The role of youth mental health services in the treatment of young people with serious mental illness: 2-year outcomes and economic implications

A systematic review exploring youth peer support for young people with mental health problems

Youth peer support workers (YPSWs) are young adults with lived experience of mental illness during childhood or adolescence who support young people receiving treatment in mental health services. The contributions made by YPSWs are a promising development to facilitate consumer-centered and recovery-oriented care. Although the youth peer support workforce is expanding rapidly, structurally embedding YPSWs in practice is challenging. To overcome these challenges and thereby improve care for young people, insight into YPSW roles, barriers and facilitators for implementing and pursuing youth peer support (YPS) is a necessity. This systematic review examined the published literature to identify existing knowledge on YPSW roles in treatment settings, and the barriers and facilitators for implementing and pursuing YPS in practice. A total of 24 studies from a variety of youth serving contexts were included in this review. Thematic synthesis resulted in six YPSW roles and five themes with barriers and facilitators. The roles included the: engagement role, emotional support role, navigating and planning role, advocacy role, research role and the educational role. The themes explored the needs of YPSWs, experiences of YPSWs, relationships between service users and YPSWs, the collaboration process between YPSWs and non-peer staff, and organizational readiness. This review underlines that YPSWs likely are a valuable addition to numerous youth treatment contexts. Overall, the implementation of YPSWs is a multifaceted operation that requires careful planning. We recommend services to set clear and realistic expectations for YPSWs, to consider potential power imbalances between YPSWs and non-peer staff, to provide adequate resources to pursue YPS, and to approach the implementation of YPSWs with a growth mindset.

Risk stratification for treating people at ultra-high risk for psychosis: A cost-effectiveness analysis

People who are at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis receive clinical care with the aim to prevent first-episode psychosis (FEP), regardless of the risk of conversion to psychosis. An economic model from the Canadian health system perspective was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treating all with UHR compared to risk stratification over a 15-year time horizon, based on conversion probability, expected quality-of-life and costs. The analysis used a decision tree followed by a Markov model. Health states included: Not UHR, UHR with <20 % risk of conversion to FEP (based on the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study risk calculator), UHR with ≥20 % risk, FEP, Remission, Post-FEP, and Death. The analysis found that: risk stratification (i.e., only treating those with ≥20 % risk) had lower costs ($1398) and quality-adjusted life-years (0.055 QALYs) per person compared to treating all. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for 'treat all' was $25,448/QALY, and suggests treating all may be cost-effective. The model was sensitive to changes to the probability of conversion.

Predictors of transitioning to adult mental health services and associated costs: a cross-country comparison

BACKGROUND

Young people are at risk of falling through the care gap after leaving child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) despite an ongoing need for mental health support. Currently, little is known about the predictors of transitioning to adult mental health services (AMHS), and associated healthcare and societal costs as young people cross the transition boundary.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a secondary data analysis exploring predictors of transitioning or falling through the gap and associated costs.

METHODS

Data were used from a longitudinal study, which followed young people from seven European countries for 2 years after reaching their CAMHS boundary. Predictors of transitioning (including sociodemographic and clinical variables) and longitudinal resource use were compared for 488 young people who transitioned to AMHS versus those who fell through the gap.

FINDINGS

Young people were more likely to transition to AMHS if they were severely ill. Those from Italy, the Netherlands and the UK were more likely to fall through the gap than transition to AMHS. Healthcare costs fell for all young people over the study, with a sharper decrease for those who fell through the gap.

CONCLUSIONS

Total healthcare costs fell for all participants, indicating that the intensity of mental health support reduces for all young people as they cross the CAMHS boundary, regardless of clinical need.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

It is important that alternative forms of mental health support are available for young people who do not meet the AMHS care threshold but still have mental health needs after leaving CAMHS.

Healthcare costs for young people transitioning the boundary between child/adolescent and adult mental health services in seven European countries: results from the MILESTONE study

BACKGROUND

The boundary between services for children and adolescents and adults has been identified as problematic for young people with mental health problems.

AIMS

To examine the use and cost of healthcare for young people engaged in mental healthcare before and after the child/adolescent and adult service boundary.

METHOD

Data from 772 young people in seven European countries participating in the MILESTONE trial were analysed. We analysed and costed healthcare resources used in the 6-month period before and after the service boundary.

RESULTS

The proportion of young people engaging with healthcare services fell substantially after crossing the service boundary (associated costs €7761 pre-boundary v. €3376 post-boundary). Pre-boundary, the main cost driver was in-patient care (approximately 50%), whereas post-boundary costs were more evenly spread between services; cost reductions were correlated with pre-boundary in-patient care. Severity was associated with substantially higher costs pre- and post-boundary, and those who were engaged specifically with mental health services after the service boundary accrued the greatest healthcare costs post-service boundary.

