Influence of mental health literacy on help-seeking behaviour for mental health problems in the Swiss young adult community: a cohort and longitudinal case–control study

Poor knowledge about mental health disorders and their treatment likely contributes to the large treatment gap reported for mental health problems. Therefore, we studied the association between mental health literacy (MHL) and active help-seeking in a community sample. Participants were recruited from an add-on questionnaire study to the ‘Bern Epidemiological At-Risk’ (BEAR) study on 16–40-year-old community subjects of the Swiss canton Bern. At baseline, data of N = 1504, and at 3-year follow-up, data of N = 535 were available. Based on an unlabelled case vignette (on depression or schizophrenia), MHL was assessed by the questionnaire of Angermeyer and colleagues. Cross-sectional and longitudinal baseline predictors of help-seeking were analysed using path analyses. Additionally, sensitivity analyses of the prospective model were computed for sex, vignette, and baseline mental health problems/disorders. Cross-sectionally, help-seeking was associated with non-endorsement of biogenetic causal explanations, presence of mental health problems/disorders, help-seeking before baseline, poorer functioning, and lower health satisfaction. The prospective model was similar; yet, help-seeking at follow-up was associated with endorsements of the causal explanation ‘biogenetics’ and, additionally, ‘childhood trauma’ but not the presence of baseline mental health problems/disorders. Sensitivity analyses revealed a significant impact on sex, vignette, and mental health problems/disorders. For example, actual functional problems were predictive in males, while health satisfaction was predictive in females. Our findings indicate that future studies on drivers of help-seeking should assess very large community samples with case vignettes on different mental disorders to examine appropriate subgroups and their likely interaction to address group-specific factors in awareness campaigns.

     

Adverse Childhood Experiences,Neighborhood Support,and Internalizing and Externalizing Mental Disorders among 6–17 years old US Children: Evidence from a Population-Based Study

We pooled data from four years (2016–2019) of the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) and included a nationally representative sample of 6 to 17 years old US children (N?=?94,369; Mean age?=?11.53 years, Standard Deviation [SD]?=?3.53). Among 6–17-year-old US children, about 48% had a lifelong exposure to at least one of nine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and 18.7% had a current diagnosis of at least one of four mental disorders. We examined the association between ACEs, neighborhood support, and mental disorders using several logistic regression models. More types of lifelong ACEs and lower neighborhood support were associated with a higher diagnosis of internalizing (anxiety/depression) and externalizing (ADHD/behavior problems) mental disorders (odds ratio [OR]?>?1, and p?<?.001 for all relationships). After controlling for neighborhood support in the models, the odds ratios for ACEs attenuated but remained significant in all models regardless of mental disorder type or age group. However, the odds ratios for neighborhood support were larger for the association with ADHD/behavior problems than anxiety/depression. Moreover, odds ratios for neighborhood support levels were higher for older children (12–17 years old) compared to younger (6–11 years old) children. Higher neighborhood support appears to mitigate the adverse effects of ACEs on mental disorders, especially externalizing mental disorders (anxiety/depression) among adolescents (12–17 years old).

     

Perceived Risk and Mental Health Problems among Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Resilience and Coronavirus Fear

During coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare professionals were particularly at high-risk of developing symptoms of mental health problems due to being on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19. This study examined the mediating roles of resilience and coronavirus fear in the relationship between perceived risk and mental health problems among healthcare professionals including doctors and nurses who were actively treating patients confirmed with COVID-19. We recruited 204 healthcare professionals (50% females) with a mean age of 32.92 years (SD?=?7.01). Results showed that perceived risk and coronavirus fear positively predicted depression, anxiety, and stress while resilience negatively predicted those mental health problems. Coronavirus fear mediated the relationship between perceived risk and resilience, depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, resilience mitigated the effect of coronavirus fear on depression, anxiety, and stress. This study is among the first indicating the importance of resilience and fear as a critical mechanism that explains the relationship between perceived risk and mental health problems among health professionals directly caring for COVID-19 patients.

     

The Important Role of Stereotypes in the relation between Mental Health Literacy and Stigmatization of Depression and Psychosis in the Community

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.

