ORCID Profile
0000-0002-7974-3434
Current Organisation
Telethon Kids Institute
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-08-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADOLESCENCE.2014.08.001
Abstract: Evidence suggests that poor mental health literacy is a key barrier to help‐seeking for mental health difficulties in adolescence. Educational programs have shown positive effects on literacy, however, the evidence base remains limited and available studies have many methodological limitations. Using cluster Randomised Control Trial (RCT) methodology, the current study examines the impact of ‘HeadStrong’, a school‐based educational intervention, on mental health literacy, stigma, help‐seeking, psychological distress and suicidal ideation. A total of 380 students in 22 classes (clusters) from 10 non‐government secondary schools was randomised to receive either HeadStrong or Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) classes. Participants were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention, and at 6‐month follow‐up. Literacy improved and stigma reduced in both groups at post‐intervention and follow‐up, relative to baseline. However, these effects were significantly greater in the HeadStrong condition. The study demonstrates the potential of HeadStrong to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 25-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 07-07-2010
DOI: 10.1017/S1355617710000640
Abstract: It has been suggested that, relative to the other basic emotions, the perception of threat-related emotion is disproportionately impaired in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Yet research has not assessed how schizophrenia-spectrum disorders affect the ability to make direct appraisals of threat. In the present study, participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were compared with controls on two danger rating tasks that involved differentiating between faces and situations normatively judged to be either high or low in threat. It was also assessed whether danger ratings were related to clinical symptoms, as well as performance on an emotion recognition measure that depicted emotions in point-light animation (biological motion). While the two groups did not differ in their ability to differentiate high- from low-danger stimuli, or overall danger attributed to faces, overall danger attributed to situations was greater for the clinical group. The clinical group also showed a selective deficit recognizing fear on the bioemotion task, but only for the control group was recognition of threat-related emotions associated with danger ratings. These data are consistent with other evidence showing that there may be a disconnect between the usual processes used to make inferences regarding potential threat in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. ( JINS , 2010, 16 , 805–812.)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.2044-8260.2010.02001.X
Abstract: OBJECTIVES. Although emotion dysregulation is regarded as a core feature of schizophrenia, the use of specific regulatory strategies remains poorly understood. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the habitual use of suppression, reappraisal, and acceptance in this population. METHODS. Thirty-three in iduals with schizophrenia and 36 matched controls completed self-report measures examining emotion regulation and psychosocial functioning. RESULTS. No group differences were found in terms of use of suppression or reappraisal, but clinical participants reported using less acceptance. Further, greater use of acceptance was associated with better psychosocial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS. Results highlight the potential utility of acceptance-based interventions for comorbid psychopathology in schizophrenia.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 13-09-2023
DOI: 10.2196/44016
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-12-2020
Abstract: SPARX is a form of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy in serious game format funded via the Ministry of Health to be freely available in New Zealand. At registration users identify themselves as male, female, transgender or intersex. We aimed to establish whether adolescent transgender users of SPARX, compared to adolescent male and female users, were more likely to have high mental health needs at baseline and were more likely to complete SPARX. We also sought to determine changes in transgender adolescents’ depressive symptoms after using SPARX. Quantitative analysis of 5 years of usage data from the nation-wide delivery of SPARX in New Zealand. There were 9079 adolescents who completed the registration process and used SPARX, 2.3% ( n = 207) identified as transgender. The majority of transgender registrants (69.0%) completing a baseline Patient Health Questionnaire – modified for Adolescents were categorized as having high mental health needs, significantly more so than male and female registrants ( p 0.001). Over half of all SPARX registrants completed the first module of the program, with subsequently lower proportions of transgender registrants completing Module 4 ( p = 0.005) and Module 7 (i.e. the last module, p = 0.048). Of those registrants completing a baseline and subsequent Patient Health Questionnaire – modified for Adolescents, both male ( n = 247) and female ( n = 630) registrants, on average, had improvements in their scores (2.68 and 3.15, respectively), whereas transgender registrants ( n = 14) did not (−0.43) ( p = 0.048). This is the first study describing the impact of an e-therapy on transgender young people. The analysis of data from this free self-help intervention suggests that transgender adolescents seeking treatment for depression have particularly high mental health needs, and an existing well tested tool may be less effective for them than it is for others. Taken together the results appear to suggest targeted efforts may be required for transgender adolescents.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-11-2022
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-09-2023
DOI: 10.2196/47722
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-01-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-8226-7
