The Cost and consequences of child maltreatment NSPCC
Filed under: Child Protection | Tagged: children | Comments Off
Think child, think parent, think family: final evaluation report
Posted on April 9, 2012 by carmelsmith
Think child, think parent, think family: final evaluation report
The mental health and wellbeing of children and adults in families where a parent has a mental health problem are closely linked. This is the final evaluation report of the ‘Think child, think parent, think family’ project conducted by SCIE, documenting the progress made by the sites involved, and making recommendations for future activity.
Filed under: Child Protection, CMHN | Tagged: children | Comments Off
Self-Harm & Forensic – There is a significant need for nursing staff working with young people who self-harm to have access to relevant educational programmes. A focus on harm minimization ..
Posted on January 18, 2012 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Exploring the antipathy of nursing staff who work within secure healthcare facilities across the United Kingdom to young people who self-harm, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2012, 68(1), pp. 147–158
Tommy Dickinson and Margaret Hurley
Tommy Dickinson MSc BSc (Hons) RN Senior Lecturer in Mental Health School of Nursing and Caring Sciences, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
Margaret Hurley PhD Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics School of Health The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
Abstract:
Aims. This paper is a report of a study that compared relevant attitudinal dimensions of Registered Nurses and nursing aides working within a Young Offenders’ Institute and two young people’s forensic units in the United Kingdom towards young people in their care who self-harm.
Background. Nurses caring for young people within secure environments may engage at some point with patients who harm themselves. These staff often experience strong negative emotional reactions which can lead to antipathy and alienation.
Methods. Forty seven Registered Nurses and 22 nursing aides completed the Self-Harm Antipathy Scale, which consists of 30 attitudinal self-report items. The data were collected between June 2008 and December 2008, and analysed using spss version 17.
Results. Results displayed that age per se, length of service with self-harming clients, and whether the participant was a Registered Nurse or nursing aide, and number of self-harming clients worked with did not influence the Self-Harm Antipathy Scale score or any of its component sub-scores. However, field of nursing the nurse was registered under, previous study of self-harm, year first registered and gender showed significant effects.
Conclusions. Given that responses reflect a degree of both empathy and apathy it seems that there is a need to promote greater therapeutic alliances and communication; for example, the use of positive regard to help reduce the incidence of labelling and the negative effects this has upon relationships. There is a significant need for nursing staff working with young people who self-harm to have access to relevant educational programmes. A focus on harm minimization could be key areas for further development.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: Forensic Mental Healthcare, prisons, Self Harm, Self Harm Men | Tagged: adolescents, attitudes, children, forensic, forensic nursing, harm minimization, nurses, offenders, prison nursing, secure, Self Harm, self injury, Self-Harm Antipathy Scale | Comments Off
Innovation in Practice – The Helping Families Programme: a new parenting intervention for children with severe and persistent conduct problems
Posted on October 13, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
The Helping Families Programme: a new parenting intervention for children with severe and persistent conduct problems , Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2011, 16 (3) pp 167–171
Crispin Day, Sascha Kowalenko, Megan Ellis, Sharon Dawe, Paul Harnett and Stephen Scott
National Academy for Parenting Research, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Abstract:
Background: Severe and persistent conduct problems in children during the primary school years are associated with school exclusion, increased risk of delinquency and early substance abuse.
Method: Literature reviews and consultation with experts in the field were used to better understand the factors that contribute to severe and persistent conduct problems and to identify the principles and potential methods to be included in a new intervention.
Results: Grounded in an ecological perspective, an innovative, multimodal intervention, the Helping Families Programme, has been developed. It uses a modular approach to systematically address parent behaviour, cognition and emotion across five key risk factor domains: parental mood and dysregulation; parent-child, family and school relationships; substance misuse; social support and networks; and managing life events and crises.
Conclusion: Initial piloting of the Programme has offered early support for the potential value of the underlying principles and methods of the Programme.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, Family, family therapy, Innovation | Tagged: CAMHS, children, conduct disorder, family therapy, innovation, intervention, parenting, school | Comments Off
Self-harm in children and young people handbook – Free to Download
Posted on September 27, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Self-harm in children and young people handbook , March 2011, Barry Nixon, Child & Maternal Health Observatory
Click on the title above to access the handbook, free to download
Abstract:
This handbook is designed to provide basic knowledge and awareness of the facts and issues behind self-harm in children and young people, with advice about ways staff in children’s services can respond.
