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Fusar-Poli P, Estradé A, Esposito CM, Rosfort R, Basadonne I, Mancini M, Stanghellini G, Otaiku J, Olanrele O, Allen L, Lamba M, Alaso C, Ieri J, Atieno M, Oluoch Y, Ireri P, Tembo E, Phiri IZ, Nkhoma D, Sichone N, Siadibbi C, Sundi PRIO, Ntokozo N, Fusar-Poli L, Floris V, Mensi MM, Borgatti R, Damiani S, Provenzani U, Brondino N, Bonoldi I, Radua J, Cooper K, Shin JI, Cortese S, Danese A, Bendall S, Arango C, Correll CU, Maj M. The lived experience of mental disorders in adolescents: a bottom-up review co-designed, co-conducted and co-written by experts by experience and academics. World Psychiatry 2024; 23:191-208. [PMID: 38727047 PMCID: PMC11083893 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21189] [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] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We provide here the first bottom-up review of the lived experience of mental disorders in adolescents co-designed, co-conducted and co-written by experts by experience and academics. We screened first-person accounts within and outside the medical field, and discussed them in collaborative workshops involving numerous experts by experience - representing different genders, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and continents - and their family members and carers. Subsequently, the material was enriched by phenomenologically informed perspectives and shared with all collaborators. The inner subjective experience of adolescents is described for mood disorders, psychotic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, externalizing disorders, and self-harm behaviors. The recollection of individuals' past histories also indexes the prodromal (often transdiagnostic) features predating the psychiatric diagnosis. The experience of adolescents with mental disorders in the wider society is described with respect to their family, their school and peers, and the social and cultural context. Furthermore, their lived experience of mental health care is described with respect to receiving a diagnosis of mental disorder, accessing mental health support, receiving psychopharmacological treatment, receiving psychotherapy, experiencing peer support and mental health activism, and achieving recovery. These findings can impact clinical practice, research, and the whole society. We hope that this co-designed, co-conducted and co-written journey can help us maintain our commitment to protecting adolescents' fragile mental health, and can help them develop into a healthy, fulfilling and contributing adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrés Estradé
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cecilia M Esposito
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - René Rosfort
- S. Kierkegaard Research Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ilaria Basadonne
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Milena Mancini
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stanghellini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Diego Portales University, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jummy Otaiku
- Young Person's Mental Health Advisory Group, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Lucas Allen
- OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Judy Ieri
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Phides Ireri
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ephraim Tembo
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Lusaka, Zambia
- University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Noah Sichone
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Candy Siadibbi
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Lusaka, Zambia
- Psychology Association of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Nyathi Ntokozo
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Youth Support Network Trust, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Floris
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina M Mensi
- National Neurological Institute, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- National Neurological Institute, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Damiani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Umberto Provenzani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bonoldi
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kate Cooper
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Danese
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety and Depression, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Celso Arango
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario G. Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Cliffe B, Moore E, Whittle K, Stallard P. Is a smartphone application (BlueIce) acceptable and safe for university students who self-harm: an open study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e069862. [PMID: 38663920 PMCID: PMC11043752 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many university students self-harm but few receive support. Smartphone apps have been identified as acceptable sources of support for students who self-harm, but the use of supportive self-harm apps is yet to be explored in this population. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore the acceptability and safety of a specific app (BlueIce) for university students who self-harm. METHODS This was an exploratory, mixed methods study with 15 university students attending university well-being services with self-harming thoughts and/or behaviours. BlueIce was offered alongside the face-to-face support provided by the well-being service. Self-harming thoughts and behaviours, coping self-efficacy, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured before and after using BlueIce for 6 weeks. Follow-up interviews were also undertaken to explore how students perceived BlueIce in more depth. RESULTS Following app use, there were statistically significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety (baseline M 12.47, SD 4.42; follow-up M 10, SD 4.16) t(14)=2.26, p=0.040, d=0.58 and depression (baseline M 16.5, SD 5.17, follow-up M 12.27, SD 3.66) t(13)=5.50, p<0.001, d=1.47. Qualitative findings showed participants found BlueIce to be acceptable, safe and helpful, and reported that they were more able to cope with difficult feelings and better understand their self-harm triggers following use of the app. CONCLUSION BlueIce was an acceptable, safe and helpful source of support for university students struggling with self-harm thoughts and/or behaviours. This builds on previous findings with adolescents and suggests that BlueIce could be a particularly acceptable and helpful resource for university students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Moore
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Kathryn Whittle
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, UK
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Ji JL, Kyron M, Saulsman L, Becerra R, Lin A, Hasking P, Holmes EA. Picturing self-harm: Investigating flash-forward mental imagery as a proximal and modifiable driver of non-suicidal self-injury. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 38597460 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13081] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is theorized to be reinforced by its emotional consequences. Mental images of NSSI are commonly reported as occurring prior to NSSI. Based on the known functional properties of anticipatory mental imagery as an emotional and motivational amplifier, this study investigated whether NSSI mental imagery constitutes a proximal and dynamic mechanism underpinning NSSI risk. METHOD An intensive ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study was conducted to track the occurrence and characteristics of NSSI mental imagery alongside NSSI urge and behavior in naturalistic settings. A sample of N = 43 individuals aged 17 to 24 with a history of repetitive NSSI completed EMA surveys seven times a day for 14 days. RESULTS Mental preoccupation in the form of NSSI mental imagery-based flash-forwards to the actions, bodily sensations, and emotional benefits of NSSI was found to occur when NSSI urge was high but not when urge was low. Critically, objective cross-panel analyses showed that higher frequencies of NSSI imagery occurrence predicted greater future NSSI urge and increased likelihood of acting on urge, over and above current urge. CONCLUSIONS Mental imagery of NSSI is not simply an epiphenomenal by-product of NSSI urge and may constitute a dynamic and proximal novel intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Ji
