7 results
Stigma, Secrecy and Masculine Norms: A Systematic Review of How Perinatal Mental Illness in Men and Their Partners Is Experienced by Males
- Rebecca Harding, Athanasios Hassoulas, Susan Smith
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 9 / Issue S1 / July 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 July 2023, pp. S50-S51
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Background: In recent years, fathers have become increasingly involved in pregnancy and childcare and the concept of paternal perinatal mental illness (PMI) has gained research interest. There has been increased recognition of the impact of parenthood on the mental health of males, particularly in first time fathers where feelings of helplessness and marginalisation are common. Prevalence of paternal PMI is thought to be 10–16%, with higher risk demonstrated when their partner too experiences PMI. The importance of this topic was highlighted in the NHS long term plan, which recognised the disparity in service provision between males and females and the need to address this. Aim: To conduct a systematic review to establish the knowledge, beliefs, and experiences of males with PMI and whose partners had PMI, and to understand the barriers associated with help-seeking for paternal PMI.
MethodsFive databases including EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched for qualitative studies investigating the experiences of males affected by PMI personally or through their partner's illness. The research question and inclusion criteria were determined using the PICOSS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, setting, study design) method. 11 studies met criteria for inclusion and were appraised for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative checklists. Evidence was synthesised using thematic analysis and study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) checklist and Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) too.
Results5 main themes and 17 sub-themes were identified, and demonstrated lack of knowledge and preparation for fatherhood, and distress and isolation experienced by males with PMI. Males were reluctant to seek help, and factors including stigma and lack of awareness regarding PMI and available support services were identified as barriers. The option to remain anonymous, flexibility of appointments and an emphasis on peer support were considered facilitators to engagement.
ConclusionUnhelpful and potentially damaging stereotypes regarding masculinity and PMI still exist, prohibit help-seeking for PMI and promote the marginalisation of males in perinatal settings. Support for males with PMI is warranted but lacking, and effective communication and education regarding paternal PMI for both professionals and the public is needed to allow successful expansion of services to include males.
The Effects of Trait Extraversion on University Student Mental Health and Well-being During Lockdown: A Systematic Review
- Oliver James, Athanasios Hassoulas, Katja Umla-Runge
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 9 / Issue S1 / July 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 July 2023, p. S55
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Personality traits such as extraversion and neuroticism are associated with mental health and well-being with trait extraversion positively associated with resilience, and negatively associated with a plethora of mental disorders including depression. Resilience was likely a useful trait during the COVID-19 pandemic which studies have shown negatively impacted the mental health of several different population groups, particularly university students. Mental health may also have been impacted differentially based on trait extraversion, with some evidence finding the mental health of extraverts was negatively impacted by lockdown. This review aimed to investigate whether trait extraversion was protective to university student mental health and well-being, operationalised by different symptom domains including stress and anxiety, during lockdown. We hypothesised that due to an extravert's proclivity to seek out and enjoy social interaction and the restriction of these very activities during lockdown, trait extraversion would no longer have a protective effect on mental health and well-being.
MethodsSix databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Cardiff University Full Text Journals) were consulted, and forty-five studies identified. Briefly, the eligibility criteria were studies of university students that had trait extraversion measured using either the Big Five or Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire in addition to a measure of mental health or well-being. Furthermore, at least 50% of the study must have been conducted under lockdown conditions with cross-sectional and longitudinal studies eligible for inclusion. After data screening, three longitudinal and seven cross-sectional studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. Following data extraction, a qualitative narrative synthesis was applied to the extracted data.
ResultsSignificant results were found for positive affect, negative affect, life satisfaction, quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction, anxiety and depression which suggested extraversion was protective. Non-significant results were also found for anxiety, depression, mental health, global quality of life, perceived stress, COVID-19 student stress and coronavirus anxiety.
ConclusionThe hypothesis that extraversion would be protective for mental health and well-being was accepted unanimously for life satisfaction and tentatively for anxiety. Furthermore, the hypothesis was rejected for depression and stress whose relationship with trait extraversion differed from pre-pandemic findings. The review recommended that extraverted university students should be mindful of the increased risk of depression and stress during lockdown. Additionally, further research should be carried out on extraversion's relationship with stress, an important factor in mental health, and also look at interactions of trait extraversion with other personality traits such as neuroticism.