Abstract: Chronic medical conditions (CMCs) affect up to 35% of children and adolescents. Youth with chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk of psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life, and report rates of mental illness up to double that of their physically healthy peers. Accessible, evidence-based interventions for young people with chronic illness are urgently required to improve their mental health and daily functioning. Self-compassion involves taking a mindful, accepting approach to difficult experiences, being aware that one is not alone in one’s suffering, and being kind and understanding with oneself during challenging times. Self-compassion shares strong associations with mental health outcomes among young people and preliminary work indicates that interventions that build self-compassion have the potential to substantially improve youth mental health. Self-compassion is also associated with better physical and mental health outcomes among in iduals living with CMCs. While face-to-face self-compassion training is available, there are several barriers to access for youth with CMCs. Online self-compassion training potentially offers an accessible alternative for this high-risk group. Self-Compassion Online (SCO) is a self-compassion program that has been tested with a non-clinical adult group. For the proposed trial, a reference group of youth (16–25 years) with chronic illness reviewed the program and proposed adaptations to improve its suitability for youth with chronic illness. In alignment with the SPIRIT Checklist, this paper outlines the protocol for a CONSORT-compliant, single-blind randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of the adapted program, relative to a waitlist control, for improving self-compassion, wellbeing, distress, emotion regulation, coping and quality of life among young Australians with CMCs. Mechanisms of action and feasibility of SCO will be analysed using quantitative data and participant interviews, respectively. Finally, cost-utility will be analysed using health-related quality of life data. The SCO program could provide a scalable solution for improving psychological outcomes and quality of life among youth with chronic illness. The proposed trial will be the first to determine its efficacy for improving these outcomes, relative to waitlist control. The trial was registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on the 11th April 2019, ACTRN12619000572167 . Protocol version: Version 2, 21 December 2019.
Publisher: UNED - Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia
Date: 15-01-2015
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-04-2023
Abstract: amily carers of youth recovering from early psychosis experience significant stress however, access to effective family interventions is poor. Digital interventions provide a promising solution. ur objective was to evaluate across multiple Australian early psychosis services the effectiveness of a novel online early psychosis intervention for carers. n this cluster RCT conducted across multiple Australian early psychosis services, our digital moderated online social therapy for carers (Altitudes) plus enhanced family treatment as usual (TAU) was compared with TAU alone on the primary outcome of perceived stress and secondary outcomes including mental health symptoms and family variables at 6 months follow-up. 6 caregivers were randomized and data was available for 74 young people in their care. Our primary hypothesis that carers randomized to Altitudes+TAU would report greater improvements in perceived stress at follow-up compared with carers randomized to TAU alone was not supported with the TAU alone group showing more improvement. For secondary outcomes, the TAU alone group showed improved mindfulness over time. Regardless of group assignment, we observed improvements in satisfaction with life, quality of life, emotional over-involvement and burden of care . In contrast, hair cortisol concentration increased. Post hoc analyses revealed more contact with early psychosis services in the intervention group compared to TAU alone and that improvements in perceived stress and social support were associated with use of the intervention in the Altitudes+TAU group. 80% reported a positive experience with Altitudes and 93% would recommend it to others. ur trial did not show a treatment effect for Altitudes in perceived stress. However, our post hoc analysis indicated that amount of use of Altitudes related to improvements in stress and social support. Additional design work is indicated to sustain users’ engagement and to significantly improve outcomes in problem solving, communication, and self-care. CTRN12617000942358
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-09-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-09-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2012.661405
Abstract: Although general emotion coping difficulties are well documented in schizophrenia, there has been limited study of specific regulatory strategies such as suppression, reappraisal, and acceptance. In the present study, clinical and control participants were asked to watch video clips selected to elicit negative affect while engaging in one of these three different emotion regulation strategies (counterbalanced), versus a passive viewing condition. The experiential and expressive components of emotion were quantified using self-report and facial electromyography, respectively. A major finding was that, in contrast to control participants, in iduals with schizophrenia did not report a greater willingness to reexperience negative emotion after engaging in acceptance. These data are discussed in the context of evidence highlighting the potentially important role of acceptance in understanding affective abnormalities in clinical conditions such as schizophrenia.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-08-2022
DOI: 10.3390/YOUTH2030026