Lancashire Care staff can either click on the link or email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, patient information, Self Harm, Self Harm Men | Tagged: awareness, CAMHS, children, guidance, guide, handbook, information, patient information, resources, Self Harm, young people | Comments Off
Alcohol – Embracing alcohol, domestic abuse and families: a new approach
Posted on September 7, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Embracing alcohol, domestic abuse and families: a new approach , May 2011, Alcohol Concern
Click on the title above to access the full-text of this report
Embrace Knowledge Sets on the following:
Aims to provide the alcohol and related fields with basic information that they will need in order to develop more family-focused services that take account of domestic abuse.
Abstract:
This ‘end of project’ report gives an overview of the Embrace project – in particular, the experiences of the pilot sites as the Embrace team trained and guided them in developing the Embrace model. It also offers insight and guiance for alcohol services considering the idea of implementing the Embrace model within their own organisation.
The report can assist alcohol services in assessing what additional training their staff might need and what changes are required to prepare them to safely screen and risk assess for parental alcohol misuse, domestic abuse and its impact on children and families. It also highlights the challenges and barriers the pilot sites experienced during the process and how these challenges can be turned into learning and pointers for further development.
Lancashire Care staff can either click on the link above or email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: abuse, alcohol, Best Practice, Commissioning | Tagged: abuse, alcohol, carers, children, domestic violence, embrace model, evidence-based practice, family focused, parents, resources | Comments Off
NICE Quality Standard – Alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use quality standard
Posted on September 3, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use quality standard , August 2011, NICE
Click on the title above to access the full-text of this guidance
Abstract:
Alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use are associated with increased risk of physical and mental health comorbidities including gastrointestinal disorders (in particular liver disease), neurological and cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety disorders and ultimately, premature death. It is estimated that 24% of people aged between 16 and 65 in England consume alcohol in a way that is potentially or actually harmful to their health or well-being. Depending on the diagnostic criteria used, alcohol dependence affects between 3% and 6% of people1. Brief interventions can be effective in reducing drinking in hazardous and harmful drinkers, but people with alcohol dependence and some harmful drinkers will require more specialist alcohol services. Alcohol misuse is also an increasing problem in children and young people, with over 24,000 treated in the NHS for alcohol-related problems in 2008 and 2009. Current practice across the country is varied and access to a range of specialist alcohol services varies as a consequence. This quality standard describes markers of high-quality, cost-effective care that, when delivered collectively, should contribute to improving the effectiveness, safety and experience of care for harmful drinkers and people with alcohol dependence.
Lancashire Care staff can either click on the link above or email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: alcohol, NICE Guidelines | Tagged: adults, alcohol, children, evidence-based practice, guidelines, nice, quality standards | Comments Off
Healing through story telling: an integrated approach for children experiencing grief and loss.
Posted on August 20, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Healing through story telling: an integrated approach for children experiencing grief and loss, New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2010 Sep; 57 (2): 66-71
Scaletti R ; Hocking C
Abstract:
Stories convey complex meanings and facilitate understanding of human experience. This article presents a focused story telling approach to elicit, develop and share children’s stories of grief and loss. Using an illustrative case study, it describes an integrated therapeutic approach based in familiar childhood occupations of constructing scenes using sand and objects, interacting with peers, and working with a therapist to write and illustrate the child’s own story. The approach draws on the first author’s many years of clinical experience and international evidence of the therapeutic power of narrative approaches, sand tray therapy and bereavement groups for children.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: art therapy, CAMHS | Tagged: art therapy, bereavement, CAMHS, children, grief, loss, therapeutic, Therapy | Comments Off
Family-based cognitive behaviour therapy – for Child Anxiety
Posted on June 19, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Family Treatment of Child Anxiety: Outcomes, Limitations and Future Directions, Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2007, Volume 10, Number 3, 232-252
Cathy Creswell & Sam Cartwright-Hatton
School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick St, Manchester, UK M13 9PL
Abstract:
