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Grohmann E, Al-Addous A, Sander C, Dogan-Sander E, Baumann E, Angermeyer MC, Schomerus G. Changes in the ability to correctly identify schizophrenia and depression: results from general population surveys in Germany over 30 years. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02660-y. [PMID: 38583103 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02660-y] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine time trends in the ability to correctly identify schizophrenia and major depression within the German general population from 1990 to 2020, as an indicator of changing mental health literacy (MHL). Additionally, we investigated shifts in the use of stigmatizing language. METHODS Our analysis is based on four waves of representative population surveys in Germany in 1990/1993 (West Germany: N = 2044, East Germany: N = 1563), 2001 (N = 5025), 2011 (N = 2455), and 2020 (N = 3042) using identical methodology. Respondents were presented with an unlabelled case vignette describing a person who exhibited symptoms of either schizophrenia or major depression. Participants were then asked to name the problem described in the vignette using an open-ended question. RESULTS From 1990/1993 to 2020, correct identification of schizophrenia increased from 18% to 34% and from 27% to 46% for major depression. However, derogatory labels remained constant throughout all survey waves, particularly for schizophrenia (19% in 1990/1993 and 18% in 2020). For depression, more trivializing and potentially devaluing statements were recorded. CONCLUSION Despite the increasing use of psychiatric terminology among the general population, the persistence of derogatory labels suggests that improved MHL, reflected in higher recognition rates, may not automatically translate into a reduction in stigmatizing language. With depression, a normalization and trivialization of a severe illness could pose new challenges to people with major depression. Dedicated efforts to combat the stigma of severe mental illness are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Grohmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Amani Al-Addous
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Sander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ezgi Dogan-Sander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hannover University of Music, Drama, and Media, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Georg Schomerus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
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McCarthy M, McIntyre J, Nathan R, Ashworth E, Saini P. Staff perspectives of emergency department pathways for people attending in suicidal crisis: A qualitative study. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2023. [PMID: 37860987 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12991] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Emergency departments (ED) are key settings to support and manage suicidal crisis; thus, ED staff are often the first point of contact for people in suicidal crisis. Despite this, some ED staff receive little training and/or education on how to best support such patients. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE Previous research focuses on one staffing role (e.g. triage nurses) whereas this paper includes staff working across the ED pathway. Administrative staff have often been excluded from research, despite representing a key part of the clinical pathway and being a person's initial contact with the ED. Overall findings demonstrate that staff experience a lack of confidence, training and burnout due to regularly supporting people in suicidal crisis. Staff also perceive there to be a negative ED culture, which often leads to poor attitudes towards suicidal crisis. The main challenges reported are an increase in working pressures, unavailability of resources and staff retention. Findings build upon previous research to highlight key challenges different staff face along the clinical pathway and the implications this can have on a patient's journey and follow-up care provided. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Findings are of particular importance and relevance to ED managers, and more broadly NHS England. Negative ED culture, poor staff attitudes and confidence can have a detrimental impact on both staff health and wellbeing, as well as a patient's journey throughout the ED, resulting in repeat presentations and absconding as appropriate support is not received. Policymakers need to consider staff burnout and lack of resources in mental health care strategies, and training programmes should be developed to improve culture and confidence among ED staff and managers to improve care for people attending EDs in suicidal crisis. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Emergency departments (EDs) are often the first point of contact for people in suicidal crisis. Yet, previous work has tended to focus on only one type of staffing role, failing to account for different staff perspectives along the clinical pathway. AIMS To explore and synthesise the perspectives of ED administrative (i.e. receptionists), medical (triage nurses) and mental health staff (liaison psychiatrists) working with people presenting in suicidal crisis. METHOD Qualitative study guided by thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 ED staff across six EDs in Cheshire and Merseyside, England. RESULTS Findings demonstrate that staff experience a lack of confidence, training and burnout due to regularly supporting people in suicidal crisis. The main challenges reported are an increase in working pressures, unavailability of resources and staff retention. DISCUSSION Staff felt unequipped to deal with suicide-related presentations. Organisational support is perceived to be lacking, with increased staffing pressures and poor service availability. This lack of support was linked to job dissatisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Findings are of particular relevance to individual EDs and NHS England. Addressing the challenges staff are reporting can have positive implications for staff wellbeing, as well as a patient's experience and journey throughout the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajan Nathan
- Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, UK
| | | | - Pooja Saini
- Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Guo C, Cui Y, Xia Z, Hu J, Xue Y, Huang X, Wan Y, Fang J, Zhang S. Association between health literacy, depressive symptoms, and suicide-related outcomes in adolescents: A longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2023; 327:15-22. [PMID: 36707037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy is associated with mental disorders in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the associations between health literacy, depressive symptoms, and suicide-related outcomes. METHODS In terms of participants, 937 middle school students in Shenyang City, China were enrolled between December 2018 and December 2019 to assess health literacy, depressive symptoms and suicide-related outcomes. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine possible associations. RESULTS Adequate health literacy was negatively associated with 12-month follow-up depressive symptoms (RR = 0.115, 95 % CI: 0.032-0.411) and suicide-related outcomes (RR = 0.230, 95 % CI: 0.085-0.618) in females. Meanwhile, in females, interpersonal relationship, stress management, and self-actualization were negatively related to depressive symptoms, while physical activities, self-actualization, and health awareness are protective factors for suicide-related outcomes (P < 0.05 for each). LIMITATIONS Recall and reporting bias might be inevitable for self-reported data, and due to the small sample size, the predictive effect may not be very significant. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that adequate health literacy may serve as a critical and independent protective factor for poor long-term mental health outcomes and that the predictive effect is more pronounced in female students. Public health efforts to enhance health literacy levels are required to maintain and improve adolescents' mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Guo
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yingying Cui
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhengmei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yanni Xue
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xuexue Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuhui Wan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Fang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Sojo University, Ikeda 4-22-1, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan.
| | - Shichen Zhang
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Anhui Medical College, No 632 Furong Road, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Tepe ÇŞ, Eker F. Content analysis of suicide prevention web pages from perspective of preventive psychiatric approaches. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37359652 PMCID: PMC10008009 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. This study analyzes the online content of suicide prevention and helps websites in the context of preventive psychiatry. The universe and sample of the research consisted of 147 web pages whose links can be found on the most widely used international social media platforms and websites dedicated to suicide prevention. To conduct the content analysis, the crisis hotline guide prepared by the World Health Organization for suicide prevention and the guide prepared for media professionals were used in the data collection form created by the researchers. The majority of the websites were of European origin and were prepared by mental health and suicide prevention associations for suicide prevention and crisis intervention. Telephone helplines were the most common means of communicating with consultants via the web page. On the basis of the research findings, suggestions were generated regarding the scope, content, and sustainability of web pages for crisis intervention and suicide prevention prepared at the national and international levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çiğdem Şen Tepe
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Eker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, North Cyprus
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5
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Doll CM, Michel C, Betz LT, Schimmelmann BG, Schultze-Lutter F. The Important Role of Stereotypes in the relation between Mental Health Literacy and Stigmatization of Depression and Psychosis in the Community. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:474-486. [PMID: 34037914 PMCID: PMC8860791 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Increased mental health literacy (MHL) has not reduced stigmatization of people with mental disorder. Thus, we examined the role of stereotypes in the interplay of MHL (correct labelling, causal explanations) and the wish for social distance (WSD) from people with depressive and psychotic symptoms in a community sample of 1526 German-speaking participants in the Swiss 'Bern Epidemiological At-Risk' study (age 16-40 years; response rate: 60.1%). Following the presentation of an unlabelled case vignette of depression or psychosis, MHL, stereotypes and WSD were assessed in a questionnaire survey. Their interrelations were studied using structural equation modelling. MHL was not directly linked to WSD, only the psychosocial causal model was directly negatively associated with WSD. Perceived dangerousness particularly increased WSD, this was increased by a biogenetic causal model and decreased by a psychosocial causal model. Awareness-campaigns that, next to biological causes, emphasize psychosocial causes of mental disorders might better reduce stigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin M Doll
