Emerald | Mental Health Review Journal | Table of Contents

CREATIVE PRACTICE AS MUTUAL RECOVERY IN MENTAL HEALTH

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To examine the value of approaches to mental health based on creative practice in the humanities and arts, and explore these in relation to the potential contribution to mutual recovery.Design/methodology/approach - Conceptual analysis and literature review Findings - Recovery can embrace carers and practitioners as well as sufferers from mental health problems. Divisions tend to exist between those with mental health needs, informal carers and health, social care and education personnel. Mutual recovery is therefore a very useful term because it instigates a more fully social understanding of mental health recovery processes, encompassing diverse actors in the field of mental health. Research demonstrates the importance of arts for ‘recovery orientated mental health services’, how they provide ways of breaking down social barriers, of expressing and understanding experiences and emotions, and of helping to rebuild identities and communities. Similarly, the humanities can advance the recovery of health and well-being. Originality/value - The notion of mutual recovery through creative practice is more than just a set of creative activities which are believed to have benefit. The idea is also a heuristic that can be useful to professionals and family members, as well as individuals with mental health problems themselves. Mutual recovery is perhaps best seen as a relational construct, offering new opportunities to build egalitarian, appreciative and substantively connected communities – resilient communities of mutual hope, compassion and solidarity.

Ageing with a Serious Mental Illness: A literature and policy review

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - With population projections indicating that the number of older adults in the UK (those aged 65 years and over) will increase from 9.6 million in 2005 to 12.7 million in 2021, the numbers of those growing older with a serious mental illness (SMI) is likely to rise. Currently there is a lacuna of both policy and quality research evidence on how to meet the needs of this vulnerable group of citizens. The purpose of this paper is to add to the emerging debate and discourse around current policy and practice in the field.Design/methodology/approach - We have undertaken a general review of both the literature and current UK policy guidance to determine the current state of provision for people with a SMI. Findings - Much of the relevant literature we identified originates from the US, with older adults with SMI perceived as an under-served population in need of urgent attention. Additionally, UK policy provision is patchy with very limited pockets of good practice currently available to guide clinicians and inform service users. Research limitations/implications - Clinicians, researchers and other stakeholders must engage with service users, their family and/or friends to produce quality and meaningful research to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group of citizens. Finally, the policy, practice and service user communities needs to collaborate in a spirit of "boundary spanning" working across disciplines to generate practical policies which can be operationalised by organisations and individuals. Originality/value - This paper highlights the distinct lack of literature, evidence and policy which currently exists in the UK addressing the needs of older adults with a serious mental illness.

a compassionate formulation of task drift in mental health staff

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (angela kennedy) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - to reflect on the novel use of a standard formulation framework. to give thought to the ways that staff can be distracted from their task. to examine systemic ideas for supporting staff to be effective and compassionate in their mental health care.Design/methodology/approach - a reflective piece using qualitative data and experience to frame the information Findings - staff have a variety of ways of coping with the stress of their work and some of these ways are more helpful than others. The formulation framework creates a helpful structure for understanding these strategies in a non-blaming way. This facilitates reflective practice and the model points to ways that compassionate organisations can help staff in their primary task. Originality/value - the CFT formulation has not been applied systemically in the literature to organisations or groups of staff.

The Mental Health Surveillance of Adolescents, Within a School Setting

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (john sinclair, stephanie holden) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This article aims to demonstrate a different approach to identify and assess adolescents experiencing mental health problems, within a school setting. Presently we rely on primary care professionals to identify mental health problems and adolescents are often reluctant to access such services. One of the benefits of utilising a mental health surveillance screening tool is to identify mental health problems in adolescents and to implement early intervention.Design/methodology/approach - A cross sectional survey of school pupils from a secondary school was conducted, using the Paediatric Symptom Checklist for Youths (PSCY). The self-administered questionnaire was completed and identified adolescents were then assessed by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Out of 247 pupils, 84% of the adolescents completed the questionnaire.Findings - From the screening tool 25% were identified for assessment. During their assessment 64% of the young people were given self-help guides and health promotion advice. The remaining 26% of the adolescents were provided treatment sessions by CAMHS or by Children’s Service Worker. Only 10% of these adolescents had been previously seen within the CAMHS.Research limitations/implications - The PSCY is a useful tool for identifying and assessing adolescents with mental health problems. However these results are the preliminary findings of a feasibility study. This subject area is a rich source for future research.Practical implications - Findings from this project will influence wider mental health surveillance of our adolescent population.Originality/value - No comparative studies of this nature were found in the United Kingdom.

The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with autism spectrum disorders: A review of the evidence

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (James Binnie, Sarah Blainey) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - There is a large and increasing evidence base for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for the amelioration of common mental health difficulties. In children and young people with autism, there is some evidence that CBT can be effective, however it is unclear whether this also applies to adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This review evaluated the evidence for the use of CBT with adults with ASDs in relation to reducing co morbid psychiatric symptoms and increasing social and communication skills.Design/methodology/approach - A systematic search was conducted to identify best evidence. Comparison to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria identified seven relevant studies; these were subsequently critically appraised.Findings - The results of the appraisal were mixed with no definitive evidence supporting the review question.Practical implications - Basing assumptions on best evidence, it is suggested that CBT can help adults with ASDs decrease co morbid psychiatric symptomatology. However there is little evidence that CBT can increase social and communicative functioning. The review concludes that there is a need for increased quantitative research in this area so that more substantial conclusions can be made.Originality/value - This paper summarises the available evidence in relation to CBT for adults with ASD; most previous review papers have focused on children and young people. Future research directions are suggested.