Anxiety of childhood is a common and serious condition. The past decade has seen an increase in treatment-focussed research, with recent trials tending to give greater attention to parents in the treatment process. This review examines the efficacy of family-based cognitive behaviour therapy and attempts to delineate some of the factors that might have an impact on its efficacy. The choice and timing of outcome measure, age and gender of the child, level of parental anxiety, severity and type of child anxiety and treatment format and content are scrutinised. The main conclusions are necessarily tentative, but it seems likely that Family Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (FCBT) is superior to no treatment, and, for some outcome measures, also superior to Child Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CCBT). Where FCBT is successful, the results are consistently maintained at follow-up. It appears that where a parent is anxious, and this is not addressed, outcomes are less good. However, for children of anxious parents, FCBT is probably more effective than CCBT. What is most clear is that large, well-designed studies, examining these factors alone and in combination, are now needed.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: Anxiety Disorder, CBT Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Family, family therapy | Tagged: anxiety, anxiety - review - treatment - children - adolescents - family, CAMHS, cbt, children, family based cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy | Comments Off
CBT for Youth with Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions
Posted on May 12, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Youth with Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Volume 20, Issue 2 , Pages 287-304, April 2011
Phillips KA, Rogers J
Abstract:
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) usually begins during early adolescence and appears to be common in youth. BDD is characterized by substantial impairment in psychosocial functioning and high rates of suicidality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to BDD is the best tested and most promising psychosocial treatment for adults. CBT has been used for youth with BDD, but has not been systematically developed for or tested in youth. This article focuses on CBT for BDD in adults and youth; possible adaptations and the need for treatment research in youth; and prevalence, clinical features, diagnosis, recommended pharmacotherapy, and treatments that are not recommended.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: Body dysmorphic disorder, CAMHS, CBT Cognitive Behaviour Therapy | Tagged: adolescents, bdd, body dysmorphic disorder, CAMHS, cbt, children, Therapy, treatment | Comments Off
Use of the Breakthrough Series Collaborative to Support Broad and Sustained Use of Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment for Children in Community Practice Settings
Posted on April 27, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Use of the Breakthrough Series Collaborative to Support Broad and Sustained Use of Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment for Children in Community Practice Settings, Administration Policy Mental Health, early view, 2011
Abstract:
Empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress reactions in children are not widely available. This observational study evaluates the feasibility and utility of adapting the Institute for Healthcare’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC) to support the broad implementation and sustained use of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in community practice settings. Study findings indicated that agency staff in diverse roles viewed the BSC methodology as a valuable and practicable approach for facilitating skillful delivery of TF-CBT with fidelity. Use of TF-CBT increased over the course of the collaborative and findings from a survey conducted one year later indicated that participating agencies were able to sustain and spread the practice.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, CBT Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, PTSD, Therapy, trauma | Tagged: CAMHS, cbt, children, community, evidence based, postraumatic stress, PTSD, Therapy, trauma, Trauma – Evidence-based treatment – Implementation – Quality collaboratives | Comments Off
Telepsychiatry for Children and Adolescents
Posted on March 16, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Telepsychiatry for Children and Adolescents, Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 2011, Volume 49, Issue 2: 19-22
Abstract:
The shortage and inadequate distribution of psychiatric care providers decreases access to mental health care for children and adolescents. One solution to the shortage is telepsychiatry. Studies of telepsychiatry show that it is effective and well received by both clinicians and patients. Despite its obvious benefits, challenges to the use of telepsychiatry remain.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS | Tagged: adolesents, CAMHS, children, psychiatry, telepsychiatry | Comments Off
Prevalence of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents with ADHD
Posted on March 6, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Amani Hassan, Sharifah Shameem Agha, Kate Langley, and Anita Thapar
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Network, Cwm Taf Health Board, and Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychological Medicine and Neurology, Cardiff University
Background
Some research suggests that children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher than expected risk of bipolar affective disorder. No study has examined the prevalence of bipolar disorder in a UK sample of children with ADHD.
Aims
To examine the prevalence of bipolar disorder in children diagnosed with ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder.
Method
Psychopathology symptoms and diagnoses of bipolar disorder were assessed in 200 young people with ADHD (170 male, 30 female; age 6–18 years, mean 11.15, s.d. = 2.95). Rates of current bipolar disorder symptoms and diagnoses are reported. A family history of bipolar disorder in parents and siblings was also recorded.
Results
Only one child, a 9-year-old boy, met diagnostic criteria for both ICD–10 hypomania and DSM–IV bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.