CONCLUSIONS

Costs of healthcare are large in this population, but fall considerably after transition, particularly for those who were most severely ill. In part, this is likely to reflect improvement in the mental health of young people. However, qualitative evidence from the MILESTONE study suggests that lack of capacity in adult services and young people's disengagement with formal mental health services post-transition are contributing factors. Long-term data are needed to assess the adverse long-term effects on costs and health of this unmet need and disengagement.

“It cannot be boring!”: Developing a measure of function for young adults accessing integrated youth services

Background

In Canada, the prevalence of mental health challenges is highest in young people aged 12–24. Mental health challenges frequently cause marked functional impairment. Despite this, we are unaware of any existing conceptualization and/or measures of function that has been developed from the perspective of young people. The objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual and measurement model, including a preliminary set of items, for an outcome measure of function for young adults accessing mental health services.

Methods

We conducted this study in three phases. In phase 1, we conducted three focus groups to conceptualize function as a construct from the perspective of young adults. In phase 2, we co-designed a set of items with youth (n = 4) to capture the construct. In phase 3, we invited young people (n = 12) accessing mental health services to complete workbooks and participate in one of two focus groups to evaluate whether items were clear, captured function comprehensively, and were relevant. We transcribed and compiled all data to eliminate, refine and generate new items.

Results

In phase 1, a conceptual model of function was developed with three main themes: basic needs, roles and responsibilities, and social connections. In phase 2, 97 candidate items were developed, and in phase 3, a candidate pool of 50 items resulted for psychometric testing.

Conclusion

This youth-centred conceptualization of function and preliminary item bank has the potential to advance person-centred care, outcomes, and experiences for youth seeking mental health services.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41687-022-00491-6.

Foundry: Early learnings from the implementation of an integrated youth service network

AIMS

To provide the first profile of the demographic and service characteristics of young people (aged 12-24 years) who access Foundry, a provincial network of integrated youth health and social service centres in British Columbia, Canada and to share early learnings about implementation and service innovation.

METHODS

Using a retrospective chart review, we conducted a census of all young people accessing a Foundry centre in a 'proof of concept' phase. Six centres were assessed between October 2015 and March 2018. Data included demographics, mental health service access history, service type the youth was seeking, and information about how they found out about the centre.

RESULTS

A total of 4783 young people presented during this proof of concept period, for a total number of 35 791 visits. The most frequently accessed category of service was mental health/substance use (57%) followed by physical health (25%). Young people were most likely to be female, aged 15-19, and White. Youth demographic characteristics showed an over-representation of Indigenous and LGBTQ2 youth and under-representation of males and youth aged 20-24. Youth were most likely to learn about Foundry from a friend (44%) or family member (22%). Most youth (58%) reported that they would have gone 'nowhere' if not for Foundry.

CONCLUSIONS

Foundry is a model of integrated health and social services delivery, focused on early intervention, prevention and accessibility, driven by the needs and priorities of young people and their families. Leveraging international integrated youth health service evidence, the model addresses urgent priorities in Canadian health service delivery.

Bridging the gap: A new integrated early intervention service for young people with complex mental health issues

AIM

Two integrated headspace Early Intervention Teams (hEITs) were established in 2017 to bridge gaps between headspace, the national primary care youth mental health programme in Australia, and the state funded secondary and tertiary mental health services. This study aims to describe functioning and outcomes of patients referred to hEIT over a 6-month period.

METHODS

A retrospective file audit was conducted for all patients accepted into the service over a 6-month period in 2018. Measures of distress, functioning and client satisfaction were collected and analysed. Exemplar vignettes were created to construct hypothetical examples and illustrate research findings.

RESULTS

At admission, the three most common presentations were depression/anxiety, trauma and stress related, and psychotic disorders. During their time in the service, young people displayed a statistically significant improvement in functioning, reduction in self-harm in those 18 years and under, and a trend to reduction in distress scores. hEIT delivered a broad range of services covering social, occupational, educational, medical and mental health care, and the service was experienced positively by the patient cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

hEIT appears to meet the needs of young people requiring greater care than primary care services can deliver. The integrated, wrap-around care coordination facilitates treatments across social, educational and health domains. Further exploration of young people who disengage from care, improved outcome data reporting and economic evaluation are indicated.

