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Mental Health Outcomes (mental + health_outcome)
Selected AbstractsPartner Violence and Mental Health Outcomes in a New Zealand Birth CohortJOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, Issue 5 2005David M. Fergusson This study examines the prevalence and extent of domestic violence and the consequences of domestic violence for mental health outcomes in a birth cohort of New Zealand young adults studied at age 25 years. A total of 828 young people (437 women and 391 men) were interviewed about the domestic violence victimization and violence perpetration in their current or most recent partner relationship. Key findings of the study were (a) domestic conflict was present in 70% of relationships, with this conflict ranging from minor psychological abuse to severe assault; (b) men and women reported similar experiences of victimization and perpetration of domestic violence; and (c) exposure to domestic violence was significantly related to increased risks of major depression (p < .05) and suicidal ideation (p < .005) even after extensive control for covariates. [source] Struggling to Survive: Sexual Assault, Poverty, and Mental Health Outcomes of African American WomenAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010Thema Bryant-Davis A substantial body of research documents the mental health consequences of sexual assault including, but not limited to, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, and suicidality. Far less attention has been given to the mental health effects of sexual assault for ethnic minority women or women living in poverty. Given African American women's increased risk for sexual assault and increased risk for persistent poverty, the current study explores the relationship between income and mental health effects within a sample of 413 African American sexual assault survivors. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for childhood sexual abuse there were positive relationships between poverty and mental health outcomes of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and illicit drug use. There was no significant relationship between poverty and suicidal ideation. Counseling and research implications are discussed. [source] Mental health outcomes of adjudicated males and females: the aftermath of juvenile delinquency and problem behaviourCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2004Mélanie Corneau Background Empirical evidence indicates that the rates of mental health problems and disorders are relatively high among adjudicated youths, especially females, yet few longitudinal studies have focused on gender differences regarding their mental health outcomes as adults. Aims The present study was designed to assess the prevalence rates of self-reported suicide attempts and psychological help-seeking in young adults adjudicated for antisocial behaviours in adolescence. This study also assessed gender differences in the prevalence rates of mental health problems and disorders reported by participants. Methods Structured interviews assessing personal and social adaptation were conducted on three occasions with 292 adjudicated male and 113 female youths (mean age 15 years on the first occasion). Data from the third testing wave (mean age 23.51 at T3) provide information on their mental health outcomes in adulthood. Results Results indicate that in individuals with a history of juvenile delinquency and/or problem behaviour over 10% of the males and 20% of the females reported suicide attempts, and one-fifth and one-third respectively reported psychological consultation. Similar and lower proportions reported psychiatric hospitalization and/or drug addiction programme/therapy at the beginning of adulthood. Implications for practice The present study suggests that these youths may need more mental health directed interventions in their assessment rehabilitation programmes. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Social and Psychological Weil-Being in Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals: The Effects of Race, Gender, Age, and Sexual IdentityAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2009Robert M. Kertzner MD Using a social stress perspective, the authors studied the mental health effects of added burden related to socially disadvantaged status (being African American or Latino, female, young, and identifying as bisexual vs. gay or lesbian) in a community sample of 396 self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. Mental health outcomes were social and psychological well-being contrasted with depressive symptoms. When mental health deficiencies by disadvantaged social status were detected, the authors examined whether LGB community connectedness and positive sexual identity valence played a mediating role, reducing the social status disparity in outcome. The authors found different patterns when looking at social versus psychological well-being and positive versus negative mental health outcomes. Bisexuality and young age, but not gender and racial/ethnic minority status, were associated with decreased social well-being. In bisexuals, this relationship was mediated by community connectedness and sexual identity valence. Although no differences in social or psychological well-being were found by gender, female gender was associated with depressed mood. The authors conclude that there is limited support for an additive stress model. [source] Mental health outcomes in older women with breast cancer: Impact of perceived family support and adjustmentPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Rose C. Maly Objectives: (1) To examine the mental health of older women with breast cancer in relation to support provided by, and the adjustment of, significant others including partners, children, and other family members or friends and (2) to document how often physicians address the women's significant others and the helpfulness of doing so. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients aged 55 years or older (n=222) was conducted. Results: Partners, and in many instances children and other family members or friends, provided support. Support from partners and adjustment of both partners and children independently predicted less depression and anxiety among the study participants. For racial/ethnic minorities, support from, and adjustment of, adult children assumed particular importance. Nonetheless, women reported that their physicians rarely asked their significant others how they were coping (15%) or referred them to a support group (3%), even though both behaviors were rated as extremely helpful. Conclusion: For older women with breast cancer, both partners and adult children were important sources of support and their adjustment affected the women's mental health. Support sources and their impact on women's mental health varied among racial/ethnic groups, suggesting the importance of culturally sensitive provision of care by clinicians. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Psychological effects of prevention: do participants of a type 2 diabetes prevention program experience increased mental distress?DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 1 2009Katrin E. Giel Abstract Objective To evaluate the mental health outcome of a lifestyle intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and to exclude possible harmful psychological effects. Background There is little empirical data on potential harmful effects of prevention programs. However, information, education, diagnostic procedures, phenotyping and risk assessment may cause or intensify psychological distress such as anxiety, depression or somatization in vulnerable individuals. Methods The Tuebingen Lifestyle Intervention Program (TULIP) for the prevention of type 2 diabetes has assessed mental health outcome in the participants after 9 months of program participation using the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). The 24-months lifestyle intervention TULIP comprises regular exercise and changes in nutrition and assesses both, a broad range of somatic parameters as well as psychometric variables. For an interim analysis of psychological outcome, complete data sets of the SCL-90-R assessed at baseline and after 9 months of intervention were available for 195 participants (125 females, 70 males; age: 46.1 ± 10.6 years). Data on somatization, anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress were compared to baseline levels. Results SCL-90-R scores of the TULIP-participants did not significantly differ from the German healthy reference population. Compared to baseline, a significant decrease in SCL-90-R scores was found for anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress at re-assessment after 9 months. Conclusion The interim analysis on mental health outcome of a type 2 diabetes prevention program comprising extensive phenotyping and risk assessment rules out adverse psychological effects, suggesting rather beneficial changes concerning symptoms of anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The effect of traumatic bereavement on tsunami-exposed survivors,JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 6 2009Kerstin Bergh Johannesson Fourteen months after the 2004 tsunami, mental health outcome was assessed in 187 bereaved relatives, 308 bereaved friends, and in 3,020 nonbereaved Swedish survivors. Of the bereaved relatives, 41% reported posttraumatic stress reactions and 62% reported impaired general mental health. Having been caught or chased by the tsunami in combination with bereavement was associated with increased posttraumatic stress reactions. Complicated grief reactions among relatives were almost as frequent as posttraumatic stress reactions. The highest levels of psychological distress were found among those who had lost children. Traumatic bereavement, in combination with exposure to life danger, is probably a risk factor for mental health sequelae after a natural disaster. [source] Adolescent life events and adult mental health 5,9 years after referral for acute psychiatric outpatient treatmentCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 6 2004T. Skarbř Knowledge is needed of mental health in relation to life events of former acute child and adolescent outpatients at risk of suicide. The present study describes the long-term mental health outcome of young adults who as children or adolescents were referred to outpatient psychiatry for mental health problems, and identifies putative mental health statistical outcome predictors at follow-up, with focus on life events. One hundred patients referred to treatment at child and adolescent outpatient clinics in Nordland County, Norway, during 1990,1994 were interviewed face to face, 5,9 years after referral. At follow-up, life events at young age were associated with the mental health status in spite of referral and acute psychotherapeutic intervention. There was a general effect of life events at young age, affecting a large number of mental health variables. Childhood and adolescence difficulties were highly correlated, indicating a possible continuation of effects from childhood to adolescence.,Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Mental health outcomes of adjudicated males and females: the aftermath of juvenile delinquency and problem behaviourCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2004Mélanie Corneau Background Empirical evidence indicates that the rates of mental health problems and disorders are relatively high among adjudicated youths, especially females, yet few longitudinal studies have focused on gender differences regarding their mental health outcomes as adults. Aims The present study was designed to assess the prevalence rates of self-reported suicide attempts and psychological help-seeking in young adults adjudicated for antisocial behaviours in adolescence. This study also assessed gender differences in the prevalence rates of mental health problems and disorders reported by participants. Methods Structured interviews assessing personal and social adaptation were conducted on three occasions with 292 adjudicated male and 113 female youths (mean age 15 years on the first occasion). Data from the third testing wave (mean age 23.51 at T3) provide information on their mental health outcomes in adulthood. Results Results indicate that in individuals with a history of juvenile delinquency and/or problem behaviour over 10% of the males and 20% of the females reported suicide attempts, and one-fifth and one-third respectively reported psychological consultation. Similar and lower proportions reported psychiatric hospitalization and/or drug addiction programme/therapy at the beginning of adulthood. Implications for practice The present study suggests that these youths may need more mental health directed interventions in their assessment rehabilitation programmes. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Twenty-five-year course and outcome in anxiety and depression in the Upper Bavarian Longitudinal Community StudyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010M. M. Fichter Fichter MM, Quadflieg N, Fischer UC, Kohlboeck G. Twenty-five-year course and outcome in anxiety and depression in the Upper Bavarian Longitudinal Community Study. Objective:, Assessment of 25-year course of pure and mixed anxiety and depression in a community sample. Method:, Participants were grouped into pure anxiety, pure depression, mixed anxiety and depression, and no anxiety or depressive syndrome at baseline. Assessments consisted of a: i) baseline survey, ii) 5-year follow-up, iii) 25-year follow-up. Self-rating scales as well as expert-rating interviews yielded data on social and psychopathological risk factors and outcome measures. Results:, Baseline prevalence for mixed anxiety and depressive syndrome was 8.7%. Subjects with combined anxiety and depressive syndrome were more predisposed towards later adverse mental health outcomes and reduced functionality. The transition from anxiety syndrome (pure and mixed) to depressive syndrome over the 25-year study is more likely than the reverse. Logistic regression analysis emphasized the impact of early anxiety syndromes on later depression. Conclusion:, Results underscore the long-term risks of suffering from a combined anxiety and depressive syndrome. [source] Health outcomes associated with methamphetamine use among young people: a systematic reviewADDICTION, Issue 6 2010Brandon D. L. Marshall ABSTRACT Objectives Methamphetamine (MA) use among young people is of significant social, economic and public health concern to affected communities and policy makers. While responses have focused upon various perceived severe harms of MA use, effective public health interventions require a strong scientific evidence base. Methods We conducted a systematic review to identify scientific studies investigating health outcomes associated with MA use among young people aged 10,24 years. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) was used to categorize outcomes and determine the level of evidence for each series of harms. Results We identified 47 eligible studies for review. Consistent associations were observed between MA use and several mental health outcomes, including depression, suicidal ideation and psychosis. Suicide and overdose appear to be significant sources of morbidity and mortality among young MA users. Evidence for a strong association between MA use and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections is equivocal. Finally, we identified only weak evidence of an association between MA use and dental diseases among young people. Conclusions Available evidence indicates a consistent relationship between MA use and mental health outcomes (e.g. depression, psychosis) and an increased risk of mortality due to suicide and overdose. We found insufficient evidence of an association between MA use and other previously cited harms, including infectious diseases and dental outcomes. As such, future research of higher methodological quality is required to further investigate possible associations. Current interventions should focus attention upon MA-related health outcomes for which sound scientific evidence is available. [source] PROGRAMS FOR PROMOTING PARENTING OF RESIDENTIAL PARENTS: Moving From Efficacy to EffectivenessFAMILY COURT REVIEW, Issue 1 2005Sharlene A. Wolchik This article reviews prevention programs that target primary residential parents as change agents for improving children's postdivorce adjustment. First, we review parental risk and protective factors for children from divorced families, including parenting quality, parental mental health problems, interparental conflict, and contact with the nonresidential parent. Following a discussion of brief informational interventions, we describe the findings of evaluations of three multisession, skill-building interventions for divorced parents. Impressive evidence is presented that parenting is a modifiable protective factor and that improving parenting leads to improvements in children's postdivorce adjustment. We then discuss, in greater detail, the New Beginnings Program, which we highlight because it has shown repeated, immediate effects on children's mental health outcomes as well as long-term effects on a wide array of other meaningful outcomes, such as diagnosis of mental disorder in the past year, externalizing problems, alcohol and drug use, and academic performance. Also, mediational analyses have shown that program-induced changes in parenting accounted for changes in mental health outcomes. The remainder of the article describes a research and action agenda that is needed to successfully implement the New Beginnings Program in domestic relations courts. [source] The Cost-Effectiveness of Independent Housing for the Chronically Mentally Ill: Do Housing and Neighborhood Features Matter?HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 5 2004Joseph Harkness Objective. To determine the effects of housing and neighborhood features on residential instability and the costs of mental health services for individuals with chronic mental illness (CMI). Data Sources. Medicaid and service provider data on the mental health service utilization of 670 individuals with CMI between 1988 and 1993 were combined with primary data on housing attributes and costs, as well as census data on neighborhood characteristics. Study participants were living in independent housing units developed under the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Program on Chronic Mental Illness in four of nine demonstration cities between 1988 and 1993. Study Design. Participants were assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to housing units as they became available for occupancy after renovation by the housing providers. Multivariate statistical models are used to examine the relationship between features of the residential environment and three outcomes that were measured during the participant's occupancy in a study property: residential instability, community-based service costs, and hospital-based service costs. To assess cost-effectiveness, the mental health care cost savings associated with some residential features are compared with the cost of providing housing with these features. Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Health service utilization data were obtained from Medicaid and from state and local departments of mental health. Non-mental-health services, substance abuse services, and pharmaceuticals were screened out. Principal Findings. Study participants living in newer and properly maintained buildings had lower mental health care costs and residential instability. Buildings with a richer set of amenity features, neighborhoods with no outward signs of physical deterioration, and neighborhoods with newer housing stock were also associated with reduced mental health care costs. Study participants were more residentially stable in buildings with fewer units and where a greater proportion of tenants were other individuals with CMI. Mental health care costs and residential instability tend to be reduced in neighborhoods with many nonresidential land uses and a higher proportion of renters. Mixed-race neighborhoods are associated with reduced probability of mental health hospitalization, but they also are associated with much higher hospitalization costs if hospitalized. The degree of income mixing in the neighborhood has no effect. Conclusions. Several of the key findings are consistent with theoretical expectations that higher-quality housing and neighborhoods lead to better mental health outcomes among individuals with CMI. The mental health care cost savings associated with these favorable features far outweigh the costs of developing and operating properties with them. Support for the hypothesis that "diverse-disorganized" neighborhoods are more accepting of individuals with CMI and, hence, associated with better mental health outcomes, is mixed. [source] Integrated specialty mental health care among older minorities improves access but not outcomes: results of the PRISMe studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 10 2008Patricia A. Areán Abstract Objective In this secondary data analysis of Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRIMSe) study, we hypothesized that older minorities who receive mental health services integrated in primary care settings would have greater service use and better mental health outcomes than older minorities referred to community services. Method We identified 2,022 (48% minorities) primary care patients 65 years and older, who met study inclusion criteria and had either alcohol misuse, depression, and/or anxiety. They were randomized to receive treatment for these disorders in the primary care clinic or to a brokerage case management model that linked patients to community-based services. Service use and clinical outcomes were collected at baseline, three months and six months post randomization on all participants. Results Access to and participation in mental health /substance abuse services was greater in the integrated model than in referral; there were no treatment by ethnicity effects. There were no treatment effects for any of the clinical outcomes; Whites and older minorities in both integrated and referral groups failed to show clinically significant improvement in symptoms and physical functioning at 6 months. Conclusions While providing services in primary care results in better access to and use of these services, accessing these services is not enough for assuring adequate clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes among low-income, African American womenJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 12 2006Michelle D. Mitchell Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes among African American women were investigated. The study sample included 143 economically disadvantaged African American women ranging in age from 21 to 64 years old who were receiving services at an urban public health system. Sixty-five had experienced IPV within the past year and 78 had never experienced IPV. Results indicated that (a) the IPV status,depressive symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support; (b) the IPV status,anxiety symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, social support, and ability to access resources; and (c) the IPV status,parenting stress link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support. Implications of these findings for clinical practice with abused women are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1503,1520, 2006. [source] Religious involvement and depressive symptoms among Mexican-origin adults in CaliforniaJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Christopher G. Ellison A burgeoning literature has documented generally salutary relationships between various aspects of religious involvement and mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms. However, few of these studies have focused on Latinos (Hispanics), who now constitute the largest ethnic minority population in the United States. Our work addresses this gap in the literature. A number of hypotheses concerning main and contingent effects of religious attendance, salience, and consolation-seeking are developed and tested, using data on a large (N=3,012) sample of Mexican-origin adults drawn in the Fresno, CA area in 1995,1996. An initial inverse association between religious attendance and depressive symptoms disappears with controls for supportive social ties. However, an apparently salutary association between religious salience and depression persists despite all statistical controls; this relationship is present among both men and women, but it is significantly stronger for women. Contrary to expectations, there are signs that religious involvement may exacerbate the deleterious effects of discrimination and acculturation stress on depressive