Conclusions
In a UK sample of children with ADHD a current diagnosis of bipolar disorder was uncommon.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: adhd, bipolar, CAMHS | Tagged: adhd, bipolar, CAMHS, children, study, uk | Comments Off
DBT – A Preliminary Study of an Extension of a Community Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme to Adolescents in the Looked After Care System
Posted on February 14, 2011 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
A Preliminary Study of an Extension of a Community Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme to Adolescents in the Looked After Care System, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Volume 16, Issue 1, February 2011, Pages: 9–13
Ciorsdan Anderson and Kielly Alfoadari
Highfield Adolescent Unit, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
Background: Adolescents in the Looked After Care (LAC) system demonstrate high rates of psychiatric disorder and self-harm; however, there is little evidence for therapies reducing self-harm in this population.
Method: An open evaluation of DBT for adolescents with repeated serious self-harm in the LAC system was undertaken.
Results: An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed that DBT was successful at reducing the core elements of depression, hopelessness and self-harm; however, 35% (7/20) failed to engage.
Conclusion: DBT is a useful treatment option; the failure, however, of some adolescents to engage in therapy may be due to their higher initial rates of depression and hopelessness.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, dialectical behaviour therapy | Tagged: CAMHS, children, Dialetic behavioural therapy (DBT);adolescence;Looked After Care system (LAC), mental health | Comments Off
Swept under the carpet: children affected by parental alcohol misuse
Posted on December 5, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Swept under the carpet: children affected by parental alcohol misuse, 2010
Click on the title above to access the full-text of this report
Abstract:
This report by Alcohol Concern and The Children’s Society highlights the significant impact on children of parental alcohol misuse.
Highlighting research showing that an estimated 2.6 million children live with a parent whose drinking puts them at risk of neglect, and 705,000 live with a dependent drinker, the two charities argue for a national inquiry into the scale of harm and impact on society and for improved resources to protect children.
The report also calls for mandatory social work training in response to research showing that, despite factoring in more than 50 percent of their case loads, most social workers receive little or no training on alcohol misuse issues.
Including results from a new survey commissioned by Alcohol Concern and The Children’s Society, the report outlines high levels of public concern over harmful drinking among parents. With more than 100 children as young as five contacting ChildLine every week with worries about their parents drinking and 78% of young offenders who misuse alcohol found to have grown up in homes with parental alcohol abuse and domestic abuse, this is an issue to be addressed with some urgency.
Lancashire Care staff can either click on the link above or email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: alcohol, dual diagnosis | Tagged: alcohol, children, drinking, dual diagnosis, harmful drinking, impact, parents | Comments Off
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in a Cohort of Sexually Abused Children
Posted on November 3, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Context The evidence for an association between child sexual abuse and subsequently developing psychotic disorders, including the schizophrenias, remains inconclusive.
Objective To explore whether child sexual abuse is a risk factor for later psychotic disorders.
Design Case-control study.
Setting Sample drawn from all notified cases of child sexual abuse over a 30-year period in Victoria, Australia.
Participants A cohort of 2759 individuals ascertained as having been sexually abused when younger than 16 years had their subsequent contacts with mental health services established by data linkage. They were compared with a community-based control group matched on sex and age groupings whose rates of disorder were established using identical methods.
Main Outcome Measures Rates of psychotic and schizophrenic illnesses.
Results Rates were significantly higher among child sexual abuse subjects compared with controls for psychosis in general (2.8% vs 1.4%; odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-3.1; P < .001) and schizophrenic disorders in particular (1.9% vs 0.7%; odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-4.4; P < .001). Those exposed to penetrative abuse had even higher rates of psychosis (3.4%) and schizophrenia (2.4%). Abuse without penetration was not associated with significant increases in psychosis or schizophrenia. The risks were highest for those whose abuse involved penetration, occurred after age 12 years, and involved more than 1 perpetrator, the combination producing rates of 8.6% for schizophrenia and 17.2% for psychosis.
Conclusions Child sexual abuse involving penetration is a risk factor for developing psychotic and schizophrenic syndromes. The risk is greater for adolescents subjected to penetration. Irrespective of whether this statistical association reflects any causal link, it does identify an at-risk population in need of ongoing support and treatment.