     

Association of perceived stigma and mood and anxiety disorders: results from the World Mental Health Surveys

Objective: We assessed the prevalence of perceived stigma among persons with mental disorders and chronic physical conditions in an international study. Method: Perceived stigma (reporting health‐related embarrassment and discrimination) was assessed among adults reporting significant disability. Mental disorders were assessed with Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) 3.0. Chronic conditions were ascertained by self‐report. Household‐residing adults (80 737) participated in 17 population surveys in 16 countries. Results: Perceived stigma was present in 13.5% (22.1% in developing and 11.7% in developed countries). Suffering from a depressive or an anxiety disorder (vs. no mental disorder) was associated with about a twofold increase in the likelihood of stigma, while comorbid depression and anxiety was even more strongly associated (OR 3.4, 95%CI 2.7–4.2). Chronic physical conditions showed a much lower association. Conclusion: Perceived stigma is frequent and strongly associated with mental disorders worldwide. Efforts to alleviate stigma among individuals with comorbid depression and anxiety are needed.     

Association between perceived social stigma against mental disorders and use of health services for psychological distress symptoms in the older adult population: validity of the STIG scale

Objectives: To document the reliability, construct and nomological validity of the perceived Social Stigmatisation (STIG) scale in the older adult population.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Primary medical health services clinics.

Participants: Probabilistic sample of older adults aged 65 years and over waiting for medical services in the general medical sector (n = 1765).

Measurements: Perceived social stigma against people with a mental health problem was measured using the STIG scale composed of seven indicators.

Results: A second-order measurement model of perceived social stigma fitted adequately the observed data. The reliability of the STIG scale was 0.83. According to our results, 39.6% of older adults had a significant level of perceived social stigma against people with a mental health problem. Results showed that the perception of social stigma against mental health problems was not significantly associated with a respondent gender and age. Results also showed that the perception of social stigma against the mental health problems was directly associated with the respondents’ need for improved mental health (b = ?0.10) and indirectly associated with their use of primary medical health services for psychological distress symptoms (b = ?0.07).

Conclusion: Results lead us to conclude that social stigma against mental disorders perceived by older adults may limit help-seeking behaviours and warrants greater public health and public policy attention. Also, results lead us to conclude that physicians should pay greater attention to their patients’ attitudes against mental disorders in order to identify possible hidden mental health problems.     

Associations between dimensions of mental health literacy and adolescent help-seeking intentions

Background

The majority of long-term mental health problems begin during adolescence. Low mental health literacy (MHL) may impede help-seeking for these problems. Although MHL is a multidimensional construct and adolescent help-seeking can be through formal and informal means, little is known about how dimensions of MHL influence these help-seeking intentions. This study examines associations between dimensions of MHL and formal and informal help-seeking intentions among adolescents. It also investigates whether informal help-seeking mediates the association between dimensions of MHL and formal help-seeking, and whether these associations are moderated by gender.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey including measures of MHL, and help-seeking intentions was distributed to participants in 10 schools (12–17 years) across Scotland (n = 734). Data were analysed using Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analyses identified two distinct dimensions of MHL: ability to identify a mental health problem, and knowledge of treatment efficacy. Only knowledge of treatment efficacy was associated with increased intention to seek formal and informal help. Ability to identify a mental health problem was negatively associated with both forms of help-seeking intentions. Informal help-seeking mediated the association between both forms of MHL and formal help-seeking. Gender did not moderate the associations between MHL and help-seeking.

Conclusions

Care should be taken when providing MHL interventions to ensure that adaptive forms of MHL are promoted. Future research should investigate possible mechanisms by which discrete forms of MHL influence adolescent help-seeking as well as investigating other potential moderators of MHL and help-seeking, such as stigma.     

