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Irwin L, Udachina A, Bell T, Carter LA, Handerer F, Berry K. A Systematic Review of Momentary Social Predictors of Positive Psychosis Experiences. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e3030. [PMID: 39084599 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social factors can play an important role in the development and maintenance of psychosis. Clarifying this relationship is vital for advancing theoretical understanding and development of targeted interventions. Psychosis is increasingly researched with an experience sampling methodology (ESM), which provides an ecologically valid approach, that reduces recall biases. Studies examining momentary associations between social factors and psychosis have not yet been summarised. METHOD We identified 29 ESM studies investigating associations between social factors and positive psychotic experiences through a pre-registered systematic search of the published literature. RESULTS Being alone did not predict increase in psychosis; however, appraisals and feelings associated with being alone such as feeling socially disconnected, lonely and unwanted did. Being with familiar company was found to reduce psychosis experiences but feeling stressed by the current company increased psychosis. CONCLUSIONS While issues with sample size and generalisability mean these results should be interpreted with caution, some putative conclusions can be made. Individuals with psychosis or emerging symptoms should be offered interventions that improve social networks such as peer support, community participation and engagement skills training. These individuals may also benefit from virtual reality or compassion-based interventions which aim to dampen perceived social threat. Moreover, digital interventions which monitor changes in social variables that predict relapse in symptoms would allow early intervention to prevent mental health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Irwin
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Tobyn Bell
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Fritz Handerer
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Ochoa S, Espinosa V, López-Carrilero R, Martinez I, Barrera ADH, Birulés I, Barajas A, Pélaez T, Díaz-Cutraro L, Coromina M, González-Rodríguez A, Verdaguer-Rodríguez M, Gutiérrez-Zotes A, Palma-Sevillano C, Montes C, Gallego J, Paya B, Casanovas F, Roldán M, Noval E, Varela Casals P, Salas-Sender M, Aznar A, Ayesa-Arriola R, Pousa E, Canal-Rivero M, Garrido-Torres N, Montserrat C, Muñoz-Lorenzo L, Crosas JM. Effectiveness of family metacognitive training in mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children: a multicenter study protocol. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1359693. [PMID: 38586292 PMCID: PMC10997187 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1359693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background More than half of women with psychosis take care of their children despite the difficulties caused by the disease. Additionally, these kids have a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder. However, no interventions have been developed to meet these needs. Metacognitive Training (MCT) is a psychological intervention that has demonstrated its efficacy in improving cognitive insight, symptom management and social cognition in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Additionally, MCT has shown better results in women than men with FEP. This study aims to adapt and evaluate the efficacy of MCT-F in mothers and adolescent children in an online group context with the main purpose of improving family relationships, cognitive awareness and symptoms in women with psychosis and increase their children's knowledge of the disease and their functioning. As secondary objectives, it also aims to evaluate improvements in metacognition, social cognition, symptoms, protective factors and self-perception of stigma. Materials and methods A quasi-experimental design with participants acting as their own control will be carried out. Forty-eight mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children (between 12 and 20 years old) recruited from a total of 11 adult mental health care centers will receive MCT-F. Participants will be evaluated 11 weeks before the intervention (T1), at baseline (T2), and post-intervention (T3) with a cognitive insight scale, as a primary outcome. Measures of metacognitive and social cognition, symptoms, cognitive functioning, family and social functioning, protective factors (self-esteem, resilience, and coping strategies) and self-perceived stigma will be addressed as secondary outcomes. Assessment will also address trauma and attachment in mothers and, lastly, the feasibility and acceptability of MCT-F in both participant groups. Discussion This will be the first investigation of the efficacy, acceptability, and viability of the implementation of MCT-F. The results of this study may have clinical implications, contributing to improving mothers' with psychosis and adolescents' functioning and better understanding of the disease, in addition to the possible protective and preventive effect in adolescents, who are known to be at higher risk of developing severe mental disorders.Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier [NCT05358457].