Filed under: Schizophrenia, sex offenders, sexual abuse | Tagged: association, children, psychotic disorders, Schizophrenia, sexual abuse | Comments Off
Long-term outcomes of obsessive–compulsive disorder: follow-up of 142 children and adolescents
Posted on August 8, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Long-term outcomes of obsessive–compulsive disorder: follow-up of 142 children and adolescents, The British Journal of Psychiatry (2010) 197: 128-134
N. Micali, MD, MRCPsych, PhD
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
Abstract:
Background
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) often starts in childhood and adolescence and can be a chronic disorder with high persistence rates. There are few prospective long-term follow-up studies.
Aims
To follow up young people with OCD to clarify persistence rates and relevant predictors, presence of other psychiatric disorders, functional impairment, service utilisation and perceived treatment needs.
Method
All young people with OCD assessed over 9 years at the National and Specialist Paediatric OCD clinic, Maudsley Hospital, London, were included. Sixty-one per cent (142 of 222) of all contactable young people and parents completed computerised diagnostic interviews and questionnaires.
Results
We found a persistence rate of OCD of 41%; 40% of participants had a psychiatric diagnosis other than OCD at follow-up. The main predictor for persistent OCD was duration of illness at assessment. High levels of baseline psychopathology predicted other psychiatric disorders at follow-up. Functional impairment and quality of life were mildly to moderately affected. Approximately 50% of participants were still receiving treatment and about 50% felt a need for further treatment.
Conclusions
This study confirms that paediatric OCD can be a chronic condition that persists into adulthood. Early recognition and treatment might prevent chronicity. Important challenges for services are ensuring adequate treatment and a smooth transition from child to adult services.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, OCD | Tagged: CAMHS, children, OCD | Comments Off
A Preliminary Study of an Extension of a Community Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme to Adolescents in the Looked After Care System
Posted on July 15, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
A Preliminary Study of an Extension of a Community Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme to Adolescents in the Looked After Care System, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2010
Anthony C. James, Louise Winmill, Ciorsdan Anderson, Kielly Alfoadari
Highfield Adolescent Unit, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
Abstract:
Background: Adolescents in the Looked After Care (LAC) system demonstrate high rates of psychiatric disorder and self-harm; however, there is little evidence for therapies reducing self-harm in this population.
Method: An open evaluation of DBT for adolescents with repeated serious self-harm in the LAC system was undertaken.
Results: An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed that DBT was successful at reducing the core elements of depression, hopelessness and self-harm; however, 35% (7/20) failed to engage.
Conclusion: DBT is a useful treatment option; the failure, however, of some adolescents to engage in therapy may be due to their higher initial rates of depression and hopelessness.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, depression, dialectical behaviour therapy, Self Harm | Tagged: CAMHS, children, dbt, depression, lac, loneliness, looked after care system, Self Harm | Comments Off
Recent Research on Food Additives: Implications for CAMH
Posted on May 27, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Recent Research on Food Additives: Implications for CAMH, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, early view, 2010
Jim Stevenson
School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
Abstract:
The question of the possible role of food additives, and specifically food colours, in elevating hyperactive behaviour in children has been long debated. There is now replicated evidence that the removal of food colours from the diet can make a small improvement in the behaviour of some children with ADHD. However, as yet the characteristics of those who benefit from this dietary change are unknown. Two studies from a research group at Southampton have extended this work to show that some children from the general population without ADHD show a similar benefit. The implications of these findings for those in CAMH services are discussed. They are considered alongside other forms of dietary treatment for ADHD such as the use of ‘few foods’ diet and omega-3 fatty acids.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: adhd, CAMHS | Tagged: adhd, CAMHS, children, diet, food, food additives, hyperactivity, mental health, young people | Comments Off
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Education: Promoting Family Mindfulness During the Perinatal Period.
Posted on April 22, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Education: Promoting Family Mindfulness During the Perinatal Period, Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2010 April; 19(2): 190–202.
Click on the paper title above to access the full-text
Abstract:
We present the conceptual and empirical foundation and curriculum content of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) program and the results of a pilot study of n = 27 pregnant women participating in MBCP during their third trimester of pregnancy. MBCP is a formal adaptation of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program and was developed and refined over the course of 11 years of clinical practice with 59 groups of expectant couples. MBCP is designed to promote family health and well-being through the practice of mindfulness during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. Quantitative results from the current study include statistically significant increases in mindfulness and positive affect, and decreases in pregnancy anxiety, depression, and negative affect from pre- to post-test (p < .05). Effect sizes for changes in key hypothesized intervention mediators were large (d > .70), suggesting that MBCP is achieving its intended effects on maternal well-being during pregnancy. Qualitative reports from participants expand upon the quantitative findings, with the majority of participants reporting perceived benefits of using mindfulness practices during the perinatal period and early parenting. Our future research will involve conducting a randomized controlled trial of MBCP to test effects on psychophysiological stress mechanisms and to examine effects on birth outcomes, family relationship quality, and child development outcomes.