Abstract: Many adolescents with erse sexual orientations lead happy and fulfilled lives. However, evidence consistently suggests elevated rates of mental health difficulties in this population relative to heterosexual peers, and internalization of stigma (i.e., self-stigma) is implicated in these elevated rates. This study aimed to understand and describe the lived experience of self-stigma with respect to participants’ sexual orientations. To do this, N = 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 14–18 who are attracted to the same gender, asking about how their stigma experiences affected their views of their sexual orientation, and themselves. A community reference group of young people with erse sexual orientations was also consulted in the development of the study, and interpretation of the themes. Through thematic analysis of the self-stigma data and the consultation process, four themes were developed: (1) stigma is a precursor to self-stigma (2) acceptance is a precursor to self-acceptance (3) contents of self-stigma, characterized by two subthemes: (i) self-shame (comprised of feelings of abnormality, self-disgust and/or being a ‘bad’ person) and (ii) self-invalidation and (4) self-stigma is painful and can be damaging. There is a contrast between the way that internalized homophobia is operationalized, and the way self-stigma was characterized in this study with young people, and conceptualizing and measuring self-stigma may need to be updated. Based on the analysis, we suggest four ways to address self-stigma and its impacts: (1) in idual intervention (2) increasing acceptance in families and communities (3) providing respectful and normalizing sexuality education and information and (4) overcoming community stigma.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
Date: 09-2006
DOI: 10.1192/BJP.BP.105.018150
Abstract: The ability to recognise fear is impaired in people with damage to the amygdala and, interestingly, in adult psychopathy. Here we confirm that deficits in recognising fear exist in children with psychopathic traits. We show for the first time that, as with patients with amygdala damage, this deficit can be temporarily corrected by simply asking them to focus on the eyes of other people. These data support models of psychopathy that emphasise specific dysfunction of the amygdala and suggest an innovative approach for intervening early in the development of psychopathy.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-07-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291723001721
Abstract: Few studies have examined associations between gender non-conformity (GNC) in childhood or adolescence and mental health outcomes later in life. This study examined associations between (1) GNC and mental health over multiple time points in childhood and adolescence, and (2) GNC in childhood and/or adolescence and mental health in adulthood. Second generation participants from the Raine Study, a longitudinal cohort from Perth, Western Australia. Data were collected between 1995 and 2018, comprising seven waves: ages 5 ( N = 2236), 8 ( N = 2140), 10 ( N = 2048), 14 ( N = 1864), 17 ( N = 1726), 22 ( N = 1236) and 27 ( N = 1190) years. History of GNC, v. absence of this history, was based on responses to item 110 from the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL)/Youth Self Report (YSR) (‘wishes to be of opposite sex’). The CBCL/YSR were used to measure internalising and externalising symptoms. Items 18 (‘deliberate self-harm [DSH] or attempts suicide’) and 91 (‘talks/thinks about killing self’) were used as measures of suicidal ideation (SI) and DSH. For adults, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Subscales and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale assessed mental health. Child and adolescent GNC was associated with elevated internalising and externalising behaviours and increased odds of DSH. A history of GNC was also associated with vulnerability for severe psychological distress in adulthood in some symptom scales. GNC over the child and adolescent period is associated with significant emotional and behavioural difficulties, and psychological distress. A history of GNC in childhood and/or adolescence also predicts poorer mental health in adulthood on multiple symptom domains.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 29-09-2021
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291721003883
Abstract: Cognitive and motor dysfunction are hallmark features of the psychosis continuum, and have been detected during late childhood and adolescence in youth who report psychotic experiences (PE). However, previous investigations have not explored infancy and early childhood development. It remains unclear whether such deficits emerge much earlier in life, and whether they are associated with psychotic, specifically hallucinatory, experiences (HE). This study included data from Gen2 participants of The Raine Study ( n = 1101), a population-based longitudinal cohort study in Western Australia. Five areas of childhood development comprising: communication fine motor gross motor adaptive (problem-solving) and personal-social skills, were assessed serially at ages 1, 2 and 3 years. Information on HE, depression and anxiety at ages 10, 14 and 17 years was obtained. HE were further sub ided into those with transient or recurrent experiences. Mixed effects logistic regression models and cumulative risk analyses based on multiple domain delays were performed. Early poorer development in multiple areas was noted from ages 1, 2 and 3 years among youth who reported HE. Early developmental delays significantly increased the risk for later HE. This association was particularly marked in the recurrent HE group, with over 40% having early developmental delays in multiple domains. There was no significant association between early childhood development and later anxiety/depression apart from lower gross motor scores at age 3. The findings suggest that early pan-developmental deficits are associated with later HE, with the effect strongest for young people who report recurrent HE throughout childhood and adolescence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-10-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.CPR.2016.10.005
