Lack of knowledge and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours towards individuals with mental disorders is a worldwide problem but may be particularly damaging for young people. This pilot study examined knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism within a large sample of adults in Ireland, a country with the youngest population in Europe, in order to better understand public views on these groups.

In a correlational, cross-sectional design, 307 adults in Ireland over the age of 18 completed a questionnaire over Google Forms examining knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Responses to questions specifically relating to each diagnosis were compared using trimmed mean ANOVA to examine whether responses to questions differed depending on diagnosis.

Results indicate varied knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards these groups, but a majority believe it should be a research priority. ANOVA and post hoc tests revealed significant differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards each of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism (p < 0.005), and reported attitudes and behaviours towards schizophrenia were more negative than either bipolar disorder or autism. A majority of participants (54.8%) felt not informed enough about mental health by the media.

In our Irish sample, type and level of stigma varies according to mental health diagnosis. Our sample also report feeling inadequately informed about mental health by the media. Thus future policy and campaigns could consider targeting individual mental health diagnoses, with a focus on increasing familiarity and knowledge.

Given the evidence that drinking patterns and self-harm hospital presentations have changed during COVID-19, this study aimed to examine any change in self-harm and suicide-related ideation presentations, together with any possible contribution made by alcohol or substance misuse, to Irish Emergency Departments in 2020, compared with 2018 and 2019.

A population-based cohort with self-harm and suicide-related ideation presenting to Irish hospitals derived from the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm was analysed. Descriptive analyses were conducted based on sociodemographic variables and types of presentation for the period January to August 2020 and compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019. Binomial regression analyses were performed to investigate the independent effect of demographic characteristics and pre/during COVID-19 periods on the use of substances as contributory factors in the self-harm and suicide-related ideation presentations.

12,075 presentations due to self-harm and suicide-related ideation were recorded for the periods January–August 2018–2020 across nine emergency departments. The COVID-19 year was significantly associated with substances contributing to self-harm and suicide-related ideation ED presentations (OR = 1.183; 95% CI, 1.075–1.301, p < 0.001). No changes in the demographic characteristics were found for those with self-harm or suicide-related ideation across the years. Suicide-related ideation seemed to be increased after May 2020 compared with previous years. In terms of self-harm episodes with comorbid drug and alcohol overdose and poisoning, these were significantly increased in January–August 2020, compared with previous timepoints (χ2 = 42.424, df = 6, p < 0.001).

An increase in suicide-related ideation and substance-related self-harm presentations may indicate longer term effects of the pandemic and its relevant restrictions. Future studies might explore whether those presenting with ideation will develop a risk of suicide in post-pandemic periods.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) Quality Improvement Division (2016) report states that young people who identify as transgender are one of the highest risk groups for suicidal ideation, self-harm, and completed suicides and may require significant input in Irish Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This research represents the first exploration of CAMHS staff’s capacity within an Irish mental health service to support transgender youth by considering their knowledge about and confidence in working with these youth.

A multi-method design was used to evaluate the knowledge and confidence levels of CAMHS clinicians in supporting transgender youth and to identify what factors would enable them to conduct this work. A questionnaire and a survey about supporting transgender youth were distributed to all clinicians in five Irish-based CAMHS services (N = 71), using an online platform. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six clinicians. Quantitative, content, and thematic analyses were performed.

CAMHS staff reported limited knowledge and experience about supporting transgender youth. Findings indicated that both of these factors undermined their confidence in supporting these youths. Clinicians expressed a need for additional clinical education delivered through expert consultation, presentations, and learning from ‘experts by experience’.

CAMHS clinicians need and want further clinical education about supporting transgender youth and their families. Recommendations are made for enhancing the knowledge, confidence, and competence of CAMHS clinicians using methods identified as acceptable by clinicians, in order to best support these youths.

