 minutes. However, several issues were noted within the process which often led to increased referral times. Referrals from A&E were made over the phone to AMHAT clinical support staff, who then wrote on the referral form and informed clinical staff to respond. This process took an average of 21 minutes. The staff involved wanted to simplify the referral process and make it more robust to improve the referral experience for both patients and staff. Tools Used PDSA Cycles - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-pdsa-cycles-model-for-improvement.pdf Driver Diagram - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-driver-diagrams.pdf Sustainability Tool - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-sustainability-model.pdf Process Mapping - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-conventional-process-mapping.pdf Project Impact Patients can be seen and treated faster. The time for each referral from the ward reduced by an average of 17 minutes and the time for referrals from A&E reduced by 11 minutes. There was a reduction in the total time spent on making referrals each month from 24 hours to 11 hours. Legibility problems have been eliminated and there is no longer any missing information as the required fields are mandatory. The new system also provides a transparent process and audit trail. Ward clerk time as been freed up as this is no longer needed for AMHAT referrals. There is a reduction in paper waste as paper forms are no longer in use.
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Mortality in the Victorian asylum: was it so high? Standardised Mortality Rate compared with historical methodsMortality is closely linked to age, sex, and social and historical context. Standardised Mortality Rates (SMR) address these contextual factors by comparing mortality in a population under study with that in people of the same age and sex, the same period in history and from a similar cultural context. We use records from the Hatton Asylum and contemporaneous census data in order to calculate SMR in the asylum population, showing rates that were about 2.5 times greater than the population at the time. This is much lower than crude mortality rates, which we calculated as being more than seven times greater than in the population. The SMR method may enable a more meaningful understanding of mortality in asylums or other institutions.
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Suicide prevention in psychiatric patientsAn increased risk of suicide has been reported for psychiatric patients. In several world regions, an underlying psychiatric disorder is reported in up to 90% of people who die from suicide, though this rate seems to be considerably lower in low- and middle-income countries. Major psychiatric conditions associated with suicidality are mood disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Comorbidity between different disorders is frequently associated with a higher suicide risk. A history of suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, impulsivity and aggression, adverse childhood experiences, severe psychopathology, and somatic disorders are common risk factors for suicide among psychiatric patients. Stressful life events and interpersonal problems, including interpersonal violence, are often triggers. A comprehensive and repeated suicide risk assessment represents the first step for effective suicide prevention. Particular attention should be paid during and after hospitalization, with the first days and weeks after discharge representing the most critical period. Pharmacological treatment of mood disorders and schizophrenia has been shown to have an anti-suicidal effect. A significant reduction of suicidal thoughts and behavior has been reported for cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Brief interventions, including psychoeducation and follow-ups, are associated with a decrease in suicide deaths. Further development of suicide prevention in psychiatric patients will require a better understanding of additional risk and protective factors, such as the role of a person's decision-making capacity and social support, the role of spiritual and religious interventions, and the reduction of the treatment gap in mental health care.
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An evaluation of the Stratford multiagency, multidisciplinary, assessment clinicPurpose This study aims to assess a novel clinic whereby new patients were discussed in a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary panel and given feedback on the same day. The objectives were to determine the impacts on time to commencing treatment, need for further assessment, discharges and staff and patient experiences. Design/methodology/approach Outcomes from the new assessment clinic were compared to previous individual assessments. Feedback questionnaires were given to patients, while a focus group was conducted with staff. Findings There was a significant reduction in the time to agreeing a treatment plan (34 days to <1 day), the need for further assessment (61%–23.2%) and a significant increase in the proportion discharged from secondary care (26.9%–49.8%). Clinician and patient feedback on the clinic was positive. Practical implications The model of a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary clinic could be used for assessing new referrals to community mental health teams. Originality/value The use of a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary clinic is a novel approach within community mental health teams which led to improvements in efficiency, while demonstrating positive patient and clinician feedback.