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Ochoa
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Espinosa
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Carrilero
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Martinez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | | | - Irene Birulés
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Facultat de Psicologia Departament de Cognició, Desenvolupament i Psicologia de l'Educació, Universistat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Barajas
- Departament de Psicologia, Facultat de Psicologia Clínica I de la Salut. Serra Húnter Programme, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Trinidad Pélaez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Díaz-Cutraro
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology, FPCEE Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coromina
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, Fundació Docència i Recerca Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Marina Verdaguer-Rodríguez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Zotes
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Carolina Palma-Sevillano
- Department of Psychology, FPCEE Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Montes
- Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), First-episode Psychosis Research Network of Andalusia (Red PEPSur), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Beatriz Paya
- Department of Psychiatry, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL. School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Francesc Casanovas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Roldán
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emma Noval
- Department of Psychiatry, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL. School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | | | | | - Ana Aznar
- Centre d’Higiene Mental Les Corts, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Ayesa-Arriola
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL. School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Esther Pousa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica-Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Canal-Rivero
- Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), First-episode Psychosis Research Network of Andalusia (Red PEPSur), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Nathalia Garrido-Torres
- Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), First-episode Psychosis Research Network of Andalusia (Red PEPSur), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Clara Montserrat
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Josep María Crosas
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Catalonia, Spain
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Díaz-Pons A, Soler-Andrés M, Ortiz-García de la Foz V, Murillo-García N, Yorca-Ruiz A, Magdaleno Herrero R, Castaño-Castaño S, González-Rodríguez A, Setién-Suero E, Ayesa-Arriola R. Exploring parenthood in first episode of psychosis: the potential role of the offspring in the outcome of women. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-024-01457-x. [PMID: 38512467 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to explore the role of parenthood at first episode of psychosis (FEP) on recovery, with a focus on potential sex differences. METHODS Sociodemographic, clinical, and neurocognitive information was considered on 610 FEP patients form the PAFIP cohort (Spain). Baseline and three-year follow-up comparisons were carried out. Chi-square tests and ANCOVA analysis were performed controlling for the effect of age and years of education. RESULTS Men comprised 57.54% of the sample, with only 5.41% having offspring when compared to 36.29% of women. Parenthood was related to shorter duration of untreated illness (DUI) in women with children (12.08 months mothers vs. 27.61 months no mothers), showing mothers better premorbid adjustment as well. Childless men presented the worst premorbid adjustment and the highest cannabis and tobacco consumption rates. Mothers presented better global cognitive function, particularly in attention, motor dexterity and executive function at three-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Diminished parental rates among FEP men could be suggested as a consequence of a younger age of illness onset. Sex roles in caregiving may explain the potential role of parenthood on premorbid phase, with a better and heathier profile, and a more favorable long-term outcome in women. These characteristics may be relevant when adjusting treatment specific needs in men and women with and without offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Díaz-Pons
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria (UC), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28015, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of the Atlantic (UNEAT), 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Marina Soler-Andrés
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of the Atlantic (UNEAT), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo (UO), 33003, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Nancy Murillo-García
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria (UC), 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Angel Yorca-Ruiz
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of the Atlantic (UNEAT), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria (UC), 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Rebeca Magdaleno Herrero
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of the Atlantic (UNEAT), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria (UC), 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Sergio Castaño-Castaño
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo (UO), 33003, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, Fundació Docència I Recerca Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona (UB), 08221, Terrassa, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Setién-Suero
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28015, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of the Atlantic (UNEAT), 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Rosa Ayesa-Arriola
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011, Santander, Spain.
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria (UC), 39011, Santander, Spain.