Restrictive interventions (seclusion, restraint and special observations) are used on psychiatric wards when there are no other means available to keep a patient or others safe. These measures can be traumatic, and the Mental Health Commission and the Health Service Executive are focused on minimising their use. We set out to determine whether, following a COVID related reduction in bed numbers on a high dependency psychiatric ward in St John of God Hospital in Dublin, there was a change in their incidence.

Data on restrictive interventions and challenging behaviours were gathered for 9-month periods before and after March 2020 when COVID related ward changes took place. Figures were also collected on seclusion and restraint for the previous 18 months for a longer-term view. Ward and hospital occupancy levels were also recorded.

Between the two time periods, episodes of seclusion fell by 53% and episodes of restraint by 56%. The hours devoted to special observation declined by 30% and incidents of challenging behaviours fell by 26%. Ward occupancy levels fell by only 5%. The longer-term comparison of figures for seclusion and restraint point towards a downward trend from mid-2019 that was accentuated in the post-COVID period.

The changes found may relate to reduced crowding on the ward or other COVID related factors such as the emphasis on social distancing and a shared sense of purpose on the ward. The longer-term trend points towards an emerging cultural shift. The challenge now is to sustain and build upon these changes.

Psychotic experiences such as hallucinations and delusions are reported by approximately 7.2% of the general population, even in the absence of a psychotic disorder. Individuals who report such psychotic experiences are significantly more likely to endorse suicidal ideation and behavior across several large epidemiological samples. This study aimed to determine whether individuals who reported psychotic experiences and suicidal behavior would subjectively endorse a causal relationship between these two clinical phenomena.

Five open-ended questions were asked via online survey to 12 college students who had previously reported both hallucination-like experiences and suicidal behavior in a quantitative survey. Thematic analysis was used to analyze open-ended responses.

The majority of respondents, n (%) = 11 (91.6), did not endorse a notable subjective relationship between psychosis and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. However, respondents did spontaneously report that stigma and fear may drive suicidal ideation among people who report psychotic experiences and other symptoms of psychological distress.

These findings are generally inconsistent with the hypothesis that psychotic experiences are directly related to suicidal behavior, and are consistent with the alternative hypothesis that both psychotic experiences and suicidal behavior are indicators of common underlying factors such as general psychological distress, potentially exacerbated by stigma.

To examine if the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a differential effect over a 2-year time period in relation to its psychological and social impact on patients with established anxiety disorders.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 individuals attending the Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services in Ireland with an ICD-10 diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Interviews occurred at three time-points over a 2-year period to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on anxiety and depressive symptoms, social and occupational functioning, and quality of life.

No statistical difference in symptomatology was noted between the three time-points in relation to anxiety symptoms as measured utilising psychometric rating scales (Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) or Likert Scale measures). The greatest impact of COVID-19 at all time-points related to social functioning and quality of life. Significant variability was noted for individual participants. Qualitative analysis noted a tentative optimism for the future in the setting of vaccination and societal re-opening. Fear of re-emerging anxiety symptoms with the removal of societal restrictions was noted.

No significant overall change in symptomatology or functioning over time was noted for individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders, however variability was demonstrated, with some individuals describing ongoing anxiety, social isolation and concern for their future. A strong theme of hope for the future and less concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic was evident; however tailored supports including the utilisation of tele-psychiatry is suggested, particularly for those experiencing increased anxiety with the removal of societal restrictions.

Research has shown that religious affiliation has a protective effect against deliberate self-harm. This is particularly pronounced in periods of increased religious significance, such as periods of worship, celebration, and fasting. However, no data exist as to whether this effect is present during the Christian period of Lent. Our hypothesis was that Lent would lead to decreased presentations of self-harm emergency department (ED) in a predominantly Catholic area of Ireland.

Following ethical approval, we retrospectively analysed data on presentations to the ED of University Hospital Limerick during the period of Lent and the 40 days immediately preceding it. Frequency data were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared tests in SPSS.

There was no significant difference in the overall number of people presenting to the ED with self-harm during Lent compared to the 40 days preceding it (χ 2 = 0.75, df = 1, p > 0.05), and there was no difference in methods of self-harm used. However, there was a significant increase in attendances with self-harm during Lent in the over 50’s age group (χ 2 = 7.76, df = 1, p = 0.005).