Lancashire Care staff can either click on the link above, or email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: mindfulness, Perinatal | Tagged: children, families, mbcp, mindfulness, Perinatal, stress | Comments Off
Mindfulness & Children – A Pilot Study Examining the Effect of Mindfulness on Depression and Anxiety for Minority Children
Posted on April 17, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
A Pilot Study Examining the Effect of Mindfulness on Depression and Anxiety for Minority Children, Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Volume 24, Issue 1, February 2010, Pages 69-71Patricia Liehr, Naelys Diaz
Abstract:
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY are the most common mental health problems affecting children today (Farrell & Barrett, 2007). Research has documented an association among anxiety, depression, and psychosocial impairments including immaturity, inattention, concentration problems, academic difficulties, poor peer relations, low self-esteem, and low social competence ([Ialongo et al., 1994], [Kashani and Orvaschel, 1990], [Kendall et al., 1989] and [Strauss et al., 1987]).
Mindfulness-based stress reduction was introduced by Jon Kabat-Zinn (1990) nearly two decades ago. The goal of persons who engage in mindfulness is awareness in the present moment with full attention to experiencing what is happening now (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). The primary mechanism is self-management of attention (Semple, Reid, & Miller, 2005). Segal et al., 2002 Z.V. Segal, J.M.G. Williams and J.D. Teasdale, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression, Guilford, New York (2002).Segal, Williams, and Teasdale (2002) have taken mindfulness principles and merged them with cognitive therapy to successfully treat depression in adults. However, there is scant research addressing mindfulness in children (Burke, 2009). Some existing research focuses on anxiety ([Napoli et al., 2005], [Saltzman and Goldin, 2008] and [Semple et al., 2005]). Only one study focuses on depression and anxiety (Lee, Semple, Rosa, & Miller, 2008). These researchers reported no change in depression or anxiety for 25 children who came from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Methodological limitations included lack of a comparison/control group and use of depression and anxiety measures appropriate for clinical samples even though their participants were nonclinical (Burke, 2009). Thus, the purposes of this pilot study were to address these limitations and to test the effect of mindfulness on depression and anxiety for minority children. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were examined.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: Anxiety Disorder, CAMHS, depression, mindfulness | Tagged: anxiety, CAMHS, children, depression, mindfulness, Therapy | Comments Off
‘Living upside down’: being a young carer of a parent with mental illness
Posted on April 10, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
‘Living upside down’: being a young carer of a parent with mental illness, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2010) 16: 141-146
Alan Cooklin is a consultant in family psychiatry at Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, and an honorary senior lecturer at University College London, UK.
Abstract:
Most children and young people who have a parent with mental illness will not think of themselves as carers. They may think of themselves as surviving, as lonely and isolated, and of suffering all the common experiences listed in this article. Many parents with mental illness will not acknowledge that their child has become their carer rather than the converse. So many children and young people may be left vulnerable to sometimes extremely damaging and distressing situations but without a role that recognises their contribution or even commands appropriate respect. There is a danger that simply defining these children and young people as ‘young carers’ may provide a cloak of acceptability for allowing quite intolerable demands to be made on them. However, young carers do have some level of support in the UK in the form of young carers’ groups. So, with the above provisos, that is the focus of this article.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: carers | Tagged: carers, children, mental illness, siblings, support, young people | Comments Off
The Assessment of Executive Functioning in Children
Posted on April 5, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
The Assessment of Executive Functioning in Children, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, May 2010, Volume 15 Issue 2, Pages 110 - 119
Lucy A. Henry, Caroline Bettenay
Department of Psychology, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA
Abstract:
Background: Executive functioning is increasingly seen as incorporating several component sub-skills and clinical assessments should reflect this complexity.
Method: Tools for assessing executive functioning in children are reviewed within five key areas, across verbal and visuospatial abilities, with emphasis on batteries of tests.
Results: There are many appropriate tests for children, although the choice is more limited for those under the age of 8 years.