The influence of spirituality and religiousness on suicide risk and mental health of patients undergoing hemodialysis

BackgroundDespite the large amount of literature assessing how spiritual and religious beliefs have an impact on mental health and suicide risk in various groups of patients, few studies have investigated patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether spirituality and religiousness (S/R) are associated with the presence of suicide risk as well as whether those beliefs are also associated with the presence of mental health problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsCross-sectional study carried out in three Brazilian dialysis units involving hemodialysis patients. The study assessed religiousness (Duke Religion Index); spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp 12); mental health - depression and anxiety (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview–MINI); and risk of suicide (MINI). For analysis, adjusted logistic regression models were applied.ResultsA total of 264 (80.7%) patients were included, 17.8% presented suicide risk, 14.0% presented current major depressive episode, and 14.7% presented generalized anxiety disorder. Concerning spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp 12), the subscale of “Meaning” was associated with lower risk of suicide, depression, and anxiety. The subscale “Peace” was associated with lower depression and anxiety, whereas the subscale “Faith” was associated with lower suicide risk and depression. Religiousness measures were not associated with the study outcomes.ConclusionSpiritual beliefs were associated with lower suicide risk and better mental health among hemodialysis patients. Factors related to spiritual well-being, such as “meaning”, “peace” and “faith” were more associated with the outcomes studied than religious involvement. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in different cultural and religious settings.     

Parental Overprotection and Sleep Problems in Young Children

Poor sleep in children predicts mental and physical disorders later in life. Identifying and changing modifiable factors associated with sleep problems in young children may improve their health trajectory. Our aim was to establish whether overprotective parenting was associated with problems sleeping in children. Parents of children aged 2–6 years completed questionnaires about their own anxiety, parenting style, and about their children's sleep. We obtained 307 reports on 197 children from 240 parents. Using mixed-effects linear regression, we found that maternal (beta?=?0.26, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.41, p?=?0.001) and paternal (beta?=?0.35, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53, p?<?0.001) overprotection were associated with impaired sleep in children. This relationship remained unchanged when controlling for parental anxiety. Decreasing parents’ overprotection may improve children’s sleep, and reduce the risk of physical and mental disorders later in their life.

     

Sex Differences in Co-occurring Conditions Among Autistic Children and Youth in Florida: A Retrospective Cohort Study (2012–2019)

Autistic children have a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health, developmental/behavioral, and medical conditions, but research on sex/gender differences has been mixed. We used Florida healthcare claims data to characterize sex differences (female/male) in co-occurring conditions among autistic children ages 1–21 (N?=?83,500). After adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, urbanicity, and insurance, autistic girls had significantly higher odds of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, intellectual disability, developmental disorders, epilepsy, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep disorders compared to autistic boys. Autistic girls had significantly lower odds of ADHD. The findings contribute to the growing body of research on the unique healthcare needs of autistic girls.

     

Attitudes toward mental health services: Age-group differences in Korean American adults

The present study examined the attitudes toward mental health services held by younger (aged 20–45, n = 209) and older (aged 60 and older, n = 462) groups of Korean Americans. Following Andersen's (1968; A behavioral model of families’ use of health service, Center for Health Administration Studies) behavioral health model, predisposing (age, gender, marital status and education), need (anxiety and depressive symptoms) and enabling (acculturation, health insurance coverage and personal experience and beliefs) variables were considered. In the mean-level assessment, younger and older adults were found to hold a similar level of positive attitudes toward mental health services. In the multivariate analysis, culture-influenced beliefs were shown to have a substantial contribution to the model of attitudes toward mental health services in both age groups. The belief that depression is a medical condition was found to be a common predictor of positive attitudes across the groups. In the older adult sample, more negative attitudes were observed among those who believed that depression is a sign of personal weakness and that having a mentally ill family member brings shame to the whole family. Our findings show that older adults are not only more subject to cultural misconceptions and stigma related to mental disorders, but also their attitudes toward service use are negatively influenced by the cultural stigma. The findings provide important implications for interventions targeted to improve access to mental health care among minority populations. Based on the similarities and differences found between young and old, both general and age-specific strategies need to be developed in order to increase effectiveness of these programs.     