symptoms. A number of study implications, limitations, and directions for future research is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Partner Violence and Mental Health Outcomes in a New Zealand Birth CohortJOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, Issue 5 2005David M. Fergusson This study examines the prevalence and extent of domestic violence and the consequences of domestic violence for mental health outcomes in a birth cohort of New Zealand young adults studied at age 25 years. A total of 828 young people (437 women and 391 men) were interviewed about the domestic violence victimization and violence perpetration in their current or most recent partner relationship. Key findings of the study were (a) domestic conflict was present in 70% of relationships, with this conflict ranging from minor psychological abuse to severe assault; (b) men and women reported similar experiences of victimization and perpetration of domestic violence; and (c) exposure to domestic violence was significantly related to increased risks of major depression (p < .05) and suicidal ideation (p < .005) even after extensive control for covariates. [source] Defining a National Health Research and Practice Agenda for Older Adults with Intellectual DisabilitiesJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2004Philip W. Davidson Abstract With the increasing number of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) surviving into old age governments, provider agencies, and practitioners are recognizing the insufficiencies of available information related to the interaction of the aging process with lifelong disability, the incidence of disease and secondary conditions with advancing age, and the means to provide quality medical and health care. These insufficiencies were noted by a World Health Organization report that identified a need for more research on the health of older adults with IDs and reports from two meetings held by United States Public Health Service and the United States Surgeon General that examined health disparities among adults with ID. This paper reports the process and results of the Tampa Scientific Conference on Intellectual Disabilities, Aging, and Health, a meeting held in 2002 specifically to examine health issues germane to older adults with ID. The meeting produced a long-term research agenda for determining more effective physical and mental health outcomes for aging and older persons with ID and recommendations for aging-related medical and health surveillance practices that would improve the overall health status of adults with ID. [source] Improving the Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyle Choices, and Physical Health of Hispanic Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot StudyJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 12 2009Bernadette M. Melnyk PhD, CPNP/NPP, FAAN ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Obesity and mental health disorders are 2 major public health problems in American adolescents, with prevalence even higher in Hispanic teens. Despite the rapidly increasing incidence and adverse health outcomes associated with overweight and mental health problems, very few intervention studies have been conducted with adolescents to improve both their healthy lifestyles and mental health outcomes. Even fewer studies have been conducted with Hispanic youth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) Healthy Lifestyles TEEN (Thinking, Emotions, Exercise, and Nutrition) program, a manualized educational and cognitive behavioral skills-building program, on Hispanic adolescents' healthy lifestyle choices as well as mental and physical health outcomes. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 19 Hispanic adolescents enrolled in 2 health classes in a southwestern high school. One class received COPE and the other received an attention control program. RESULTS: Adolescents in the COPE program increased their healthy lifestyle choices and reported a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms from baseline to postintervention follow-up. A subset of 7 overweight adolescents in the COPE program had a decrease in triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoproteins. In addition, these overweight adolescents reported increases in healthy lifestyle beliefs and nutrition knowledge along with a decrease in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The COPE TEEN program is a promising school-based strategy for improving both physical and mental health outcomes in adolescents. [source] D.S. Vogt, A.P. Pless, L.A. King, and D.W. King. ,Deployment stressors, gender, and mental health outcomes among Gulf War I veterans'.JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 3 2005Journal of Traumatic Stress 18(2) 200 The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress 18(2) 2005, 115,127. [source] Deployment stressors, gender, and mental health outcomes among Gulf War I veteransJOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 2 2005Dawne S. Vogt An Erratum has been published for this article in Journal of Traumatic Stress 18(3) 2005, 271,284 []. Findings indicate that war-zone exposure has negative implications for the postdeployment adjustment of veterans; however, most studies have relied on limited conceptualizations of war-zone exposure and focused on male samples. In this study, an array of deployment stressors that were content valid for both female and male Gulf War I military personnel was examined to elucidate gender differences in war-zone exposure and identify gender-based differential associations between stressors and mental health outcomes. While women and men were exposed to both mission-related and interpersonal stressors and both stressor categories were associated with mental health outcomes, women reported more interpersonal stressors and these stressors generally had a stronger impact on women's than on men's mental health. Exceptions are described, and implications are discussed. [source] Mental health needs of crime victims: Epidemiology and outcomes,JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 2 2003Dean G. Kilpatrick Abstract This paper reviews epidemiological estimates of criminal victimization derived largely from nationally based studies in the United States. Origins of conflicting rates and prevalences are explained in terms of varying methodology. Risk factors for victimization, including age, race, gender, and disability, are also outlined, and derived from both national and geographically limited U.S.