Conclusions: Whilst there are several batteries of executive functioning suitable for children, clinicians may prefer to cherry-pick from a broader range of measures that assess specific components of executive functioning.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, executive functioning | Tagged: assessment, CAMHS, children, executive functioning | Comments Off
The Cochrane library and the treatment of major depression in children and youth: an overview of reviews
Posted on March 15, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
The Cochrane library and the treatment of major depression in children and youth: an overview of reviews, Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal, Volume 4, Issue 4, Date: December 2009, Pages: 1336-1350
Suzanne Zinck, Alexa Bagnell, Kenneth Bond, Amanda S. Newton
Click on the title above to gain direct full-text access
Abstract:
| Background |
| Major depression (MDD) in children and adolescents is a mood disorder that has up to 25% lifetime prevalence by the end of adolescence. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are recommended to reduce symptoms, increase psychosocial functioning, and prevent relapse. Traditionally, decisions for these treatments were made based on reported effects for adults, but a body of pediatric-based evidence is now emerging to inform treatment decisions. |
| Objectives |
To synthesize the evidence currently in the Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) related to the question:  In children and youth with diagnosed major depression, do pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic treatments improve symptom response, response rates, functional capacity, adherence and persistence, and decrease cost and adverse events? . |
| Methods |
CDSR was searched using the term depression in the title for all systematic reviews examining pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for the treatment of depression in children  18 years. Data were extracted and entered into tables; data were synthesized using qualitative and quantitative methods. |
| Main Results |
| Of the studies included in the CDSR, there was no significant improvement in treatment outcomes in depressed children and adolescents treated with pharmacological (tricyclic antidepressant [TCA] or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]) or nonpharmacological (exercise) interventions. |
| Author’s Conclusions |
| Although this overview indicates no clear evidence for pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for treatment of depression in this age group, the CDSR does not include several recent research publications in this area that demonstrate beneficial effects of treatment. In context of existing research there may be a moderate effect of SSRI in moderate to severe depression in children and youth. Best practice recommendations are consideration of treatment with SSRI (fluoxetine first line) in moderate to severe depression with close monitoring and weighing risk/benefit profile based on individual assessment. Psychotherapeutic interventions not in this overview, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), have some evidence of effectiveness in mild to moderate depression. Although exercise remains an important part of healthy living, there is no evidence to support its use in treatment of depression in children and adolescents. This overview in the context of recent research indicates the need for ongoing study in this important area of child and youth mental health. |
Lancashire Care staff can either click on the link above or email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: bipolar, CAMHS, cochrane, depression | Tagged: CAMHS, children, cochrane, depression, evidence based, major depression | Comments Off
Teachers’ Recognition of Children’s Mental Health Problems
Posted on March 15, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Teachers’ Recognition of Children’s Mental Health Problems, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2010
Maria E. Loades, Kiki Mastroyannopoulou
School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, Faculty of Health, University of East Anglia, Elizabeth Fry Building, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
Abstract:
Background: Teachers have a significant role to play in identifying children with mental health problems. However, teachers’ perceptions of children’s mental health problems are relatively unexplored.
Method: Primary school teachers (N = 113) completed a questionnaire, composed of vignettes describing children with symptoms of a common emotional disorder and a common behavioural disorder, following which they were asked a number of questions regarding problem recognition and help-seeking.
Results: Teachers were able to recognise the existence of a problem and rate its severity. They were significantly more concerned about a vignette of a child with symptoms of a behavioural disorder than an emotional disorder. The gender of the child was found to independently predict teachers’ accurately recognising when a child had a problem.
Conclusion: Teachers are good at recognising whether a child presents with a problem. However, their problem recognition is affected by both the gender of the child and the type of symptomatology being displayed (emotional versus behavioural).
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS | Tagged: CAMHS, children, early, identification, mental health, perceptions, role, teachers | Comments Off
The Assessment of Executive Functioning in Children
Posted on March 14, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
The Assessment of Executive Functioning in Children, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2010
Lucy A. Henry, Caroline Bettenay
Department of Psychology, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA
Abstract:
Background: Executive functioning is increasingly seen as incorporating several component sub-skills and clinical assessments should reflect this complexity.
Method: Tools for assessing executive functioning in children are reviewed within five key areas, across verbal and visuospatial abilities, with emphasis on batteries of tests.
Results: There are many appropriate tests for children, although the choice is more limited for those under the age of 8 years.
