bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OpenMinds on Mental Health Literacy: A Reflective Journey of a Medical Student
Authors: Selvakumar Jashan , Loo Jiann Lin , Ohn May Honey 
Published: June 2022

AimsAs a medical student from a local university, the first author undertook a mental health education course, i.e. OpenMinds at the King's College University. The aim of the course is to improve literacy about key mental health issues that children and adolescents face and the stigma against mental illnesses. Upon completion of training, a medical student will be able to lead intervention workshops to share the mental health knowledge with local school audiences on these issues, promote early detection of mental illnesses among the audiences and their peers with the aim of improving health-seeking behaviour by providing information of where to access help to reduce the duration of untreated illness. This article is aimed to describe the personal reflective experience of a medical student and the lessons learnt.MethodsThe OpenMinds course was an eight-week workshop on important mental health topics such as depression, anxiety, coping strategies and psychosis. This was followed by a session on effective teaching detailing various techniques including maintaining children's concentration, increasing engagement by utilising different learning techniques, safeguarding and maintaining well-being during conversations about difficult and sensitive topics.ResultsAfter attending the OpenMinds educational workshop, the first author had delivered three workshops (one primary school and two secondary schools) as part of the bigger organising team from the other university. Overall, the verbal feedback from the local schools on the workshops was positive (Kirkpatrick's evaluation outcome level one). The challenge faced was virtual teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic which meant not being able to read facial expressions or body language while delivering information. This limitation could be mitigated by having a trained teacher moderating the sessions on-site and making sure the workshops ran smoothly. Online lessons emphasised the use of technology which was proven to be useful as videos and other audiovisual aids had the ability to keep the children engaged and provide different sources of learning concurrently.ConclusionHaving participated in this course, the first author has learned teaching skills and a better way of communicating mental health issues to vulnerable audiences. Although face-to-face workshops are still not possible at the time of writing, the first author is keen to set up an OpenMinds branch at his university and be able to share with his fellow colleagues these skills in the future.
Young Academician Network (YAN) Project: Creating a Sustainable Ecosystem of Training for Early-Career Healthcare Student Researchers
Authors: Loo Jiann Lin , Selvakumar Jashan , Ali Sahar , Ohn May Honey 
Published: June 2022

AimsA lot of healthcare students are interested to have early involvement in research and one of the common obstacles is getting access to a mentor who can help them venture into academic work. Therefore, the Young Academician Network (YAN) project has been conceptualised in November 2020 after an opportunistic email communication between a medical student and a psychiatrist registrar, with the vision of creating a sustainable ecosystem of mentoring in research. This article is aimed to elucidate the journey of the YAN project and the lessons learned after a year.MethodsThe word YAN originates from the Mandarin word for “research”, which is the theme for the project. The mission is to train healthcare student research leaders who will be able to lead their juniors into the field of research. It began with a weekly hourly online meeting between the student and registrar with the agenda of brainstorming research ideas, reflections from the previous meeting, reviewing the progress of tasks, and discussions of topics that were relevant to research. All explored research topics were discussed based on SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals to ensure they were feasible since there was no external funding involved.ResultsThe YAN project had successfully published one full article in a peer-reviewed journal and two proceedings in an international congress within a year. Meanwhile, there are two ongoing projects with abstracts produced for submission to different international conferences. The lack and restriction of resources led to the promotion of creativity rather than stunted growth of the project. The main challenge of the project was the difficulty in meeting the dateline due to the busy timetable of different members. Other challenges included the difficulty of striking a balance between vision and reality.ConclusionAs this is a not-for-profit initiative, a high level of motivation is required to keep the project moving forward. Although the number of participants has not grown significantly, this pilot project has at least shown its feasibility without any funding support. There is a plan for further expansion of the project to recruit more members once the foundation of this project has been established with an adequate number of publications. A more structured and systematic evaluation of this project is needed to provide vital information for further improvement of this project.
Recognizing Early Deterioration in Elderly Care Home Setting - a Snapshot
Authors: Varvari Ioana , Nirodi Pratibha 
Published: June 2022