Abstract: Depression and anxiety often emerge for the first time during youth. The school environment provides an ideal context to deliver prevention programs, with potential to offset the trajectory towards disorder. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of randomised-controlled trials of psychological programs, designed to prevent depression and/or anxiety in children and adolescents delivered in school settings. Medline, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for articles published until February 2015. Eighty-one unique studies comprising 31,794 school students met inclusion criteria. Small effect sizes for both depression (g=0.23) and anxiety (g=0.20) prevention programs immediately post-intervention were detected. Small effects were evident after 12-month follow-up for both depression (g=0.11) and anxiety (g=0.13). Overall, the quality of the included studies was poor, and heterogeneity was moderate. Subgroup analyses suggested that universal depression prevention programs had smaller effect sizes at post-test relative to targeted programs. For anxiety, effect sizes were comparable for universal and targeted programs. There was some evidence that externally-delivered interventions were superior to those delivered by school staff for depression, but not anxiety. Meta-regression confirmed that targeted programs predicted larger effect sizes for the prevention of depression. These results suggest that the refinement of school-based prevention programs have the potential to reduce mental health burden and advance public health outcomes.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-12-2021
Abstract: General Practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the identification and support of young people at risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm however, no studies have explored GPs’ perspectives, approaches, challenges, and resource needs when working with this cohort in an Australian setting. This was a qualitative study where fifteen GPs (Mage = 45.25 years) from multiple clinics in Western Australia took part in semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed thematically. Seven main themes were identified: (1) working with young people has its unique challenges (2) screening and assessment tools can help to manage uncertainty and discomfort (3) going beyond tools–the dialogue and relationship are most important (4) there are limits to what we can offer in the time available (5) the service access and referral pathways lack clarity and coordination (6) the provision of mental health support should not fall on GPs alone and (7) more comprehensive training in suicide and self-harm is needed. The findings highlight a number of opportunities to enhance care and better assist GPs working with young people who present with suicidal behaviour and self-harm, including considerations for conducting assessments, targeted resources such as training, and system and service improvements.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-02-2021
Abstract: SPARX is a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy self-help program for adolescent depression that is freely available in New Zealand. At registration, users identify themselves as either male, female, intersex, or transgender. We aimed to describe the mental health of adolescent intersex users. A secondary analysis of SPARX usage data over 5 years. Of the 8922 adolescents users, 0.6% ( n = 50) identified as intersex. Based on Patient Health Questionnaire 9 – modified for Adolescents (PHQ-A) results, 78.3% of intersex users had high levels of depression and/or self-harm and suicidal ideation. The mean PHQ-A scores for intersex users were significantly higher than for males and females ( p .001). As only three intersex users completed SPARX Level 4 or more (of the seven-level program), we were unable to meaningfully investigate any reductions in their depressive symptoms over time. There is a dearth of empirical data on the mental health of intersex adolescents. These results suggest that intersex adolescents seeking help from an online resource have high mental health needs compared with other young people, possibly because they defer seeking help.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-05-2020
Abstract: oung people (aged 12-25 years) with erse sexuality, gender, or bodily characteristics, such as those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer (LGBTIQ+), are at substantially greater risk of a range of mental, physical, and sexual health difficulties compared with their peers. Digital health interventions have been identified as a potential way to reduce these health disparities. his review aims to summarize the characteristics of existing evidence-based digital health interventions for LGBTIQ+ young people and to describe the evidence for their effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility. systematic literature search was conducted using internet databases and gray literature sources, and the results were screened for inclusion. The included studies were synthesized qualitatively. he search identified 38 studies of 24 unique interventions seeking to address mental, physical, or sexual health–related concerns in LGBTIQ+ young people. Substantially more evidence-based interventions existed for gay and bisexual men than for any other population group, and there were more interventions related to risk reduction of sexually transmitted infections than to any other health concern. There was some evidence for the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of these interventions overall however, the quality of evidence is often lacking. here is sufficient evidence to suggest that targeted digital health interventions are an important focus for future research aimed at addressing health difficulties in LGBTIQ+ young people. Additional digital health interventions are needed for a wider range of health difficulties, particularly in terms of mental and physical health concerns, as well as more targeted interventions for same gender–attracted women, trans and gender- erse people, and people with intersex variations. ROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020128164 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=128164
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-12-2020
DOI: 10.2196/20158