The MSc Psychiatry at Cardiff University: Introduction of New Modules Further Supporting Continuing Professional Development in Psychiatry
- Athanasios Hassoulas
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 8 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 June 2022, pp. S24-S25
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The MSc Psychiatry at Cardiff University is an established postgraduate programme offering students a sound theoretical basis in psychiatry as a medical science and specialty. The programme currently offers six taught modules (focusing on mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, old age psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, substance misuse, and child and adolescent psychiatry), as well as a dissertation module that students complete towards the end of the programme. In catering for the professional needs of clinical students and students pursuing careers in academia, two additional taught modules have been proposed exploring Leadership and Management in Psychiatry and Advances in Psychiatric Research. Feedback on the proposed introduction of the new modules was collated from the current full-time and part-time student cohorts.
MethodsA total of 57 students currently enrolled on the programme were surveyed in relation to the proposed additional taught modules. The survey was created using Microsoft Forms and deployed via the programme's virtual learning environment (i.e., Blackboard). A mixed methods design was employed, with both Likert scale and open-ended items included in the survey. Students were informed that future cohorts would be offered a choice between the existing Forensic Psychiatry & Substance Misuse module and the proposed Leadership and Management in Psychiatry module, as well as a choice between the existing Child and Adolescent Disorders module and the proposed Advances in Psychiatric Research module.
ResultsResponses from the current student body were collated and analysed. A total of 29 (51%) students surveyed were medical professionals, with the remaining 28 (49%) students being science graduates or other clinical professionals. Descriptive analysis of the quantitative data revealed that an overwhelming majority of students viewed the introduction of the new modules as a positive development that would further enhance the student learning experience and continuing professional development. Content analysis of the qualitative data revealed further insights on the nature of the proposed modules and preferences on how these should be included within the existing programme schedule.
ConclusionStudents currently enrolled on the MSc Psychiatry favour the introduction of the proposed modules tailored to support professional development. Specifically, students view the proposed module on Leadership and Management in Psychiatry as catering to the needs of clinicians working in a variety of healthcare settings, whilst the proposed module exploring Advances in Psychiatric Research was considered to supplement existing course content on evidence-based medicine and caters for students with an interest in pursuing a career in academia.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety Disorders in Adults: A Systematic Narrative Review
- Lisa Harrison, Katja Umla-Runge, Athanasios Hassoulas
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 8 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 June 2022, p. S53
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In recent years there has been accelerated clinical interest in Mindfulness based interventions (MBI's) leading to an upswell in research due the impact of its wide clinical application. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have recently been investigated for the beneficial treatment of anxiety-based disorders in adults. The aim of the current review was to appraise and synthesise findings of studies published within the last decade, in determining the efficacy of MBCT and ACT in treating anxiety disorders in adults, given gaps identified in the existing literature.
MethodsScoping searches were conducted using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Emcare, and Cochrane databases. The Synthesis Without Meta-analysis protocol (SWiM) was adopted for this review, in evaluating the efficacy of MBCT and ACT for anxiety disorders in adults. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Standards.
ResultsThe results of this review suggest that MBCT and ACT are effective therapeutic modalities in improving anxiety in adult populations. The results are, however, tentative. Whilst both MBI's show promise in the treatment of anxiety disorders, with the paucity of existing systematic reviews and methodological flaws within overall primary study design, the results should be interpreted with caution.
ConclusionThe overall therapeutic effectiveness of MBI's has been assessed and the general data support its efficacy. However, a judicious approach is required as results continue to remain inconclusive grounded in the totality of the evidence.
The current review revealed the ongoing methodological concerns encountered in determining the comparative effectiveness of MBCT and ACT for anxiety disorders in adults. Due to the current limited number of comparative studies of mindfulness based with mindfulness informed interventions, it could be suggested that a lack of systematic research is slowly influencing a collective understanding of MBI's being a homogenous group of treatments. The lack of delineation can have an impact on research, clinical practice and policy making. Further high quality research is required to continue to bridge the science practice gap. Without depth of understandings associated with the mechanisms of change and the impact that contextual aspects have on the outcome effectiveness, there are significant implications for practice and patient care. It is of importance that the adaptation and subsequent developments in clinical practice do not outpace the research base to fully understand the mechanisms that make each MBI effective, for which population and diagnoses.