AimsOur aim is to measure the baseline physical and mental health early deterioration recognition of carers in the care home setting in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. This is part of a larger undergoing quality improvement project that looks at improving elderly care in care homes in the region by implementing a training package.MethodsThe approach was to contact local authorities, in this case, the NHS clinical commissioning group North Yorkshire to identify a struggling care home. We then engaged the care home and designated a leader to coordinate the project. We collected common themes by using focus groups with both carers and our professionals which led to the creation of a 16-item questionnaire covering deterioration literacy. Finally, we electronically and anonymously surveyed the carers (December 2021) and analysed the data via Google Forms.ResultsWe had 22 responses out of 30 possible. As an overview, 100% felt confident in recognizing deterioration, however, 31.8% don't feel confident in managing deterioration. 90.9% need tools to aid recognition, from which 45.5% find tools confusing. Only 50% feel confident to appropriately escalate the incident, from which 36.4% did not know when or to whom to escalate and 13.6% were not sure if escalation was needed but will refer to secondary care regardless. 27.3% think their escalation process needs improvement. When it comes to deterioration themes, 4.6% don't feel confident in identifying confusion, 13.6% feel their knowledge on confusion could be improved and 9.1% don't know how to identify, manage, or escalate confusion. 22.7% don't feel confident in identifying mobility decline and 9.1% don't know how to manage this accordingly. 9.1% feel like their knowledge of skin changes needs improvement. 22.7% feel that their confidence in identifying toilet habits could be improved and 4.5% don't know how to manage or escalate these changes. In terms of carers’ mental health, 50% and 13.6% have mild and moderate anxiety, respectively.ConclusionDeterioration recognition in the elderly is currently a hot topic. Recent studies highlight the need to improve deterioration management to minimize inappropriate referrals and admissions and unnecessary infection exposure of a vulnerable elderly individual. Our results show that besides improving the theoretical knowledge we also must think about a clear escalation process, an easy-to-read deterioration tool, and managing carers' anxiety as part of the training package.
Mental Health Status of High School Students in Khartoum State, Sudan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Altamih Randa , Elmahi Osman 
Published: June 2022

AimsThis study sought to assess mental health status of high school students in Khartoum State, to evaluate the participants’ adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and to identify factors associated with commitment to COVID-19 guidelines and mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional and institution-based study. 364 post-primary students in 10 schools were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling. Mental health status was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Chi-square testing was used to identify influencing factors of mental health status and commitment to practicing COVID-19 preventive measures.ResultsA median commitment score of 2/5 was achieved. 70.8% of students in this study demonstrated low commitment (< 50%) to practicing COVID-19 preventive guidelines. Commitment to COVID-19 preventive measures was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.047), academic year (p = 0.033) and post-primary schools attended by the participants (p < 0.001). 36.5% of the participants’ GHQ-12 scores demonstrated severe psychological distress (GHQ-12 > 20/36). A mean GHQ-12 score of 18.4 and median of 19 was achieved, indicating moderate to severe psychological distress. GHQ-12 scores were significantly associated with incidence of COVID-19 infection among family members (p = 0.016).ConclusionOver one-third of high school students in Khartoum State demonstrated moderate to severe psychological distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was significantly associated with first-degree family members having a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Commitment to preventive measures set by the General Directorate of Global Health was significantly associated with gender and academic year. A lesser psychological impact could be achieved through timely health education, expression of confidence in professional healthcare providers and perception of sound health status, together with consistent public health campaigning.
Does the Presence of Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents With Special Educational Needs at Certain Time Points in Earlier Life Predict Functional Outcome Later On?
Authors: Bansal Neha , Mizen Lindsay , Stanfield Andrew 
Published: June 2022

AimsThis study analyses the progression of psychiatric symptoms over time of young people with special educational needs (SEN). The aims of this study were: 1) To examine whether the presence of psychiatric symptoms in earlier life are more likely to impact functional outcomes in later life in those with SEN; 2) Whether the presence of psychiatric symptoms in adolescence predicts functional outcomes in early adult life.MethodsData were obtained from the Edinburgh Study of Comorbidity (ESC) which was a longitudinal follow-up study of adolescents with SEN. This study had ethical approval from the Multicentre Research Ethics Committee for Scotland. It involved head teachers of 99 schools around Scotland identifying pupils aged 13–22 years whom they would estimate as functioning in the borderline to mild intellectual disability range (estimated IQ between 50–80) and were therefore receiving special educational assistance.Adolescents with SEN were assessed with the Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS) to evaluate the presence of psychiatric symptoms. A total of 247 individuals with SEN were recruited to the study. They completed the CIS at baseline (T1), 1–2 years later (T2) and 6 years later (T3). At T3, the participants also completed the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHO-DAS) to measure the degree of functional impairment. Correlation statistical analyses were carried out to find whether there was a significant relationship between CIS and total WHO-DAS scores.ResultsThere was a statistically significant correlation between total WHO-DAS score with slowness and anxiety symptoms (p values 0.008 and 0.024 respectively) measured on the CIS at T1. None of the symptoms measured on CIS at T2 had a statistically significant correlation with total WHO-DAS score. With the symptoms that were significant, after application of a Bonferroni correction, none of the symptoms measured on CIS had a statistically significant correlation at any time point with total WHO-DAS score.ConclusionOur results show that there is some evidence that anxiety and slowness in adolescence are associated with greater functional impairment in young adulthood. However, further research is required to confirm this relationship. Our data highlight the potential value of identification and treatment of psychiatric symptoms in early adolescence.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young People With OCD
Authors: Bennett Sharna 
Published: June 2022