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Chantal Michel
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Linda T Betz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Benno G Schimmelmann
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frauke Schultze-Lutter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Psychology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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6
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Mantell PK, Baumeister A, Christ H, Ruhrmann S, Woopen C. Peculiarities of health literacy in people with mental disorders: A cross-sectional study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2020; 66:10-22. [PMID: 31522597 DOI: 10.1177/0020764019873683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) is considered a key concept to positively address relevant decisions concerning physical and mental health. According to an integrated model of a European Consortium, the process to access, understand, appraise and apply health information is at the centre of practising HL. AIM In this study, we examine HL in a population with an early onset of a mental disorder (MD). METHODS Results are based on a cross-sectional survey among people with MD (n = 310) who sought help at an early detection centre for MD in Cologne, Dresden or Munich. Help-seekers filled out the European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) on perception-based HL, socio-demographic data and general health status. Psychopathology was assessed separately by trained specialists. Data are compared with a representative sample of the German population. RESULTS Overall, HL was lower in a sample with MD compared with the general population. Disease-specific limitations were present in accessing, appraising and applying health information, whereas understanding was perceived fairly easy. Statistical analysis of limited HL revealed correlations with the diagnosis of affective disorders and anxiety disorders, an increase of depressive symptoms as well as the presence of more than one MD. In line with these findings, low levels of HL were associated with a worse general health status. CONCLUSION In a population with MD, accessing, appraising and applying health information seemed to be particularly challenging. Therefore, educational programmes that mainly focus on increasing knowledge might not be sufficient for improving the HL in people with MD. Further research should concentrate on context-specific HL to foster behavioural change and improve overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Katharina Mantell
- Research Unit Ethics, Institute for the History of Medicine and Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annika Baumeister
- Research Unit Ethics, Institute for the History of Medicine and Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hildegard Christ
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Ruhrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane Woopen
- Research Unit Ethics, Institute for the History of Medicine and Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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7
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Zorrilla MM, Modeste N, Gleason PC, Sealy DA, Banta JE, Trieu SL. Depression and Help-Seeking Intention Among Young Adults: The Theory of Planned Behavior. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2019.1616014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Han J, Batterham PJ, Calear AL, Ma J. Seeking professional help for suicidal ideation: A comparison between Chinese and Australian university students. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:807-814. [PMID: 30551329 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Chinese university students and research examining their professional help-seeking is limited. This study aims to investigate: (i) professional help-seeking intentions for suicidal ideation among Chinese university students, with comparison to Australian university students, (ii) relationships between suicide literacy, social support, suicide stigma, self-reliance and help-seeking intentions, and (iii) self-recognised barriers to help-seeking. Chinese (N = 208) and Australian (N = 128) university students were recruited to complete an online cross-sectional survey assessing their intentions to seek professional help if they experienced suicidal ideation. One-third of the surveyed Chinese and Australian students expressed reluctance to seek professional help. Self-reliance was endorsed by both countries' university students as an important barrier. Suicide literacy, suicide stigma, and social support were not found to have a significant relationship with help-seeking intentions. The high costs of mental health services (Australian university students) and informal support from family and friends (Chinese university students) were identified as critical barriers to help seeking by participants. Results from this study suggest self-reliance is a potentially important barrier to professional help-seeking, whereas, suicide literacy and suicide stigma may have limited influence on help-seeking intentions among student populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Han