-based studies. Finally, mental health outcomes of violence are documented, with conclusions drawing on both national and regionally specific studies. These outcomes focus on posttraumatic stress disorder, but also include depression, substance abuse, and panic. [source] The effectiveness of a peer support camp for siblings of children with cancer,PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 5 2006Ranita Sidhu BSc OT Abstract Background Siblings of children with cancer have higher levels of psychological stress and adaptational difficulties compared to siblings of healthy children and children with other chronic illness. This is the first study to report on the mental health of Australian siblings of children with cancer and examines the effects of a therapeutic peer support camp,Camp Onwards, as an intervention. Procedure A protocol, designed to reduce levels of distress, improve social competence, and improve knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was developed. Siblings (n,=,26) 8,13 years were assessed using standardised self-report measures pre and post intervention and at ,8 weeks follow-up with: the Behaviour Assessment for Children (BASC) (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992), Self Perception Profile for Children (SPP-C) (Harter, 1985), Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) (Carpenter & Sahler, 1991). Results Change was measured using paired t tests. At pre-test, 40% of the sample demonstrated increased levels of emotional distress when compared to the normal population. Post intervention, siblings reported lower levels of distress demonstrated by decreased anxiety (P,=,0.01) and positive changes in the Self Report of Personality [BASC] (P,=,0.00). Improved social competence was noted in the interpersonal domain of the SPQ (P,=,0.01) and also greater social acceptance scores on the SPP-C (P,=,0.01). Improved knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was evidenced by significant reductions in the fear of disease domain on the SPQ (P,=,0.01). Conclusions Siblings who attended Camp Onwards demonstrated improved mental health outcomes that were sustained at follow-up, demonstrating its effectiveness as an intervention strategy in supporting sibling adjustment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006; 47:580,588. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Struggling to Survive: Sexual Assault, Poverty, and Mental Health Outcomes of African American WomenAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010Thema Bryant-Davis A substantial body of research documents the mental health consequences of sexual assault including, but not limited to, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, and suicidality. Far less attention has been given to the mental health effects of sexual assault for ethnic minority women or women living in poverty. Given African American women's increased risk for sexual assault and increased risk for persistent poverty, the current study explores the relationship between income and mental health effects within a sample of 413 African American sexual assault survivors. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for childhood sexual abuse there were positive relationships between poverty and mental health outcomes of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and illicit drug use. There was no significant relationship between poverty and suicidal ideation. Counseling and research implications are discussed. [source] Social and Psychological Weil-Being in Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals: The Effects of Race, Gender, Age, and Sexual IdentityAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2009Robert M. Kertzner MD Using a social stress perspective, the authors studied the mental health effects of added burden related to socially disadvantaged status (being African American or Latino, female, young, and identifying as bisexual vs. gay or lesbian) in a community sample of 396 self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. Mental health outcomes were social and psychological well-being contrasted with depressive symptoms. When mental health deficiencies by disadvantaged social status were detected, the authors examined whether LGB community connectedness and positive sexual identity valence played a mediating role, reducing the social status disparity in outcome. The authors found different patterns when looking at social versus psychological well-being and positive versus negative mental health outcomes. Bisexuality and young age, but not gender and racial/ethnic minority status, were associated with decreased social well-being. In bisexuals, this relationship was mediated by community connectedness and sexual identity valence. Although no differences in social or psychological well-being were found by gender, female gender was associated with depressed mood. The authors conclude that there is limited support for an additive stress model. [source] Application of the theory of planned behavior to understand intentions to engage in physical and psychosocial health behaviors after cancer diagnosisPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 9 2006Michael A. Andrykowski Abstract A cancer diagnosis can trigger change in both lifestyle behaviors and mental health outcomes such as ,growth' and ,benefit-finding'. Assuming changes in mental health outcomes are based upon changes in specific behaviors, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) may facilitate understanding of post-diagnosis change in physical and psychosocial ,health' behaviors. Adults (n=130) ,2 years post-cancer diagnosis completed an internet survey. Current performance and future behavior intentions for two physical (e.g. eating a healthy diet) and four psychosocial (e.g. spending quality time with family/friends; engaging in spiritual or religious activities) health behaviors were assessed. TPB constructs (subjective norm, behavior attitudes, perceived behavioral control) for each of the six behaviors were also assessed. Multiple regression analyses indicated the set of TPB constructs accounted for an increment of 25,53% of variance in behavioral intentions beyond that accounted for by clinical and demographic variables. Among individual TPB constructs, behavioral attitude was most consistently associated with behavioral intentions while subjective norm was least consistently associated with behavioral intentions. The TPB could serve as a comprehensive model for understanding change in both physical and psychosocial health behaviors after cancer diagnosis and could suggest innovative approaches to developing interventions to enhance post-diagnosis ,growth' and ,benefit finding'. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Rates and types of psychiatric disorders in perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-infected youth and serorevertersTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 9 2009Claude Ann Mellins Background:, The purpose of this study was to examine 1) the prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders in perinatally HIV-infected (HIV+) adolescents and 2) the association between HIV infection and these mental health outcomes by comparing HIV+ youths to HIV exposed but uninfected youths (HIV-) from similar communities. Methods:, Data for this paper come from the baseline interview of a longitudinal study of mental health outcomes in 9-16 year old perinatally HIV-exposed youths (61% HIV+) and their caregivers. Three hundred forty youths and their primary adult caregivers were recruited from four medical centers and participated in separate individual interviews. Youth psychiatric disorder was assessed using the caregiver and youth versions of The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV). Results:, According to caregiver or youth report, a high percentage of HIV+ and HIV- youths met criteria for a non-substance use psychiatric disorder, with significantly higher rates among the HIV+ youths (61% vs. 49%, OR = 1.59; CI = 1.03,2.47; p < .05). The most prevalent diagnoses in both groups were anxiety disorders (46% for total sample) which included social phobia, separation anxiety, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. One quarter of the sample met criteria for a behavioral disorder (ADHD, conduct disorders, and oppositional defiant disorders), with ADHD being most prevalent. HIV+ youths had significantly higher rates of ADHD (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.20, 4.99, p < .05). Only 7% of youths met criteria for a mood disorder and 4% for a substance abuse disorder. Several caregiver variables (caregiver type and HIV status) were also associated with both child HIV status and mental health outcomes. Conclusions:, Our data suggest that HIV+ youths are at high risk for mental health disorders. Further longitudinal research is necessary to understand the etiology, as well as potential protective factors, in order to inform efficacy-based interventions. [source] Events that have become central to identity: Gender differences in the centrality of events scale for positive and negative eventsAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Adriel Boals Past research has demonstrated that the extent to which a negative event has become central to one's identity using the centrality of events scale (CES) is associated with depression, dissociation and PTSD symptoms. The combined results from two studies that collectively examined nominated negative and positive personal events and the 2004 Presidential election found that females are more likely than males to construct a negative event as central to their identity. In addition, higher CES scores for a negative event were associated with higher ratings of vividness, emotional intensity, visceral emotional reactions, depression, dissociation, PTSD symptoms and worse physical health outcomes. In contrast, CES scores for positive events were not related to the measures of mental or physical health, although this finding was ambiguous in Study 2. The tendency for females to construct a negative event as central to their identity may help explain gender differences in mental health outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Australian asylum policies: have they violated the right to health of asylum seekers?AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2009Vanessa Johnston Abstract Objectives: Notwithstanding recent migration policy amendments, there is concern that Australian asylum policies have disproportionately burdened the health and wellbeing of onshore asylum seekers. There may be a case to be made that Australian governments have been in violation of the right to health of this population. The objective of this paper is to critically examine these issues and assess the implications for public health practice. Methods:The author undertook a review of the recent empirical literature on the health effects of post-migration stressors arising from Australian policies of immigration detention, temporary protection and the restriction of Medicare to some asylum seekers. This evidence was examined within the context of Australia's international law obligations. Results: Findings reveal that Australian asylum policies of detention, temporary protection and the exclusion of some asylum seekers from Medicare rights have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes for this population. This is attributable to the impact of these policies on accessing health care and the underlying determinants of health for aslyum seekers. Conclusion: It is arguable that Australian Governments have been discriminating against asylum seekers by withholding access on the grounds of their migration status, to health care and to the core determinants of health in this context. In so doing, Australia may have been in violation of its obligation to respect the right to health of this population. Implications: While the ,right to health' framework has much to offer public health, it is an undervalued and poorly understood discipline. The author argues for more education, research and advocacy around the intersection between heath and human rights. [source] | |||||||||||||