AimsThe full impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be determined, but it is likely to have had a significant influence on the development of young people, especially those with mental health conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This study aims to investigate the change in symptoms and whether these were linked to COVID-19/lockdown, as well as the treatment and support received.MethodsThe Mood and Anxiety team for West Kent were contacted to request patients with a diagnosis of OCD. A total of 16 patients were included (12–18 years, 63% female), as they were known to services prior to March 2020. Data were retrospectively collected by searching electronic notes between September 2018 and October 2021 to identify patient demographics, OCD symptoms and severity (and whether this had been affected by COVID-19/lockdown), and if they were receiving medication and therapy. It was noted whether questionnaires had been completed, and how frequently patients were contacted by CAMHS.Results75% of young people reported increasing OCD symptoms after March 2020. Of the patients who reported an increase in symptoms, nearly half (47%) explicitly attributed this to either the COVID-19 pandemic or lockdown. Prior to March 2020, 31% of patients were receiving medication for OCD, this increased to 69% of patients between March 2020 and September 2021. 31% of patients were undergoing therapy for OCD prior to March 2020, and over the following 18 months, 50% were receiving therapy, with the remainder of patients on the waiting list. The most common therapy was CBT. Prior to March 2020, 13% of patients had completed questionnaires relevant to OCD, which increased to 44% between March 2020-Septermber 2021. Patients were contacted more frequently via CAMHS post-March 2020 (62.5% vs 25%), but the method of contact switched to mainly remote methods.ConclusionOverall, there was an increase in OCD symptoms during the pandemic, with a proportion of patients identifying either COVID-19 or lockdown as contributing factors. The number of patients receiving both psychological and pharmacological therapy for OCD increased. There were low numbers of patients completing questionnaires for OCD, which would be a useful way to identify changes in symptoms across patients. Contact from mental health services increased during the pandemic, although this shifted to virtual formats. This suggests that CAMHS need to prepare for the possible increasing need for services due to the pandemic and provide support targeted to those with OCD.
The Prevalence of Autism in the Criminal Justice System: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chester Verity , Bunning Karen , Tromans Samuel , Alexander Regi , Langdon Peter 
Published: June 2022