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jennifer Ma
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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9
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Weerasinghe M, Konradsen F, Eddleston M, Pearson M, Jayamanne S, Gunnell D, Hawton K, Agampodi S. Vendor-based restrictions on pesticide sales to prevent pesticide self-poisoning - a pilot study. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:272. [PMID: 29463230 PMCID: PMC5819692 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5178-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In South Asia, up to 20% of people ingesting pesticides for self-poisoning purchase the pesticide from a shop with the sole intention of self-harm. Individuals who are intoxicated with alcohol and/or non-farmers represent 72% of such high-risk individuals. We aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of vendor-based restrictions on pesticide sales for such high-risk individuals. Methods We conducted a pilot study in 14 (rural = 7, urban = 7) pesticide shops in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. A two-hour training program was delivered to 28 pesticide vendors; the aim of the training was to help vendors recognize and respond to customers at high risk of pesticide self-poisoning. Knowledge and attitudes of vendors towards preventing access to pesticides for self-poisoning at baseline and in a three month follow-up was evaluated by questionnaire. Vendors were interviewed to explore the practice skills taught in the training and their assessment of the program. Results The scores of knowledge and attitudes of the vendors significantly increased by 23% (95% CI 15%–32%, p < 0.001) and by 16% (95% CI 9%–23%, p < 0.001) respectively in the follow-up. Fifteen (60%) vendors reported refusing sell pesticides to a high-risk person (non-farmer or intoxicated person) in the follow-up compared to three (12%) at baseline. Vendors reported that they were aware from community feedback that they had prevented at least seven suicide attempts. On four identified occasions, vendors in urban shops had been unable to recognize the self-harming intention of customers who then ingested the pesticide. Only 2 (8%) vendors were dissatisfied with the training and 23 (92%) said they would recommend it to other vendors. Conclusions Our study suggests that vendor-based sales restriction in regions with high rates of self-poisoning has the potential to reduce access to pesticides for self-poisoning. A large-scale study of the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach is needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5178-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjula Weerasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. .,South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. .,Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Flemming Konradsen
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Eddleston
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melissa Pearson
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shaluka Jayamanne
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Suneth Agampodi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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10
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Angermeyer MC, van der Auwera S, Carta MG, Schomerus G. Public attitudes towards psychiatry and psychiatric treatment at the beginning of the 21st century: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population surveys. World Psychiatry 2017; 16:50-61. [PMID: 28127931 PMCID: PMC5269489 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Public attitudes towards psychiatry are crucial determinants of help-seeking for mental illness. It has been argued that psychiatry as a discipline enjoys low esteem among the public, and a "crisis" of psychiatry has been noted. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population studies examining public attitudes towards various aspects of psychiatric care. Our search in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychINFO and bibliographies yielded 162 papers based on population surveys conducted since 2000 and published no later than 2015. We found that professional help for mental disorders generally enjoys high esteem. While general practitioners are the preferred source of help for depression, mental health professionals are the most trusted helpers for schizophrenia. If respondents have to rank sources of help, they tend to favor mental health professionals, while open questions yield results more favorable to general practitioners. Psychiatrists and psychologists/psychotherapists are equally recommended for the treatment of schizophrenia, while for depression psychologists/psychotherapists are more recommended, at least in Europe and America. Psychotherapy is consistently preferred over medication. Attitudes towards seeking help from psychiatrists or psychologists/psychotherapists as well as towards medication and psychotherapy have markedly improved over the last twenty-five years. Biological concepts of mental illness are associated with stronger approval of psychiatric help, particularly medication. Self-stigma and negative attitudes towards persons with mental illness decrease the likelihood of personally considering psychiatric help. In conclusion, the public readily recommends psychiatric help for the treatment of mental disorders. Psychotherapy is the most popular method of psychiatric treatment. A useful strategy to further improve the public image of psychiatry could be to stress that listening and understanding are at the core of psychiatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C Angermeyer