Abstract: Young people (aged 12-25 years) with erse sexuality, gender, or bodily characteristics, such as those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer (LGBTIQ+), are at substantially greater risk of a range of mental, physical, and sexual health difficulties compared with their peers. Digital health interventions have been identified as a potential way to reduce these health disparities. This review aims to summarize the characteristics of existing evidence-based digital health interventions for LGBTIQ+ young people and to describe the evidence for their effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility. A systematic literature search was conducted using internet databases and gray literature sources, and the results were screened for inclusion. The included studies were synthesized qualitatively. The search identified 38 studies of 24 unique interventions seeking to address mental, physical, or sexual health–related concerns in LGBTIQ+ young people. Substantially more evidence-based interventions existed for gay and bisexual men than for any other population group, and there were more interventions related to risk reduction of sexually transmitted infections than to any other health concern. There was some evidence for the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of these interventions overall however, the quality of evidence is often lacking. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that targeted digital health interventions are an important focus for future research aimed at addressing health difficulties in LGBTIQ+ young people. Additional digital health interventions are needed for a wider range of health difficulties, particularly in terms of mental and physical health concerns, as well as more targeted interventions for same gender–attracted women, trans and gender- erse people, and people with intersex variations. PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020128164 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=128164
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-11-2017
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.8241
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-038855
Abstract: General practitioners (GPs) have a key role in supporting young people who present with suicidal behaviour/self-harm. However, little is known about young people’s opinions and experiences related to GPs’ practices for such presentations, and their decisions to disclose suicidal behaviour/self-harm to GPs. Additionally, existing guidelines for the management of suicide risk and/or self-harm have not incorporated young people’s perspectives. This study aimed to explore young people’s views and experiences related to the identification, assessment and care of suicidal behaviour and self-harm in primary care settings with GPs. Two qualitative focus groups were conducted in Perth, Western Australia, with 10 young people in total ( M age = 20.67 years range: 16–24). Data were collected using a semistructured, open-ended interview schedule and analysed using thematic analysis. Five major themes were identified from the focus groups. (1) Young people wanted a collaborative dialogue with GPs, which included being asked about suicidal behaviour/self-harm, informed of treatment processes and having autonomy in decision making (2) young people were concerned with a loss of privacy when disclosing suicidal behaviour/self-harm (3) young people viewed labels and assessments as problematic and reductionist—disliking the terms ‘risk’ and ‘risk assessment’, and assessment approaches that are binary and non-holistic (4) young people highlighted the importance of GPs’ attitudes, with a genuine connection, attentiveness and a non-judgemental demeanour seen as paramount and (5) young people wanted to be provided with practical support and resources, followed-up, and for GPs to be competent when working with suicidal behaviour/self-harm presentations. Our study identified several concerns and recommendations young people have regarding the identification, assessment and care of suicidal behaviour/self-harm in primary care settings. Taken together, these findings may inform the development of resources for GPs, and support progress in youth-oriented best practice.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-11-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-11-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-11-2020
Abstract: A significant proportion of trans and gender erse (TGD) young people report membership of the gaming community and resultant benefits to wellbeing. To date their experiences and needs regarding a key feature of games, the avatar, are largely unexplored, despite increasing interest in the therapeutic role of avatars in the general population. The aim of this study was to better understand the role of the avatar in gaming, its impact on TGD young people’s mental health, and their unique needs regarding avatar design. N = 17 TGD young people aged 11–22 years (M = 16.3 years) participated in four focus groups. A general inductive approach was used to thematically analyze the transcribed data. TGD young people report considerable therapeutic benefits of using avatars with positive mental health implications. Importantly, TGD young people use avatars to explore, develop and rehearse their experienced gender identities, often as a precursor to coming out in the offline world. They also report negative experiences of feeling excluded due to the constraints of conventional notions of gender that are widely reflected in game design. Participants described simple design features to better reflect gender ersity, such as increased customization. Such changes would facilitate the positive gains reported by participants and better reflect the ersity of young people who use games. The findings have important implications for both recreational and serious or therapeutic game design.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-05-2020
Abstract: Background: Self-harm in young people can have a substantial negative impact on the well-being and functioning of parents and other carers. The “Coping with Self-Harm” booklet was originally developed in the UK as a resource for parents and carers of young people who self-harm, and an adaptation study of this resource was conducted in Australia. This paper presents qualitative analysis of interviews with parents about their experiences and psychoeducational needs when supporting a young person who engages in self harm. Methods: The qualitative study drew on semi-structured in idual and group interviews with parents (n = 19 participants) of young people who self-harm. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results: The analysis identified six themes: (1) the discovery of self-harm, (2) challenges in the parent-young person relationship, (3) parents’ need to understand self-harm, (4) parents’ emotional reactions to self-harm, (5) the importance of self-care and help-seeking among parents, and (6) the need for psychoeducational resources. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for support for parents and carers of young people who engage in self-harm, including development and adaptation of resources, such as the “Coping with Self-Harm” booklet, of which an Australian version has now been developed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-03-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-11-2022