Perceived stigma and mental health care seeking

OBJECTIVE: There is limited empirical evidence on the extent to which perceived public stigma prevents individuals from using mental health services, despite substantial recent policy interest in this issue. This study investigated associations between perceived public stigma and mental health care seeking. METHODS: This study used cross-sectional survey data from a representative sample of undergraduate and graduate students (N=2,782) at one university. A five-item scale was used to assess perceived public stigma toward mental health service use. Perceived need for help in the past 12 months and current presence of depressive and anxiety disorders were also assessed. RESULTS: Perceived stigma was higher among males, older students, Asian and Pacific Islanders, international students, students with lower socioeconomic status backgrounds, and students with current mental health problems. Perceived stigma was also higher among those without any family members or friends who had used mental health services and among those who believed that therapy or medication is not very helpful. Perceived stigma was negatively associated with the likelihood of perceiving a need for mental health services, but only among younger students. Among those with probable depressive or anxiety disorders, there was no evidence that perceived stigma was associated with service use. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, at least in this population, perceived stigma may not be as important a barrier to mental health care as the mental health policy discourse currently assumes.     

Health beliefs and help seeking for depressive and anxiety disorders among urban Singaporean adults

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether help seeking for mental problems was predicted by beliefs about mental illness and services and by family and social support. METHODS: Singaporean adults (N= 2,801) were interviewed with the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry and with questions on mental health status, beliefs about the curability of mental illness, embarrassment and stigma, ease of discussing mental problems, effectiveness and safety of treatment, and trust in professionals. RESULTS: Although 10% of respondents had a depressive or anxiety disorder or combination, only 3% acknowledged having mental problems, 5% rated their mental health as fair or poor, and 6% sought help for their mental health problems. Help seeking was predicted by poor self-rated mental health and acknowledged mental illness but not by health beliefs and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Self-rated mental health status was predictive of help seeking, but other health beliefs and social support were neither strong nor robust predictors.     

Religion, health beliefs and the use of mental health services by the elderly

Background: Few studies have investigated whether elderly people of particular religious affiliations were more or less likely to seek treatment for mental illness, and whether it was related to their health beliefs.

Method: In the National Mental Survey of Elderly Singaporeans in 2004, data were collected on reported religious affiliations, and 1-year prevalence of mental disorders (DSM-IV diagnoses of psychiatric disorders) from diagnostic interviews using the Geriatric Mental State schedule, self-report of treatment for mental health problems, and health beliefs about the curability of mental illness, embarrassment and stigma, ease in discussing mental problems, effectiveness and safety of treatment, and trust in professionals.

Results: Compared to those with no religious affiliation, elderly people of all religious affiliations showed higher prevalence of mental health problems, yet reported less frequent treatment by healthcare professionals. In multivariate analyses, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of association with seeking treatment were for Christianity, 0.12 (0.02–0.57); Islam, 0.12 (0.01–1.31); Buddhism/Taoism, 0.59 (0.18–1.88); and Hinduism, 0.21 (0.02–2.56) versus no affiliation. Various religious affiliations differ from each other and from non-religious affiliation on some negative health beliefs, but they did not adequately explain why religious affiliates were less likely to seek treatment.

Conclusion: Further studies should evaluate the lower tendency of elderly people with religious affiliations to seek treatment for mental health problems.     

Relevance of well-being,resilience, and health-related quality of life to mental health profiles of European adolescents: results from a cross-sectional analysis of the school-based multinational UPRIGHT project

Purpose

The existing evidence suggests that a complete evaluation of mental health should incorporate both psychopathology and mental well-being indicators. However, few studies categorize European adolescents into subgroups based on such complete mental health data. This study used the data on mental well-being and symptoms of mental and behavioral disorders to explore the mental health profiles of adolescents in Europe.

Methods

Data collected from adolescents (N = 3767; mean age 12.4 [SD = 0.9]) from five European countries supplied the information on their mental well-being (personal resilience, school resilience, quality of life, and mental well-being) and mental and behavioral disorder symptoms (anxiety, depression, stress, bullying, cyber-bullying, and use of tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis). Multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis were combined to classify the youths into mental health profiles.

Results

Adolescents were categorized into three mental health profiles. The "poor mental health" profile (6%) was characterized by low levels of well-being and moderate symptoms of mental disorders. The "good mental health" profile group (26%) showed high well-being and few symptoms of mental disorders, and the "intermediate mental health" profile (68%) was characterized by average well-being and mild-to-moderate symptoms of mental disorders. Groups with higher levels of well-being and fewer symptoms of mental disorders showed lower rates of behavioral problems. Mental well-being indicators strongly contributed to this classification.