- Center for Public Mental Health, Gösing am Wagram, Austria
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sandra van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mauro G Carta
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Georg Schomerus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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11
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Zubrick SR, Hafekost J, Johnson SE, Lawrence D, Saw S, Sawyer M, Ainley J, Buckingham WJ. Suicidal behaviours: Prevalence estimates from the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2016; 50:899-910. [PMID: 26764371 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415622563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To (1) estimate the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of suicidal behaviours in Australian young people aged 12-17 years, (2) describe their co-morbidity with mental illness and (3) describe the co-variation of these estimates with social and demographic variables. METHOD A national random sample of children aged 4-17 years was recruited in 2013-2014. The response rate to the survey was 55% with 6310 parents and carers of eligible households participating. In addition, of the 2967 young people aged 11-17 years in these households, 89% (2653) of the 12- to 17-year-olds completed a self-report questionnaire that included questions about suicidal behaviour. RESULTS In any 12-month period, about 2.4% or 41,400 young people would have made a suicide attempt. About 7.5% of 12- to 17-year-olds report having suicidal ideation, 5.2% making a plan and less than 1% (0.6%) receiving medical treatment for an attempt. The presence of a mental disorder shows the largest significant association with lifetime and 12-month suicidal behaviour, along with age, gender, sole parent family status and poor family functioning. Of young people with a major depressive disorder, 19.7% reported making a suicide attempt within the previous 12 months. There are also significant elevations in the proportions of young people reporting suicidal behaviour who have anxiety and conduct disorders. CONCLUSION Mental disorders should be a leading intervention point for suicide prevention both in the primary health sector and in the mental health sector specifically. The associations examined here also suggest that efforts to assist sole parent and/or dysfunctional families would be worthy areas in which to target these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Zubrick
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, WA Australia
| | - Jennifer Hafekost
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, WA Australia
| | - Sarah E Johnson
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, WA Australia
| | - David Lawrence
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, WA Australia
| | - Suzy Saw
- Health Data Analysis Pty Ltd, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michael Sawyer
- The Discipline of Paediatrics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John Ainley
- Australian Council for Educational Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Zalsman G, Hawton K, Wasserman D, van Heeringen K, Arensman E, Sarchiapone M, Carli V, Höschl C, Barzilay R, Balazs J, Purebl G, Kahn JP, Sáiz PA, Lipsicas CB, Bobes J, Cozman D, Hegerl U, Zohar J. Suicide prevention strategies revisited: 10-year systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry 2016; 3:646-59. [PMID: 27289303 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 946] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries are developing suicide prevention strategies for which up-to-date, high-quality evidence is required. We present updated evidence for the effectiveness of suicide prevention interventions since 2005. METHODS We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library using multiple terms related to suicide prevention for studies published between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2014. We assessed seven interventions: public and physician education, media strategies, screening, restricting access to suicide means, treatments, and internet or hotline support. Data were extracted on primary outcomes of interest, namely suicidal behaviour (suicide, attempt, or ideation), and intermediate or secondary outcomes (treatment-seeking, identification of at-risk individuals, antidepressant prescription or use rates, or referrals). 18 suicide prevention experts from 13 European countries reviewed all articles and rated the strength of evidence using the Oxford criteria. Because the heterogeneity of populations and methodology did not permit formal meta-analysis, we present a narrative analysis. FINDINGS We identified 1797 studies, including 23 systematic reviews, 12 meta-analyses, 40 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 67 cohort trials, and 22 ecological or population-based investigations. Evidence for restricting access to lethal means in prevention of suicide has strengthened since 2005, especially with regard to control of analgesics (overall decrease of 43% since 2005) and hot-spots for suicide by jumping (reduction of 86% since 2005, 79% to 91%). School-based awareness programmes have been shown to reduce suicide attempts (odds ratio [OR] 0·45, 95% CI 0·24-0·85; p=0·014) and suicidal ideation (0·5, 0·27-0·92; p=0·025). The anti-suicidal effects of clozapine and lithium have been substantiated, but might be less specific than previously thought. Effective pharmacological and psychological treatments of depression are important in prevention. Insufficient evidence exists to assess the possible benefits for suicide prevention of screening in primary care, in general public education and media guidelines. Other approaches that need further investigation include gatekeeper training, education of physicians, and internet and helpline support. The paucity of RCTs is a major limitation in the evaluation of preventive interventions. INTERPRETATION In the quest for effective suicide prevention initiatives, no single strategy clearly stands above the others. Combinations of evidence-based strategies at the individual level and the population level should be assessed with robust research designs. FUNDING The Expert Platform on Mental Health, Focus on Depression, and the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Zalsman