Based on our study, Lent is not a protective factor for deliberate self-harm and was associated with increased presentations in the over 50’s age group. Further large-scale studies are warranted to investigate this finding as it has implications for prevention and management of deliberate self-harm.

To investigate the frequency, characteristics and impact of death threats by patients towards psychiatrists.

A cross-sectional survey of psychiatrists (n = 60) was undertaken to investigate the frequency, characteristics and impact of death threats by patients in one Irish healthcare region serving a mixed urban–rural population of 470,000.

Forty-nine responses (82%) were received. Thirty-one per cent of respondents experienced death threats by patients during their careers. Victims were more likely to be male and in a consultant role. Patients making the threats were more likely to be males aged 30–60 with a history of violence and diagnosis of personality disorder and/or substance misuse. A majority of threats occurred in outpatient settings and identified a specific method of killing, usually by stabbing. Prosecution of the perpetrator was uncommon. Of the victimised psychiatrists, 53% reported that such threats affected their personal lives, and 67% believed their professional lives were impacted. In half of the incidents, there were adverse incidents subsequent to the threats, involving either the patient or the clinician.

Death threats by patients have significant psychological and professional impacts on psychiatrists. Early liaison with employers and police and transferring the care of the patient to another clinician may be useful measures.

On-call and crisis psychiatry is a very challenging aspect of psychiatric training. This study aimed to describe the experiences of psychiatric trainees on-call in hospitals, emergency departments and psychiatric units in Ireland.

In total, 193 psychiatric trainees in Ireland were emailed a survey in 2017. The survey included questions regarding the duties expected of the trainee, frequency of on-call obligations, un-rostered hours worked, level of senior support, assessment facilities available and doctors’ satisfaction with the on-call experience.

Overall, 68 trainees responded to the survey. In total, 35% of respondents reported dissatisfaction with their experience of on-call and crisis psychiatry, 46% reported that they were not provided with training in risk assessment and 21% of respondents stated that there was not a suitable room available to perform their assessments.

This survey has raised important issues facing those on the frontline of psychiatric services in Ireland. Of particular concern are resource issues faced by trainees and the need for further training and support related to risk assessment when on-call. Remedying these issues may lead to a decreased rate of dropout as well as a safer and better environment for patients and doctors alike.

Globally, increasing life expectancy has escalated demands on psychiatric services caring for a later life population. It is recognised that those with enduring mental illness may have specific needs with advancing age. In this study, we describe the characteristics of a population aged over 60 years attending a general adult community psychiatric service and compare demographic and clinical features across age and diagnostic categories. The study aims to gather preliminary information which may guide future local mental health service planning.

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using retrospective chart review of all patients aged over 60 years attending four community mental health teams in North Dublin. Cohorts of attenders were stratified by age comparing 60–64 year age group with the population aged 65 years and over. Attenders were also stratified by diagnosis and regression analysis was used to determine predictors of psychotic disorder diagnosis.

The study included 127 patients. There was a higher prevalence of psychotic disorders among those aged 65 years and over (n = 73), while those aged 60–64 years (n = 54) were more likely to have depression and non-affective, non-psychotic disorders. Among the population aged 65 years and over 78% (n = 57) were long-term psychiatric service attenders.

The majority of the sample aged 65 years and over were long-term service attenders with a diagnosis of severe mental illness. Further research is warranted to determine optimal service delivery for later life psychiatric service attenders.

Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the single most frequent reason for attendance at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland. Research has suggested that parents of children with ADHD experience more parenting stress than parents of non-clinical controls, yet routine treatment for ADHD rarely addresses parental well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been found to result in a reduction in parental stress.

An adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention was delivered to parents (n = 23) of children with ADHD recruited from CAMHS and ADHD Ireland.

Following the intervention a significant improvement was documented within the social relationships domain of quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and a significant reduction on the child hyperactivity scale of the Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire.