An Investigation Into the Impact of Dementia Knowledge and Attitudes on Individuals’ Confidence in Practice: A Survey of Non-Healthcare Staff Inside the Prison Estate in England and Wales
- Sarah Burke, Athanasios Hassoulas, Andrew Forrester
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 8 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 June 2022, p. S129
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Whilst the majority of age groups are seeing a decline in numbers in prison custody, the older male population continues to rise year on year. This unexpected trend has led researchers to investigate the needs of this particular cohort in more detail and start to question if the prison estate is able to care for the specific needs of the ageing population. This primary research specifically, looks to investigate what relationship, if any knowledge and attitudes to dementia have on how the confidence in practice levels of non-healthcare prison staff
MethodsThis research, in a specific, applied context considers the relationship between attitudes toward the prison estate alongside knowledge and attitudes toward dementia in general and the potential relationship these may have on confidence levels. To do this, the research scored individuals’ responses against the dementia knowledge assessment scale, attitudes to the prison estate and general attitudes toward dementia. These three independent variables were measured both overall and individually against individual confidence in practices scores. 50 individuals participated with differing roles and length of service in the prison estate
ResultsThe results of the study found that the overall model was significant. Of the three independent variables, it was found that positive attitudes to dementia were the most influential predictor of confidence. Knowledge of the condition and attitudes to the prison estate, the second and third independent variable however were not significant predictors of confidence in practice levels. Overall, the results indicate that there is a relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in delivery of dementia care in the prison estate as an overall model.
ConclusionThe main objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes to dementia of non-healthcare prison staff and if that knowledge and those attitudes had an impact on confidence in practice levels. It could be argued that this research has fulfilled its primary aim, reporting that knowledge about and attitudes toward dementia scores are a significant predictor of knowledge of the condition in non-healthcare-based staff.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on symptom subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a cross-sectional study
- Athanasios Hassoulas, Katja Umla-Runge, Olivia Adams, Madeline Scurlock-Green, Abeer Zahid, Antonia Hassoulas, Eliana Panayiotou
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 7 / Issue S1 / June 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, pp. S253-S254
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Since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic, public health messages have emphasised the importance of frequent handwashing in limiting the transmission of the virus. Whilst crucial in controlling transmission, such messaging may have an adverse effect on individuals with OCD. The primary aim of this study was to investigate any significant changes to handwashing behaviour, as well as other related hygiene behaviours, across all symptom dimensions of OCD. The frequency of engaging with pandemic-related media coverage was also considered across all symptom subtypes.
MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted, with a total of 332 participants recruited. Participants who scored above the optimal cut-off score on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Revised edition (OCI-R) were included in the analysis (n = 254). Scores on the six subscales of the OCI-R were correlated with responses to a COVID-19 Impact measure.
ResultFactor analysis of the COVID-19 Impact measure revealed that items loaded on two components of the measure (handwashing and distress-avoidance). A significant correlation was revealed between the handwashing component and the OCI-R washing subscale (rs = 0.523, p = 0.0001), as well as between distress-avoidance and the OCI-R washing and ordering subscales (s = −0.227, p = 0.0001; rs = −0.159, p = 0.006). Content analysis revealed disruption to treatment delivery and worsening symptom severity in participants with contamination-related OCD.
ConclusionThe pandemic has had a significant impact on individuals with contamination-related OCD symptoms, in relation to symptom severity and treatment disruption. Consideration should be given to targeted support tailored to patients with this subtype of OCD.
Supporting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: implementation of an e-guide
- Athanasios Hassoulas, Eliana Panayiotou, Srinjay Mukhopadhyay, Ravanth Baskaran, Nan Zhang
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- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 7 / Issue S1 / June 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, p. S192
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to activities of daily living, which in turn has had a profound impact on the mental wellbeing of the public. An e-guide was designed to provide remote support to the general public through the application of a Behavioural Activation approach. Interactive, brief evidence-based exercises were included in the e-guide, along with mood ratings after each exercise to assess any improvements observed.
MethodThe e-guide was designed using the Xerte On- Line Toolkits open source software. Videos and interactive exercises were embedded within the resource, forming part of the brief intervention based on cognitivist and behaviourist principles. Information and further support was also provided for young people and parents. Videos from the public highlighting their experiences during the pandemic were also sourced and included (with consent). A pilot was launched to assess the impact of the e-guide. Participants were recruited from Cardiff University, mental health services and a local charity.
ResultThe e-guide was piloted on a sample of volunteers (n = 3), who completed a brief survey after engaging with the resource. Following the results of the pilot, the e-guide was promoted by the university's marketing team and made available to the public. At the 6-month mark, the e-guide had been accessed by 3228 individuals throughout the UK.
ConclusionThe e-guide has since been disseminated by support services for young people, places of employment and eduction institutions. The national impact of the e-guide is evidenced from the number of people accessing the resource exceeding 3000. With the long-term effects of the pandemic taking hold, it remains crucial to support the wellbeing of the general public through such initiatives that are administered remotely