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28015, Madrid, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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Bell IH, Eisner E, Allan S, Cartner S, Torous J, Bucci S, Thomas N. Methodological Characteristics and Feasibility of Ecological Momentary Assessment Studies in Psychosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Schizophr Bull 2024; 50:238-265. [PMID: 37606276 PMCID: PMC10919779 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) involves completing multiple surveys over time in daily life, capturing in-the-moment experiences in real-world contexts. EMA use in psychosis studies has surged over several decades. To critically examine EMA use in psychosis research and assist future researchers in designing new EMA studies, this systematic review aimed to summarize the methodological approaches used for positive symptoms in psychosis populations and evaluate feasibility with a focus on completion rates. METHODS A systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Embase databases using search terms related to EMA and psychosis was conducted. Excluding duplicate samples, a meta-analysis was conducted of EMA survey completion rates and meta-regression to examine predictors of completion. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies were included in the review. Characteristics and reporting of EMA methodologies were variable across studies. The meta-mean EMA survey completion computed from the 39 unique studies that reported a mean completion rate was 67.15% (95% CI = 62.3, 71.9), with an average of 86.25% of the sample meeting a one-third EMA completion criterion. No significant predictors of completion were found in the meta-regression. A variety of EMA items were used to measure psychotic experiences, of which few were validated. CONCLUSIONS EMA methods have been widely applied in psychosis studies using a range of protocols. Completion rates are high, providing clear evidence of feasibility in psychosis populations. Recommendations for reporting in future studies are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen H Bell
- Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily Eisner
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Zochonis Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Sharla Cartner
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Zochonis Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Gleeson JF, McGuckian TB, Fernandez DK, Fraser MI, Pepe A, Taskis R, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Farhall JF, Gumley A. Systematic review of early warning signs of relapse and behavioural antecedents of symptom worsening in people living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 107:102357. [PMID: 38065010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of the early warning signs (EWS) of relapse is key to relapse prevention in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, however, limitations to their precision have been reported. Substantial methodological innovations have recently been applied to the prediction of psychotic relapse and to individual psychotic symptoms. However, there has been no systematic review that has integrated findings across these two related outcomes and no systematic review of EWS of relapse for a decade. METHOD We conducted a systematic review of EWS of psychotic relapse and the behavioural antecedents of worsening psychotic symptoms. Traditional EWS and ecological momentary assessment/intervention studies were included. We completed meta-analyses of the pooled sensitivity and specificity of EWS in predicting relapse, and for the prediction of relapse from individual symptoms. RESULTS Seventy two studies were identified including 6903 participants. Sleep, mood, and suspiciousness, emerged as predictors of worsening symptoms. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of EWS in predicting psychotic relapse was 71% and 64% (AUC value = 0.72). There was a large pooled-effect size for the model predicting relapse from individual symptom which did not reach statistical significance (d = 0.81, 95%CIs = -0.01, 1.63). CONCLUSIONS Important methodological advancements in the prediction of psychotic relapse in schizophrenia spectrum disorders are evident with improvements in the precision of prediction. Further efforts are required to translate these advances into effective clinical innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Gleeson
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia.
| | - T B McGuckian
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - D K Fernandez
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - M I Fraser
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - A Pepe
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - R Taskis
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - M Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - J F Farhall
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - A Gumley
- Glasgow Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Oakes L, Wolfenden L, Drake RJ, Calam R, Gregg L. Health and social care professionals' views and experiences of supporting parents with serious mental illness. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1284712. [PMID: 38161725 PMCID: PMC10756684 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1284712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A significant number of individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are also parents of dependent children. Despite the risk of adverse psychological, behavioral, and social outcomes their needs often go unmet. To better understand the needs of parents with SMI and their children it is necessary to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of the professionals in adult mental health and children's services who work with them, and who, ultimately, are best placed to meet those needs. Aims To explore the views and experiences of health and social care professionals working with parents with SMI to understand the needs of, and their role supporting, parents with SMI and their children. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen professionals from six NHS and Local Authority settings in England, UK. Participants were included if they were employed in adult mental health or local authority children's services and had experience of working with parents with SMI. Sampling was purposive, including a wide range of professions in these settings. Interview data were analyzed using template analysis taking a critical realist perspective. Results Three top-level themes were generated: (1) Impact of parental SMI on the child, (2) Accessing support from services, (3) Role of professionals working with parents with SMI. Themes highlight diverse, wide-ranging effects of SMI on the child and a reluctance from parents to seek help due to stigma and fear. Available services are reported to be inaccessible and unacceptable to parents with SMI and practitioners experience conflict when balancing the needs of the parent and child. A whole-family approach facilitated by improved communication between services is advocated. Conclusion Participants believed that parents with SMI experience complex parenting challenges over and above other parents, describing a largely detrimental impact on the child. Support services were deemed inadequate, and participants stressed the need to develop specialist services tailored toward the needs of parents with SMI and their children. Although participants endorsed joined up working across health and social care settings to facilitate a whole family approach, they required greater service knowledge and training in parental SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Oakes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Wolfenden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Drake
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Calam
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lynsey Gregg
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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