Conclusions: Whilst there are several batteries of executive functioning suitable for children, clinicians may prefer to cherry-pick from a broader range of measures that assess specific components of executive functioning.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS | Tagged: assessment, CAMHS, children, executive functioning | Comments Off
Bipolar risk greater for bright children
Posted on March 4, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Bipolar risk greater for bright children NHS Choices – Behind the Headlines , Feb.2010
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Abstract:
“You don’t have to be bipolar to be a genius – but it helps,” according to The Independent. The newspaper said that a Swedish study of over 700,000 adults found that those who scored top grades at school were “four times more likely to develop bipolar disorder than those with average grades”.
This study had strengths, including its large size, good sample selection methods and use of standardised data from national school exams. However, there were some limitations, including the fact that the researchers could not adjust for the influence of some factors that could have affected results, such as family history of bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression). This means it is possible that some other factors might be behind the link seen.
Although this study suggested that those who achieved the highest grades may be at an increased risk of bipolar disorder later in life, it is important to remember that bipolar disorder is rare, even among high achievers.
Where did the story come from?
Dr James H MacCabe and colleagues from King’s College London and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden carried out this research. The study was funded by the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research, and the lead author was supported by the UK Department of Health and the Medical Research Council. The study was published in the peer-reviewed British Journal of Psychiatry.
MacCabe JH, Lambe MP, Cnattingius S et al. Excellent school performance at age 16 and risk of adult bipolar disorder: national cohort study. The British Journal of Psychiatry 2010 196:109–115.
Lancashire Care staff can request the articles full-text, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: bipolar, CAMHS, depression | Tagged: adolescents, bipolar, children, depression | Comments Off
Nursing Care of Families With Parents Who Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender,
Posted on February 22, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Nursing Care of Families With Parents Who Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender, Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. Feb 2010. Vol. 23, Iss. 1; p. 11 (6 pages)
Scott Weber –
Abstract:
Families in which parents are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are more diverse than they are similar. The numbers of parents and children in these families appear to be increasing with implications for nurses and other clinicians. This paper reviews the current literature to determine the fundamental issues facing alternate families that include sexual minority parents and their children. It also explores the unique nursing needs of families with gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual parents in the field, which are critically examined for direct relevance to psychiatric nursing practice. Current theoretical and research literature in nursing, child development, family law, and healthcare professional journals. Despite a relative lack of pathology noted in the literature related to families with sexual minority parents, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can incorporate current knowledge of unique child developmental, parenting, and legal issues into their work with these families. Assessments and interventions that address the unique needs of these families may help parents and children to deal with social stress from being perceived as “different” by other children, or as “problematic and threatening” by other parents.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CAMHS, LGB, Transgender | Tagged: bisexual, CAMHS, child developement, children, gay, lgbt, nursing needs, parenting, parents, sexual minority parents, Transgender | Comments Off
Nursing Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder: Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
Posted on February 22, 2010 by lancashirecarelibraryblog
Nursing Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder: Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management, Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, Feb 2009. Vol. 22, Iss. 1; p. 33 (7 pages)
Tim McDougall – ENB Specialist Practitioner (Mental Health), is Nurse Consultant (Tier 4 CAMHS) and Lead Nurse (Specialist CAMHS), Cheshire & Wirral Foundation NHS Trust, Cheshire, UK.
Abstract:
The role of the mental health nurse in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder in community and hospital settings. In many areas of clinical practice, mental health nurses have more contact with service users than any other professional group. They are therefore well placed to support children and adolescents with bipolar disorder during first contact with primary care services, through engagement with specialist mental health services, and in accessing early intervention and crisis services. This paper summarizes the contribution that child and adolescent mental health nurses make to the care of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. This paper is based on evidence from systematic reviews; meta-analyses and best practice evidence from CINAHL; EMBASE; MEDLINE, PsychINFO; Cochrane Collaboration; National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health; NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine; United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Child and adolescent mental health nurses work with children and adolescents who have bipolar disorder in a range of settings. These include community mental health services, hospitals, and schools. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the treatment and management of bipolar disorder during childhood and adolescence, nurses have a major role to play in providing frontline assessment services, monitoring treatment, and delivering psychosocial interventions.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: bipolar, CAMHS, depression | Tagged: assessment, bipolar, CAMHS, children, community, depression, diagnosis, management, nursing, teenagers, treatment | Comments Off