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Mental health and conflict: a pilot of an online eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing intervention for forcibly displaced Syrian womenBackground: The Syrian conflict has been ongoing since 2011. Practical and scalable solutions are urgently needed to meet an increase in need for specialised psychological support for post-traumatic stress disorder given limited availability of clinicians. Training forcibly displaced Syrians with a mental health background to remotely deliver specialised interventions increases the availability of evidence based psychological support. Little is known about the effectiveness of online therapy for forcibly displaced Syrian women provided by forcibly displaced Syrian women therapists. Purpose: To pilot an evidence-based trauma therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), carried out online by trained forcibly displaced Syrian women therapists for forcibly displaced Syrian women who require treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods: 83 forcibly displaced Syrian women, living in Türkiye or inside Syria, with diagnosable PTSD, were offered up to 12 sessions of online EMDR over a period of three months. This was delivered by forcibly displaced Syrian women therapists who were trained in EMDR. Data were gathered, using Arabic versions, on PTSD symptoms using the Impact of Events Scale Revised, depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and anxiety symptoms using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 at baseline, mid-point, and end of therapy.Results: PTSD scores, depression scores and anxiety scores all significantly reduced over the course of treatment, with lower scores at midpoint than baseline and lower scores at end of treatment than at midpoint. Only one participant (1%) exceeded the cutoff point for PTSD, and 13 (16%) exceeded the cutoff points for anxiety and depression at the end of treatment.In this pilot study up to 12 sessions of online EMDR were associated with reductions in PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms in Syrian women affected by the Syrian conflict. The training of forcibly displaced Syrian mental health professionals to deliver online therapy is a relatively low cost, scalable, sustainable solution to ensure that those who are affected by the conflict can access specialised support. Further research is needed using a control group to confirm that the observed effects are due to EMDR treatment, as is research with post-treatment follow-up to ascertain that benefits are maintained.
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Economic evaluation of a vision-based patient monitoring and management system in addition to standard care for adults admitted to psychiatric intensive care units in EnglandBackground and aims: Treating patients in psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs) is costly for the English National Health Service (NHS), requiring significant staff time. Oxevision, a non-contact system, providing vision-based patient monitoring and management (VBPMM) has been introduced in some NHS mental health trusts which aims to help clinicians to deliver safer and more efficient care. The objective of this early economic evaluation was to explore the impact of introducing VBPMM with standard care, versus standard care alone on health and economic outcomes in PICUs across England. Methods: The model uses a cost calculator approach to evaluate the potential benefits of introducing VBPMM, capturing differences in observation hours and critical events such as assaults. Effectiveness data were primarily based on a 24-month observational before and after study undertaken in an NHS mental health trust using VBPMM. Outcomes reported in this study are incremental costs and reduction in clinical events presented as per occupied bed days, per patient, per average ward, and for the English NHS overall. Scenario analysis was conducted to test the uncertainty of results using statistical significance of key inputs. Results and conclusions: The analysis indicates that introducing VBPMM may be cost saving compared with standard care alone. The biggest driver of estimated cost savings was from the potential reduction in one to one observation hours, which may have significant impact in PICUs. Limitations of the analysis include the single center data underpinning the analysis and assumptions made about transferability of clinical data to different sized wards. Scenario analysis was conducted, and the results were robust to statistically significant changes in input parameters. This study suggests that introducing VBPMM on PICUs has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency of resource allocation, but results should be confirmed with additional clinical study evidence.
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How do recovery-oriented interventions contribute to personal mental health recovery? A systematic review and logic modelThe emergent recovery paradigm prioritises adaption to serious mental illness and a move towards personally meaningful goals. In this review, we combine a theory driven logic model approach with systematic review techniques to forward understanding of how recovery-oriented interventions can help service users in their personal recovery journey. We identified 309 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Our logic model mapped out intervention typologies and their recovery outcomes, the mechanisms of action underpinning these links, and the contextual moderators of these mechanisms and outcomes. Interventions were associated with recovery outcomes (functional, existential and social) directly and through a sequence of processes, which were underpinned by four common mechanisms: 1) providing information and skills; 2) promoting a working alliance; 3) role modelling recovery; and 4) increasing choice. Moderators of these mechanisms were observed at the service user (e.g., motivation), mental health service (e.g., professional attitudes) and wider environmental (e.g., unemployment rates) level. Recovery-oriented interventions share common critical mechanisms, which can help propel service users towards recovery especially when delivered within pro-recovery and non-stigmatising contexts. Future studies should further examine ways to reduce (or remove) barriers preventing individuals with mental health problems from experiencing the same citizenship entitlements as everyone else.