Courtasy of: http://www.sciencedaily.com
ScienceDaily (June 21, 2010) — Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder affecting one in 100 people worldwide. Most cases aren't detected until a person starts experiencing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations as a teenager or adult. By that time, the disease has often progressed so far that it can be difficult to treat.
In a paper published recently online by the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Columbia University provide the first evidence that brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia risk are detectable in babies only a few weeks old.
"It allows us to start thinking about how we can identify kids at risk for schizophrenia very early and whether there things that we can do very early on to lessen the risk," said lead study author John H. Gilmore, MD, professor of psychiatry and director of the UNC Schizophrenia Research Center.
The scientists used ultrasound and MRI to examine brain development in 26 babies born to mothers with schizophrenia. Having a first-degree relative with the disease raises a person's risk of schizophrenia to one in 10. Among boys, the high-risk babies had larger brains and larger lateral ventricles -- fluid-filled spaces in the brain -- than babies of mothers with no psychiatric illness.
"Could it be that enlargement is an early marker of a brain that's going to be different?" Gilmore speculated. Larger brain size in infants is also associated with autism.
The researchers found no difference in brain size among girls in the study. This fits the overall pattern of schizophrenia, which is more common, and often more severe, in males.
The findings do not necessarily mean the boys with larger brains will develop schizophrenia. Relatives of people with schizophrenia sometimes have subtle brain abnormalities but exhibit few or no symptoms.
"This is just the very beginning," said Gilmore. "We're following these children through childhood." The team will continue to measure the children's brains and will also track their language skills, motor skills and memory development. They will also continue to recruit women to the study to increase the sample size.
This research provides the first indication that brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia can be detected early in life. Improving early detection could allow doctors to develop new approaches to prevent high-risk children from developing the disease. "The research will give us a better sense of when brain development becomes different," said Gilmore. "And that will help us target interventions."
The paper is available now online and will be published in the September issue of the journal. The study was funded by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Foundation of Hope.
In addition to Gilmore, authors of the study were Chaeryon Kang, Dianne D. Evans, Honor M. Wolfe, J. Keith Smith, Weili Lin, Robert M. Hamer, Martin Styner, and Guido Gerig. Author Jeffrey A. Lieberman, chairs the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
First drug and Mental Health Expo for Macarthur
Courtasy of: www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au
WOULD you know where to go if a family member was suffering from mental health or drug problems?
The answer is often no, says Mary Ashby, a counsellor at Maryfields Day Recovery Centre in Campbelltown.
That's why Maryfields and several other local organisations have joined to create the first annual Macarthur Drug Free Expo.
The expo, to be held at Campbelltown Civic Centre on June 25, will offer information packs to the community about mental health and drug education.
``It still surprises me that people ring up and they don't know where to go for these services,'' Mrs Ashby said.
``People often self-medicate, when they become mentally unwell, with alcohol and drugs. They feel better but it actually makes it worse but if families can recognise this, they can be directed to the right care.''
Mrs Ashby, who has worked at Maryfields for the past eight years, said there was ``always a need'' for an event like the expo.
``It's also good for mums and dads who want to teach their kids about drugs,'' she said.
``We hope it's going to grow from here. We're very excited.''
The expo will coincide with Drug Action Week (June 20-26) and is partly funded by the Community Drug Action Team.
Campbelltown rehabilitation centre Odyssey House is also involved, as well as Lifeline and the Drug and Alcohol Women's Network.
Odyssey House chief executive James Pitts was pleased at the combined effort of all of the organisations involved.
``People will learn about the comprehensive services we provide for people who have complex needs relating to alcohol and other drug misuse including mental health issues,'' he said.
``We hope the expo will inform and engage the local community as to the services available to them and there are some innovative and fun events planned for the day.''
The first annual Macarthur Drug Free Expo will be held at Campbelltown Civic Centre, corner of Queen and Broughton streets, on June 25 from 10am to 2pm.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
WOULD you know where to go if a family member was suffering from mental health or drug problems?
The answer is often no, says Mary Ashby, a counsellor at Maryfields Day Recovery Centre in Campbelltown.
That's why Maryfields and several other local organisations have joined to create the first annual Macarthur Drug Free Expo.
The expo, to be held at Campbelltown Civic Centre on June 25, will offer information packs to the community about mental health and drug education.
``It still surprises me that people ring up and they don't know where to go for these services,'' Mrs Ashby said.
``People often self-medicate, when they become mentally unwell, with alcohol and drugs. They feel better but it actually makes it worse but if families can recognise this, they can be directed to the right care.''
Mrs Ashby, who has worked at Maryfields for the past eight years, said there was ``always a need'' for an event like the expo.
``It's also good for mums and dads who want to teach their kids about drugs,'' she said.
``We hope it's going to grow from here. We're very excited.''
The expo will coincide with Drug Action Week (June 20-26) and is partly funded by the Community Drug Action Team.
Campbelltown rehabilitation centre Odyssey House is also involved, as well as Lifeline and the Drug and Alcohol Women's Network.