'Five hours to sort out your life': qualitative study of the experiences of university students who access mental health support

BACKGROUND

Previous qualitative research suggests that university students feel that current service provision does not meet their needs. Exploring the reasons for this may help to promote service change, encourage the uptake of care, improve outcomes and increase satisfaction within university services.

AIMS

This study aimed to improve the understanding of how students experience the process of accessing and using mental health support, barriers and facilitators to treatment, and how students would adapt provision to improve experiences.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 full-time students who had used mental health services at university. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Five higher-order themes were identified: personalisation and informed choice, simplifying the process, feeling abandoned ignored or invisible, stigma, and superiority of private and external services. Sixteen subthemes were identified within these themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that access to mental health support should be simplified, with collaboration across university and external health and care services, to prevent students feeling lost or abandoned when seeking care. An inclusive approach to support access and provision of services for all presentations of mental health problems should be developed.

The reMAP project: A retrospective, 15-year register study on inpatient care for youth with mental disorders

AIM

We aimed to characterize youth hospitalization trends in a psychiatric inpatient unit from a large, public university hospital with a broad catchment area in Milan, Italy.

METHODS

Hospitalization data of patients with an age at admission ≤ 35 were retrospectively retrieved over a time span of 15 years. The sample was comprised of 1982 admissions to a psychiatric ward, aggregated into ICD-10 diagnostic clusters and then analysed. We investigated the epidemiological trends with a focus on age at admission, gender, nationality and hospitalization rates, length of stay and "revolving door" readmissions within a year.

RESULTS

Hospitalization rates increased for eating Disorders and decreased for non-affective psychotic disorders; median length of stay generally decreased; hospitalization rates for foreign youth increased, in particular for those diagnosed with non-affective psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and substance-related and addictive disorders. The revolving door phenomenon was also associated with non-affective psychoses and neurodevelopmental disorders, while found to increase for eating disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalization patterns reflect the general increase of foreign youth in the suburban tissue of a large metropolitan area like Milan. However, our data might underestimate the constant growth of mental health problems in foreign youth due to a generally lower access to services. Novel pharmacological treatments and early intervention programs might explain the decrease of hospitalization duration and hospitalization rate for youth with non-affective psychoses. The observed increase in hospitalization for young patients with eating disorders sustains the development of adequate policies tailored towards specialty wards.

Considering efficacy and effectiveness trials of cognitive behavioral therapy among youth with autism: A systematic review

LAY ABSTRACT

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common treatment for emotional problems in people with autism. Most studies of cognitive behavioral therapy and autism have focused on efficacy, meaning whether a treatment produces results under "ideal" conditions, like a lab or research setting. Effectiveness trials, by contrast, investigate whether a treatment produces results under "real-world" conditions, like a community setting (e.g. hospital, community mental health center, school). There can be challenges in bringing a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment out of a lab or research setting into the community, and the field of implementation science uses frameworks to help guide researchers in this process. In this study, we reviewed efficacy and effectiveness studies of cognitive behavioral therapy treatments for emotional problems (e.g. anxiety, depression) in children and youth with autism. Our search found 2959 articles, with 33 studies meeting our criteria. In total, 13 studies were labelled as effectiveness and 20 as efficacy. We discuss how the effectiveness studies used characteristics of an implementation science framework, such as studying how individuals learn about the treatment, accept or reject it, how it is used in the community over time, and any changes that happened to the individual or the organization (e.g. hospital, school, community mental health center) because of it. Results help us better understand the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in the community, including how a framework can be used to improve effectiveness studies.

Systematic Review of Self-Report Measures of General Mental Health and Wellbeing in Adolescent Mental Health

The assessment of general mental health and wellbeing is important within child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) for both clinicians and policy makers. Measurement tools are routinely relied upon to aid assessment and to monitor and evaluate treatment and service effectiveness. We conducted a systematic review using the COSMIN checklist to identify measures of general mental health and wellbeing for an adolescent mental health population. A systematic database search was performed using PsychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Database searching produced 9587 records, with 27 papers meeting eligibility criteria and 16 measures identified and critically appraised. The Y-QOL-R and the Y-QOL.30.1 had the most robust psychometric properties. When considering the clinical utility of measures alongside psychometric properties of measures, the GHQ-12, ORS and YP CORE had the greatest clinical utility. The psychometric quality of measures reviewed overall, however, were generally poor in quality. Measuring outcomes in CAMHS and ensuring appropriate treatment pathways for young people is important. This review highlights the need for more robust testing of the psychometric properties of adolescent measures. When selecting measurement tools, clinicians should not only consider the purpose of the measure, (i.e., discriminative, predictive, and evaluative) and characteristics of the instrument (e.g., intended population, measure length), but should also the quality of the psychometric properties of the instrument.