Conclusion

Adolescents with the "intermediate" or "poor" mental health profiles may benefit from interventions to improve mental health. Implications for school-based interventions are discussed.

Trial registration number (TRN) and date of registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03951376. Registered 15 May 2019.

     

Norwegian male military veterans show low levels of mental health problems four years after deployment in Afghanistan

Background: Deployment of soldiers is associated with considerable rates of mental disorders after redeployment. Aims: The aim of this study was to identity prevalence of probable mental disorders and associated factors among male Norwegian soldiers at a mean of 4 years following deployment to Afghanistan in 2001–2011.

Methods: The retrospective questionnaire-based study invited all Norwegian veterans deployed to Afghanistan from 2001–2011 to participate. The response rate was 59%, but only the 3403 men (47.5%) who completed all items of the four different screening instruments were used to define cases with mental health problems were included. Independent variables covered deployment and post-deployment issues.

Results: The prevalence of subjects with mental health problems was 5.1% (95% CI?=?4.4–5.9%) of the sample. Among deployment-related factors, physical and mental problems during deployment were most strongly associated with mental health problems after deployment. Among post-deployment factors high neuroticism and limitations in work, social, and family functions showed the strongest associations. In multivariable analysis, younger age at first deployment (OR?=?0.95), neuroticism (OR?=?6.40), increased current alcohol intake (OR?=?3.08), impaired family function (OR?=?1.91), more sleep problems (OR =1.13), and increased negative civilian life events (OR?=?1.39) remained significantly associated with probable mental disorders.

Conclusions: Among male Norwegian veterans from Afghanistan, the prevalence of mental health problems was low, and mainly associated with post-deployment factors. Veterans complaining of mental symptoms should be diagnosed, treated, and examined for other problems of life.     

Somatic symptoms in adolescence as a predictor of severe mental illness in adulthood: a long-term community-based follow-up study

Background

Somatic symptoms are common and costly for society and correlate with suffering and low functioning. Nevertheless, little is known about the long-term implications of somatic symptoms. The objective of this study was to assess if somatic symptoms in adolescents with depression and in their matched controls predict severe mental illness in adulthood by investigating the use of hospital-based care consequent to different mental disorders.

Methods

The entire school population of 16–17-year-olds in the city of Uppsala, Sweden, was screened for depression in 1991–1993 (n?=?2300). Adolescents with positive screenings (n?=?307) and matched non-depressed controls (n?=?302) participated in a semi-structured diagnostic interview for mental disorders. In addition, 21 different self-rated somatic symptoms were assessed. The adolescents with depression and the matched non-depressed controls were engaged in follow-up through the National Patient Register 17–19 years after the baseline study (n?=?375). The outcome measures covered hospital-based mental health care for different mental disorders according to ICD-10 criteria between the participants’ ages of 18 and 35 years.

Results

Somatic symptoms were associated with an increased risk of later hospital-based mental health care in general in a dose–response relationship when adjusting for sex, adolescent depression, and adolescent anxiety (1 symptom: OR?=?1.63, CI 0.55–4.85; 2–4 symptoms: OR?=?2.77, 95% CI 1.04–7.39;?≥?5 symptoms: OR?=?5.75, 95% CI 1.98–16.72). With regards to specific diagnoses, somatic symptoms predicted hospital-based care for mood disorders when adjusting for sex, adolescent depression, and adolescent anxiety (p?<?0.05). In adolescents with depression, somatic symptoms predicted later hospital-based mental health care in a dose–response relationship (p?<?0.01). In adolescents without depression, reporting at least one somatic symptom predicted later hospital-based mental health care (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Somatic symptoms in adolescence predicted severe adult mental illness as measured by hospital-based care also when controlled for important confounders. The results suggest that adolescents with somatic symptoms need early treatment and extended follow-up to treat these specific symptoms, regardless of co-occurring depression and anxiety.