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-02-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-06-2022
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 08-09-2022
Abstract: Objectives: The Future Proofing Study (FPS) was established to examine factors associated with the onset and course of mental health conditions during adolescence. This paper describes the design, methods, and baseline characteristics of the FPS cohort. Methods: The FPS is an Australian school-based prospective cohort study with an embedded cluster-randomized controlled trial examining the effects of digital prevention programs on mental health. Data sources include self-report questionnaires, cognitive functioning, linkage to health and education records, and smartphone sensor data. Participants are assessed annually for five years. Results: The baseline cohort (N=6388, M=13.9 years) is broadly representative of the Australian adolescent population. The clinical profile of participants is comparable to other population estimates. Overall, 15.1% of the cohort met the clinical threshold for depression, 18.6% for anxiety, 31.6% for psychological distress, and 4.9% for suicidal ideation. These rates were significantly higher in adolescents who identified as female, gender erse, sexuality erse, or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (all ps& .05).Conclusions: This paper provides current and comprehensive data about the status of adolescent mental health in Australia. The FPS cohort is expected to provide significant insights into the risk, protective, and mediating factors associated with development of mental health conditions during adolescence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEUBIOREV.2022.104543
Abstract: Evidence suggests that in iduals with autism spectrum disorder have increased rates of co-occurring psychosis and/or bipolar disorder. Considering the peak age of onset for psychosis and bipolar disorder occurs in adulthood, we investigated the co-occurrence of these disorders in adults with autism. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42018104600) to (1) examine the prevalence of psychosis and bipolar disorder in adults with autism, and (2) review potential risk factors associated with their co-occurrence. Fifty-three studies were included. The pooled prevalence for the co-occurrence of psychosis in adults with autism was 9.4 % (N = 63,657, 95 %CI = 7.52, 11.72). The pooled prevalence for the co-occurrence of bipolar disorders in adults with autism was 7.5 % (N = 31,739, 95 %CI = 5.79, 9.53). Psychosis and bipolar disorder occur at a substantially higher prevalence in adults with autism compared to general population estimates. While there is an overall dearth of research examining risk factors for these disorders in autism, males had increased likelihood of co-occurring psychosis, and females of co-occurring bipolar disorder. These results highlight the need for ongoing assessment and monitoring of these disorders in adults with autism.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-01-2023
DOI: 10.3390/YOUTH3010005
Abstract: It is likely that young people who are both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQA+ would be at increased risk for poor mental health outcomes due to the layered impacts of discrimination they experience however, there is very little empirical evidence focused on the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young people. The current study represents a qualitative exploration of wellbeing among Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people. This study consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people aged 14–25 years old in the Perth metropolitan area of Western Australia. Thematic analysis identified seven major themes that were significant to participants’ wellbeing: identity, family, community, visibility, services, stigma and navigating.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.12145
Abstract: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a clinically indicated treatment for first-episode psychosis. Despite this, CBT for early psychosis is not routinely available as part of standard mental health services in Australia. The aim of this pilot project was to develop a CBT for early psychosis service to be provided as an adjunct to existing community mental health services. This study examined the feasibility of this service model, delivered in a real-world setting. A secondary aim was to explore the effectiveness of this service, as measured by clinical and functional outcomes. Participants living in northern Sydney, Australia, and who had recently experienced a first episode of psychosis, were offered up to 20 sessions of in idual CBT. Service feasibility was measured via attrition rates, therapy attendance and referrer feedback. Measures of psychosis, depression, anxiety and psychosocial functioning, were assessed pretreatment, after six and 12 sessions, and at 3 months post-treatment. Nineteen clients attended treatment to completion. Survey feedback from referrers affirmed the positive impact of the service on clients' recovery. Additionally, clients showed improvements in symptoms of psychosis over the first three time points. Psychosocial functioning also shifted from the moderately to mildly impaired range by the end of treatment. The CBT for early psychosis service has been successfully integrated into the mental health landscape of northern Sydney. Outcomes of this pilot project are discussed with reference to the achievements of the service, as well as the obstacles encountered, and how they were overcome.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 08-03-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.8831
Start Date: 2019
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
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