Young Patients With Persistent and Complex Care Needs Require an Integrated Care Approach: Baseline Findings From the Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study

Background: The Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study is an ongoing observational prospective cohort study that examines the effects of Youth Flexible ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) on young people with complex care needs who are difficult to engage in traditional (office-based) mental health services. However, a clear and detailed description of this patient group is lacking. In the current paper, we present baseline characteristics and psychosocial outcomes of the Youth Flexible ACT target group and explore the existence of underlying specific patient subgroups. Methods: Sixteen Youth Flexible ACT teams from seven mental healthcare institutes in the Netherlands participated in the study. Research participants were monitored for 18 months and administered questionnaires measuring psychiatric- and social functioning every 6 months, yielding four measurements. Baseline data were obtained from 199 adolescents, their mental health workers, and parents/carers. Latent Class Analysis based on HoNOSCA scores (measuring psychosocial and daily functioning) was conducted to identify underlying subgroups. Results: The target group of Youth Flexible ACT mainly consisted of patients older than 15 years of age with a history of (specialized) mental healthcare. They face many complex problems, including trauma; developmental, mood, and anxiety disorders; and problems with school attendance, family life, and peer relationships. Other frequently reported difficulties were substance misuse, the involvement of the legal system or police, problems with intellectual functioning, and personal finance. Patients were classified into four distinct classes: the "internalizing," "externalizing," "non-specific," and the "overly impulsive" subgroup. Each subgroup had its unique pattern of difficulties and focus, respectively, high levels of depression and anxiety, disruptive behavior, unspecific difficulties, and substance misuse. Conclusions: As expected, patients in Youth Flexible ACT experienced many severe problems, rendering them vulnerable to fragmented and, thus, ineffective care. Our findings underscore the need for an integrated care approach with a multidisciplinary team of skilled professionals that can bridge these wide-ranging psychosocial problems, as each class of participants experienced a different set of difficulties. Youth Flexible ACT teams need to adjust their care services accordingly.

Health literacy in clinical-high-risk individuals for psychosis: A systematic mixed-methods review

OBJECTIVE

Numerous studies suggest that health literacy (HL) plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving individual health. Empirical findings highlight the relation between levels of a person's HL and her/his clinical outcome. To date, the role of HL in persons at-risk for psychosis has not been systematically reviewed.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using a mixed-methods approach to analyse a variety of study types. Peer-reviewed publications were systematically searched in PUBMED, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

RESULTS

The search string returned 10587 publications. After screening, 15 quantitative, four qualitative studies and two reviews were included. Only one study assessed HL as primary outcome, assessing knowledge and beliefs about psychosis among the general population. In the other studies, sub-dimensions of HL were investigated. None of the publications operationalized HL or it's sub-dimensions with a validated measure.

CONCLUSIONS

A lack of understanding of their condition, and fear of stigmatization, were associated with a delay in help-seeking among people with clinical-high-risk state for psychosis. Family members, school personnel, general practitioners and the internet play a crucial role in the HL process. Considerable barriers in obtaining adequate specialist support emphasize the urgent need of a "HL environment" for persons at risk for psychosis.

Barriers and facilitators to employment for young adults with mental illness: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

The issue of gaining employment for those with mental illness is a growing global concern. For many in the young adult population, who are at a transitional age, employment is a central goal. In response, we conducted a scoping review to answer the question, 'What are the barriers and facilitators to employment for young adults with mental illness?'

DESIGN

We conducted a scoping review in accordance to the Arksey and O'Malley framework. We performed a thorough search of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, ABI/INFORM, PsycINFO and Cochrane. We included studies that considered young adults aged 15-29 years of age with a mental health diagnosis, who were seeking employment or were included in an employment intervention.

RESULTS

Our search resulted in 24 research articles that focused on employment for young adults with mental illness. Four main themes were extracted from the literature: (1) integrated health and social services, (2) age-exposure to employment supports, (3) self-awareness and autonomy and (4) sustained support over the career trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that consistent youth-centred employment interventions, in addition to usual mental health treatment, can facilitate young adults with mental illness to achieve their employment goals. Aligning the mental health and employment priorities of young adults may result in improved health and social outcomes for this population while promoting greater engagement of young adults in care.

Arrests Among High-Risk Youth Following Emergency Department Treatment for an Assault Injury

INTRODUCTION

Violence is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for youth, with more than 600,000 emergency department visits annually for assault-related injuries. Risk for criminal justice involvement among this population is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize arrests among high-risk, assault-injured, drug-using youth following emergency department treatment.