Odyssey House chief executive James Pitts was pleased at the combined effort of all of the organisations involved.
``People will learn about the comprehensive services we provide for people who have complex needs relating to alcohol and other drug misuse including mental health issues,'' he said.
``We hope the expo will inform and engage the local community as to the services available to them and there are some innovative and fun events planned for the day.''
The first annual Macarthur Drug Free Expo will be held at Campbelltown Civic Centre, corner of Queen and Broughton streets, on June 25 from 10am to 2pm.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Monday, April 26, 2010
Expert Warns of Revisions to Psychiatric 'bible' DSM
Courtasy of: http://www.nationalpost.com
As Dr. Allen Frances read through the list of proposed changes to psychiatry's bible of mental sickness, alarms started ringing in his own mind.
"I was surprised," the renowned U.S. psychiatrist says, "that the proposals managed to be much worse than my most pessimistic expectations."
By the time he was finished reading, Frances had calculated that the recommendations contained within the first draft for the fifth and latest revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -- a hugely influential book used daily by doctors worldwide, psychiatry's official classification of all the ways humanity can go "mad"--could unnecessarily trigger wholesale "epidemics" of mental illness and expose millions more adults and children to potentially harmful psychiatric drugs.
Dr. Frances, more than most, knows the kind of surprises that may be lurking. He chaired the task force that wrote the current edition of the manual -- referred to as DSM-IV -- which he says is a book that unintentionally contributed to vast and sudden increases in the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and childhood bipolar disorder (manic depression), after it made changes in those definitions. Rates of bipolar disorder alone jumped 40-fold in the U.S. after the definition was broadened to suggest that children don't have to experience the typical manic symptoms seen in adults to be diagnosed bipolar -- and that depression in kids can be a persistent irritable mood. "Most of this was not our fault," Dr. Frances said.
Rather, he blames "a runaway fad led by thought leaders and pushed by drug companies and advocacy groups."
"We were remarkably conservative and very careful. We laboured very carefully not to have surprises, not to have unintended consequences," said Dr. Frances, former chair of the psychiatry department at Duke University's School of Medicine.
But once a diagnosis gets out of the bottle, he says, "it spreads like wildfire in ways you could never imagine."
This psychiatrists' bible is in the midst of its first major rewrite in 16 years, coming at a time when anti-depressants, tranquillizersandotherpsychoactive drugs have become the second most-prescribed drug class in the country, second only to cardiovasculars, according to prescription drug tracking firm IMS Health Canada. Across Canada, pharmacies last year dispensed 61.2 million prescriptions for psychotherapeutics, worth nearly $2.4 billion.
Increasingly, some of the most potent, mood-altering drugs are going to children. Between 2005-09, the number of prescriptions forsecond-generation antipsychotics for children under 13 more than doubled, according to IMS data. Last year, nearly 700,000 prescriptions for such antipsychotics were dispensed for kids under 13.
The changes being proposed for the manual of mental illness -- whose sales since 2000 have topped $40-million -- would create even more patients for whom psychoactive drugs can be prescribed.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
As Dr. Allen Frances read through the list of proposed changes to psychiatry's bible of mental sickness, alarms started ringing in his own mind.
"I was surprised," the renowned U.S. psychiatrist says, "that the proposals managed to be much worse than my most pessimistic expectations."
By the time he was finished reading, Frances had calculated that the recommendations contained within the first draft for the fifth and latest revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -- a hugely influential book used daily by doctors worldwide, psychiatry's official classification of all the ways humanity can go "mad"--could unnecessarily trigger wholesale "epidemics" of mental illness and expose millions more adults and children to potentially harmful psychiatric drugs.
Dr. Frances, more than most, knows the kind of surprises that may be lurking. He chaired the task force that wrote the current edition of the manual -- referred to as DSM-IV -- which he says is a book that unintentionally contributed to vast and sudden increases in the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and childhood bipolar disorder (manic depression), after it made changes in those definitions. Rates of bipolar disorder alone jumped 40-fold in the U.S. after the definition was broadened to suggest that children don't have to experience the typical manic symptoms seen in adults to be diagnosed bipolar -- and that depression in kids can be a persistent irritable mood. "Most of this was not our fault," Dr. Frances said.
Rather, he blames "a runaway fad led by thought leaders and pushed by drug companies and advocacy groups."
"We were remarkably conservative and very careful. We laboured very carefully not to have surprises, not to have unintended consequences," said Dr. Frances, former chair of the psychiatry department at Duke University's School of Medicine.
But once a diagnosis gets out of the bottle, he says, "it spreads like wildfire in ways you could never imagine."
This psychiatrists' bible is in the midst of its first major rewrite in 16 years, coming at a time when anti-depressants, tranquillizersandotherpsychoactive drugs have become the second most-prescribed drug class in the country, second only to cardiovasculars, according to prescription drug tracking firm IMS Health Canada. Across Canada, pharmacies last year dispensed 61.2 million prescriptions for psychotherapeutics, worth nearly $2.4 billion.