- School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Kyron
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lisa Saulsman
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Becerra
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Penelope Hasking
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Lewin CDC, Leamy M, Palmer L. How do people conceptualize self-harm recovery and what helps in adolescence, young and middle adulthood? A qualitative meta-synthesis. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:39-64. [PMID: 37610315 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23588] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-harm can be understood as any behavior individuals use to harm themselves, irrespective of motive. Evidence has extensively examined the epidemiology and function of self-harm to the individual, but less is known about the subjective processes underpinning recovery. Such insights could inform therapeutic interventions to better support individuals. The present aim was to synthesize qualitative themes from eligible literature to identify how adolescents, young adults, and those in middle adulthood conceptualize self-harm recovery and the factors impacting this process. METHODS Eleven studies were identified from a systematic search of five electronic research databases: PsycINFO, Embase, Medline, Global Health, and CINAHL. Studies were critically appraised using an adapted Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool for qualitative research. A meta-synthesis was conducted using reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes across the included studies. RESULTS Themes depicted recovery as a multidimensional, nonlinear, and subjective process, characterized by a "push and pull" between states of (re-)engagement and cessation/reduction. Transition between these states was influenced by intrapersonal and interpersonal factors which were embedded in a wider milieu of the meaning of self-harm to the individual. CONCLUSION Contemporary ideas of symptom eradication as the only marker of complete recovery may hinder individuals in the long-term, presenting an obstacle both to quality of life and therapeutic progress. Movement away from self-harm recovery as a uniform or singular phenomenon could enhance person-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline da Cunha Lewin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mary Leamy
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Palmer
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Looijmans M, van Bergen D, Popma A, van Eijk N, Mérelle S, van Veen S, Hawton K, Gilissen R. The self-perceived needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour: a scoping review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02342-1. [PMID: 38147110 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02342-1] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Suicidal behaviour in adolescents is a major public health problem. Much research on this issue has focused on epidemiology and risk factors for suicidal behaviour, paying less attention to the self-perceived needs of adolescents. However, to increase engagement in suicide prevention, it is important to include the views of adolescents. A scoping review was performed to identify the available empirical study findings, of any study design, related to the self-perceived needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour. The literature databases Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Twenty-nine studies from 14 predominantly Anglo countries were included in the scoping review. The review showed that girls were overrepresented and that studies predominantly used qualitative approaches. The identified needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour can broadly be grouped into needs related to the following areas: the importance of connecting with other people; adolescents' self-help strategies and personal growth after self-harm; mental healthcare; school or study programs; and needs related to society in relation to taboo on suicidal behaviour. Prevention of suicidal behaviour in adolescents will need to focus on development and strengthening of interventions fitting the needs of adolescents in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou Looijmans
- Research Department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Diana van Bergen
- Faculty of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Popma
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikki van Eijk
- Research Department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mérelle
- Research Department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sisco van Veen
- Research Department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Renske Gilissen
- Research Department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mughal F, Chew-Graham CA, Babatunde OO, Saunders B, Meki A, Dikomitis L. The functions of self-harm in young people and their perspectives about future general practitioner-led care: A qualitative study. Health Expect 2023; 26:1180-1188. [PMID: 36797811 PMCID: PMC10154897 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm in young people is a serious concern but a deeper understanding of the functions of self-harm in young people can tailor care and inform new clinical interventions to reduce repeat self-harm and suicide risk. General practitioners (GPs), as frontline healthcare professionals, have an important role in managing self-harm in young people. This study aimed to explore the functions of self-harm in young people and their perspectives on future GP-led care. METHODS A qualitative study using interviews with young people aged between 16 and 25 years with a personal history of self-harm was conducted. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS Four distinct functions were identified: (1) handling emotional states; (2) self-punishment; (3) coping with mental illness and trauma; and (4) positive thoughts and protection. Young people valued GP-led support and felt future GP interventions should include self-help and be personalised. CONCLUSIONS These findings support clinicians, including GPs, to explore the functions of self-harm in young people aged 16-25 in a personalised approach to self-harm care. It should be noted that self-harm may serve more than one function for a young person and thus interventions should recognise this. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION A group consisting of young people with lived experience of self-harm, carers, the public, and those who work with young people who harm themselves conceived this study idea, informed recruitment methods and the interview topic guide, and supported the interpretation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Mughal
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | - Aula Meki
- Specialist Psychotherapies Service, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa Dikomitis
- Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
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