METHODS

Youth (aged 18-24 years) with past 6-month drug use who were seeking emergency department treatment for either an assault or for non-violence reasons were enrolled (December 2009-September 2011) in a 2-year longitudinal study. Arrests in the 24 months following the emergency department visit were analyzed in 2016-2017 using survival analysis of objective Law Enforcement Information Network data. Hazard ratios quantifying the association between risk factors for arrest were estimated using Cox regression.

RESULTS

In the longitudinal cohort, 511 youth seeking emergency department care (assault injury group n=299, comparison group n=212) were aged ≥18 years and were included for analysis. Youth in the assault injury group cohort had a 47% higher risk of arrest than the comparison group (38.1% vs 25.9%, RR=1.47, p<0.05). In unadjusted analyses, male sex, assault injury, binge drinking, drug use disorder, and community violence exposure were all associated with increased risk of arrest during the follow-up period. Cox regression identified that male sex (hazard ratio=2.57), drug use disorder diagnosis (hazard ratio=1.42), assault injury at baseline (hazard ratio=1.63), and community violence exposure (hazard ratio=1.35) increased risk for arrest.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug-using assault-injured youth have high rates of arrest. Emergency department and community interventions addressing substance use and violence involvement may aid in decreasing negative violence and criminal justice outcomes among high-risk youth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01152970.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Randomized Control Trial among Norwegian Youth

Traumatic events by young people can adversely affect their psychological and social well-being when left untreated. This can result in high costs for society. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a cost-effective alternative to therapy as usual (TAU). Individual-level data were collected from 2008 to 2013, as part of a randomized control trial in Norwegian youth, 10-18 years of age, presenting with symptoms of posttraumatic stress (N = 156). Health outcomes, costs, and patient and family characteristics were recorded. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured with the 16D instrument, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were derived; total costs included the costs of therapy, and last we calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ratio of differences in costs and QALYs gained). We performed nonparametric bootstrapping and used the results to draw a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve depicting the probability that TF-CBT is cost-effective. HRQoL increased in both treatment groups, whereas no significant differences in QALYs were observed. Resource use measured in minutes per session was significantly higher in the TF-CBT group; however, total minutes of therapy and costs were not significantly different between the two groups. In addition, use of resources, such as psychological counseling services, welfare services, and medication, was lower in the TF-CBT group posttreatment. The likelihood of TF-CBT being cost-effective varied from 91% to 96%. TF-CBT is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to standard treatment and should be recommended as the guideline treatment for youth with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Depressive symptom trajectories in late adolescence and early adulthood: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

In adolescents and young adults, depressive symptoms are highly prevalent and dynamic. For clinicians, it is difficult to determine whether a young person reporting depressive symptoms is at risk of developing ongoing mood difficulties or whether symptoms form part of a transient maturational process. Trajectory analyses of longitudinally assessed symptoms in large cohorts have the potential to untangle clinical heterogeneity by determining subgroups or classes of symptom course and their risk factors, by interrogating the impact of known or suspected risk factors on trajectory slope and intercept and by tracing the interrelation between depressive symptoms and other clinical outcomes over time.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review of trajectory studies conducted in cohorts including people aged between 15 and 25 years.

RESULTS

We retrieved 47 relevant articles. These studies suggest that young people fall into common mood trajectory classes and that class membership and symptom course are mediated by biological and environmental risk factors. Furthermore, studies provide evidence that high and persistent depressive symptoms are associated with a range of concurrent health and behavioral outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Findings could assist in the formulation of novel concepts of depressive disorders in young people and inform preventive strategies and predictive models for clinical practice.

The role of geographical ecological studies in identifying diseases linked to UVB exposure and/or vitamin D

Using a variety of approaches, researchers have studied the health effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and vitamin D. This review compares the contributions from geographical ecological studies with those of observational studies and clinical trials. Health outcomes discussed were based on the author's knowledge and include anaphylaxis/food allergy, atopic dermatitis and eczema, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, back pain, cancer, dental caries, diabetes mellitus type 1, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis. Important interactions have taken place between study types; sometimes ecological studies were the first to report an inverse correlation between solar UVB doses and health outcomes such as for cancer, leading to both observational studies and clinical trials. In other cases, ecological studies added to the knowledge base. Many ecological studies include other important risk-modifying factors, thereby minimizing the chance of reporting the wrong link. Laboratory studies of mechanisms generally support the role of vitamin D in the outcomes discussed. Indications exist that for some outcomes, UVB effects may be independent of vitamin D. This paper discusses the concept of the ecological fallacy, noting that it applies to all epidemiological studies.