This pilot study suggests that an MBSR intervention is both feasible and effective for parents whose children have ADHD. Larger scale studies need to be conducted before inclusion in routine CAMHS.

The COVID pandemic has been associated with poorer mental health in youth. This study aimed to evaluate any change in General Practitioner (GP) referral pattern to Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) services during the first 10 months of Covid-19 and compare with a similar time frame in 2019.

All accepted referrals to a CAMH Service in Dublin during the study time frame were reviewed. Referral letters were batch anonymised and clinical data extracted using a study specific proforma for analysis.

Referral numbers between the two time periods did not statistically differ. Proportionally more females were referred during the pandemic, increasing to 56.9%, n = 99, compared to 43.1%, n = 75 in 2019 (p = 0.01). Referrals were more often designated by the clinician as urgent during the pandemic (61.3%, n = 98) than before (39%, n = 62, p < 0.001). Referrals outlining self-harm or suicidal ideation increased significantly, from 42.1% (n = 67) to 55.9% (n = 90) (p = 0.014). Referrals for externalising problems fell from 2019 rates; ADHD (21.4%, n = 34 vs 11.1%, n = 18; p = 0.013), ASD (26.4%, n = 42 vs 16.1%, n = 26; p = 0.038) and conduct problems (23.3%, n = 37 vs 7.4%, n = 12; p < 0.001). Although numbers for psychosis in 2019 were low (10.7%, n = 17), these also fell significantly in 2020 (2.5%, n = 4; p < 0.001).

The finding of reduced referrals for ADHD and ASD has not previously been reported. With concerns regarding educational loss linked to online learning, it is crucial that these youth are not doubly disadvantaged by delayed referral and education decline.

Patients with psychiatric illness are at increased risk of developing non-psychiatric medical illnesses. There have been positive reports regarding the integration of primary care services into mental health facilities. Here, we evaluate the appropriateness of psychiatry non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHD) transfers to the local emergency department (ED) in the context of an in-house primary care service.

We reviewed the inpatient transfers from St Patrick’s University Hospital (SPUH) to the local ED at St James’ Hospital (SJH) from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017. We used inpatient admission to SJH as our primary marker of an appropriate transfer.

246 inpatients were transferred from SPUH to the SJH ED for medical review in the years 2016 and 2017. 27 (11%) of these were referred to the ED by the primary care service. 51% of those referred were admitted with similar rates of admission for both general practitioner (n = 27, 54% admitted) and NCHD initiated referrals (n = 219, 51% admitted). Acute neurological illness, concern regarding a cardiac illness, and deliberate self-harm were the most common reasons for referral.

Our primary finding is that, of those transferred to ED by either primary care or a psychiatry NCHD, a similar proportion was judged to be in need of inpatient admission. This indicates that as a group, psychiatry NCHD assessment of acuity and need for transfer was similar to that of their colleagues in primary care.

To identify levels and key correlates of happiness across Europe in 2018, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We used data from the European Social Survey to determine levels of happiness in individuals (n = 49,419) from 29 European countries and identify associations between happiness and age, gender, satisfaction with income, employment status, community trust, satisfaction with health, satisfaction with democracy, religious belief and country of residence.

In 2018, self-rated happiness varied significantly across the 29 European countries, with individuals in Denmark reporting the highest levels of happiness (8.38 out of 10) and individuals in Bulgaria reporting the lowest (5.55). Ireland ranked 11th (7.7). Happiness had significant, independent associations with younger age, satisfaction with health, satisfaction with household income, community trust, satisfaction with democracy and religious belief. These factors accounted for 25.4% of the variance in happiness between individuals, and, once they were taken into account, country of residence was no longer significantly associated with happiness.

Self-rated happiness varied significantly across pre-pandemic. At individual level, happiness was more closely associated with certain variables than with country of residence. It is likely that the Covid-19 pandemic had significant impacts on some or all of these variables. This highlights the importance of further analysis of correlates of happiness in Europe over future years, when detailed happiness data from during and after the pandemic become available.