AimsAutism prevalence is currently estimated to be approximately 1%. Ascertaining autism prevalence within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) has implications for understanding clinical and forensic need, alongside facilitating autism-specific CJS responses. This review aims to systematically identify and synthesise studies that investigate autism prevalence within CJS cohorts, and CJS involvement in autistic cohorts.MethodsA systematic review of published studies that investigated autism prevalence within the CJS. A systematic search of major online databases was conducted in November 2021, including the ancestry method/expert consultation. Studies were qualitatively analysed, with reporting quality appraised.ResultsThe search yielded 6491 articles. Following duplicate removal, 2942 articles remained for screening, of which 2857 did not meet inclusion criteria. Therefore, full texts of 85 articles were accessed, and 34 qualified for inclusion.Prevalence rates of autism in the CJS were examined in 19 studies, 12 focused on forensic settings (e.g. secure psychiatric services/prisons/court), with 7 focused on forensic psychiatric assessment referrals. Prevalence rates of autistic people within the CJS reported by the included studies varied from 1–60%. This variation appeared related to factors such as the characteristics of the forensic setting/cohort, the method of autism screening/diagnosis), and whether participants had co-occurring intellectual disabilities.Prevalence rates of CJS involvement in autistic populations were examined in 15 studies, with reported rates varying by 3–48%, with variation appearing related to a lack of cohesion in the definition of CJS involvement, with focus on variables including self-reported offending behaviour, police contact, or criminal convictions. These studies reported rates of offending by autistic people at a rate equivalent to, or lower than the general population/comparison sample.ConclusionStudies examining prevalence of CJS involvement among autistic people indicate a rate of offending at a lower, or equivalent level to the general population or comparison samples. However, studies examining prevalence of autistic people within CJS settings suggest they are over-represented. Possible explanations fall within three categories:
•pre-sentencing CJS factors - e.g. autistic people being more likely to be caught for their criminal behaviour, to confess during police interviews, to enter a guilty plea, or to have difficulty advocating for their rights in court•autistic offender factors – whether autistic people who do engage in criminal behaviour, engage in behaviour of a higher severity, possibly reflecting high rates of comorbid mental disorder•post-sentencing CJS factors – whether autistic people who offend are sentenced more harshly, or the possibility that a lack of autism sensitive forensic rehabilitative programmes and risk assessments may contribute to longer stays within forensic settings.
A Retrospective Analysis of Pattern of Mental Health Problems in COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Thirugnanam Jwalamukhi Chidambaram , Jose Ringhoo Theresa 
Published: June 2022

AimsA. To investigate the nature of liaison psychiatry consultations for COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in India B. To assess pattern and prevalence of mental health disorders and management, in COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in India.MethodsRetrospective chart-based studyData from medical records of 1600 confirmed COVID-19 patients was studied and charts of 368 patients among that who, during their in-patient stay for COVID-19 treatment in Lourdes Hospital, Kochi (September 2020 - December 2021), received liaison psychiatry consultation was selected for retrospective analysisResultsPsychiatric consultations were sought for 23%(368) patients with COVID-19 (1600) during the study period. The most common symptoms of mental health problems for referral were sleep disturbance (74.9%), agitation/restlessness, increased tension (50.3%), depressive symptoms like low mood, loss of interest (11.1%) and psychotic symptoms like talking to self, hearing voices, suspiciousness (8%). Liaison psychiatry consultation was most sought-after for critically ill patients (69.2%), with disturbed behaviour as the most common presenting complaint. Psychiatric diagnoses included in the spectrum of delirium (39.3%), sleep disorders (33.3%), anxiety (15.5%), depression (7.1%) and psychosis (4.8%). In terms of psychiatric treatments, 95.9% of patients who received psychiatric consultation were treated with psychotropic medications, including non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agents (54.8%), anti-psychotic (26.2%), benzodiazepines (22.6%) and antidepressant (10.7%). The symptoms of 61% of patients had improved and they were prescribed medications to continue the treatment on discharge.ConclusionA significant proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients experienced mental health problems, especially patients in intensive care unit. Data that emerged from this study regarding pattern of mental illness and management options will serve as a template for psychiatrists to liaise with medical teams to treat future patients.
An Explorative Study to Assess the Suicidal Risk Amongst Infertile Patients
Authors: Dastidar Baidyanath Ghosh 
Published: June 2022

AimsTo assess the psychosocial impact of infertility amongst female infertile patients including suicidal risk/ suicidal ideation in the given study population.MethodsA total of 300 women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology out patients department of a tertiary hospital in Kolkata, India were selected by simple random sampling. 100 fertile women attending the routine ante natal clinic were selected as cases and 100 infertile women seeking fertility treatment were selected as controls. 100 women didn't follow up with the study. The following questionnaires were administered to both case and control group- BAI, BDI, SCL-90-R, SF-36, MINI and socio demographic proforma ; by trained clinic psychologist .The raw scores & adjusted scores were analysed statistically by SPSS using the following tests, independent t test, chi square test and Z test.ResultsThe results of the MINI scale indicate that up to 25% of the infertile cohort suffer from suicidal risk/ suicidal ideation which is statistically significant in comparison to the control group.The other psychosocial parameters are also statistically significant in the case in comparison to the control population.ConclusionAlthough the psychosocial impact of infertility has been well researched and documented. Few studies have been conducted globally which assess suicidal risk amongst infertile patients.Our results corroborate earlier studies such as the Danish administrative population-based registry study by Trille Kristina Kjaer et al which found a causative link between infertility and suicidal risk.Further research is needed in this direction.