- Geha Mental Health Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Danuta Wasserman
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ella Arensman
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Sarchiapone
- Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Via De Santis Campobasso and National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, Roma, Italy
| | - Vladimir Carli
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cyril Höschl
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Ran Barzilay
- Geha Mental Health Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Judit Balazs
- Department of Developmental and Clinical Child Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Purebl
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jean Pierre Kahn
- Université de Lorraine, Pôle de Psychiatrie et Psychologie Clinique, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy-Laxou, Nancy-Laxou, France
| | - Pilar Alejandra Sáiz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM Oviedo, Spain
| | - Cendrine Bursztein Lipsicas
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Julio Bobes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM Oviedo, Spain
| | - Doina Cozman
- Department of Clinical Psychology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ulrich Hegerl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Psychiatry Department, Sheba Health Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Avis, Israel
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Hom MA, Stanley IH, Joiner TE. Evaluating factors and interventions that influence help-seeking and mental health service utilization among suicidal individuals: A review of the literature. Clin Psychol Rev 2015; 40:28-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Niederkrotenthaler T, Reidenberg DJ, Till B, Gould MS. Increasing help-seeking and referrals for individuals at risk for suicide by decreasing stigma: the role of mass media. Am J Prev Med 2014; 47:S235-43. [PMID: 25145745 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing help-seeking and referrals for at-risk individuals by decreasing stigma has been defined as Aspirational Goal 10 in the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's Research Prioritization Task Force's 2014 prioritized research agenda. This article reviews the research evidence on the impact of mass media awareness campaigns on reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking. The review will focus on both beneficial and iatrogenic effects of suicide preventive interventions using media campaigns to target the broad public. A further focus is on collaboration between public health professionals and news media in order to reduce the risk of copycat behavior and enhance help-seeking behavior. Examples of multilevel approaches that include both mass media interventions and individual-level approaches to reduce stigma and increase referrals are provided as well. Multilevel suicide prevention programs that combine various approaches seem to provide the most promising results, but much more needs to be learned about the best possible composition of these programs. Major research and practice challenges include the identification of optimal ways to reach vulnerable populations who likely do not benefit from current awareness strategies. Caution is needed in all efforts that aim to reduce the stigma of suicidal ideation, mental illness, and mental health treatment in order to avoid iatrogenic effects. The article concludes with specific suggestions for research questions to help move this line of suicide research and practice forward.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benedikt Till
- Institute of Social Medicine (Niederkrotenthaler, Till)
| | - Madelyn S Gould
- Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
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Batterham PJ, Calear AL, Christensen H. Correlates of suicide stigma and suicide literacy in the community. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2013; 43:406-17. [PMID: 23556504 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Public knowledge and attitudes toward suicide may influence help-seeking for suicidality. This study aimed to identify correlates of suicide attitudes and knowledge. Australian adults were invited to complete an online survey, with 1,286 responders. Less exposure to suicide, older age, male gender, less education, and culturally diverse backgrounds were associated with poorer knowledge; while younger age, male gender, and culturally diverse backgrounds were associated with more stigmatizing attitudes toward people who die by suicide. The results suggest suicide literacy and stigma reduction programs would benefit community members, particularly males and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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