Increasingly, some of the most potent, mood-altering drugs are going to children. Between 2005-09, the number of prescriptions forsecond-generation antipsychotics for children under 13 more than doubled, according to IMS data. Last year, nearly 700,000 prescriptions for such antipsychotics were dispensed for kids under 13.
The changes being proposed for the manual of mental illness -- whose sales since 2000 have topped $40-million -- would create even more patients for whom psychoactive drugs can be prescribed.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Friday, March 12, 2010
An OT built a sensory wall at the playground outside the Whistler Medals Plaza at the Vancouver Olympics
Although this is not actually a metal health story, Sensory Modulation can play a large part in our practice.....and its always good to see OT as a profession getting some positive exposure on a world stage :)
Courtasy of:http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com
Wall-Fly Michael from North Vancouver tests out the RMOW’s new sensory wall. Photo by Scott Brammer, coastphoto.com
Mar 10, 2010 2:47pm
Appealing to kids senses
Regionally-inspired sensory wall stimulates children's motor skills By Holly FraughtonThe concerts that took place at Whistler Medals Plaza may have been the main event for adults during the Olympics but kids were more amped about an attraction just outside of the gates. Since Feb. 1, children of all ages have been eagerly clambering over the new sensory wall located at the edge of the municipality's brand-new inclusive playground.
The popular structure was designed by Jennifer Gellis, an occupational therapist and graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design's industrial design program. While on the surface, occupational therapy and industrial design don't seem to be directly related, Gellis has found many parallels and complementary aspects between the two fields.
"...They actually have a lot of similarities in them in terms of the way occupational therapists and designers approach problems; they approach them in the same way and they go through this sort of iterative process with a problem or a challenge."
The North Vancouver resident caught wind of Whistler's sensory wall project through a friend who lives in Whistler.
Sensory walls are small walls often found in playgrounds and public parks, designed to strengthen children's motor skills by stimulating the senses. It's also therapeutic for kids with autism.
"The nice thing about having different components in a sensory wall is that hopefully it can appeal to kids who have different abilities and who may rely on their sense of vision more than their sense of hearing, or their sense of touch more than another sense," Gellis said.
So, a child who is visually-impaired and has a heightened sense of touch or hearing will appreciate the tactile and auditory components of the wall.
"Maybe they'll really be attuned to the shape of the leaf tiles that are in the wall," Gellis suggested, "and the tiles that are round and smooth versus the ones that are angular and rough."
Gellis saw the project as a challenging opportunity to draw on the training and creativity she's gained from her two fields of study. So, she created a proposal, applied and waited. A few weeks later, at the end of August, she was notified that she had been selected for the project. It carried a $30,000 budget to cover all artist fees and expenses, including material costs, consultations with other professionals, travel, insurance and accommodation.
The wall is just one part of the new inclusive playground that the municipality has built in front of Whistler Medals Plaza.
"From what I understand, (the municipality) really wanted the playground to be quite natural and to fit in with the landscape and the theme of other artwork in Whistler," she explained.
Designed to look like mountains, representing Whistler and Blackcomb, the wall is encrusted with natural materials that are meant to be both tactile and visual, including a myriad of sensory components that might not be apparent to the adult eye.
"It's actually based on the skyline of Whistler Blackcomb, so you've got the front side and the back side of the mountain and then where the musical chimes are, that's meant to be where Musical Bumps might be," Gellis said.
There are peek-a-boo holes, a basalt column that represents Black Tusk, and on the back of one hole, "Fitzsimmons' Creek" leads to the base of a tunnel lined with golden tiles to represent the legendary secret gold mine. The sides of the structure are studded with hand-made leaf and snowflake tiles that were painted at Orkidz Art Studio by kids from the community.
But not everything went according to her original vision. "I also really wanted to try and incorporate the sense of smell and taste, but in Whistler we can't have certain plants because of the risk for bears and that type of thing," Gellis said with a laugh. The strawberry plants, a huge bear attractant, were quickly kiboshed.
All of the installation work was done on-site in early winter, which was a real challenge given the early snowfall Whistler experienced this season. It was also a real challenge to get a good portion of the work done in time for the Olympics; there's still more work to be done. They're getting ready to install a metal rain tumbler created by a Vancouver metalwork artist before a ribbon-cutting event on ribbon cutting on Thursday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m
Gellis said it's been particularly exciting to work on this project because it's located in one of the host towns of the Paralympic Games, where children of all abilities will have a chance to check it out.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Should OT's discuss assessment results with patients in acute mental health?
Courtasy of:http://metaot.com
Assessing patients is part of the rubric of everyday life for most occupational therapists (OT’s). OT’s are trained to gather information from multiple sources and formulate complete, competent and accurate appraisals of the patient’s occupational status, often in the face of time restraints and limited quality contact with the individual. The result of this process is a valuable document reflecting the OT’s unique perspective on the patient’s level of functioning and arguably the closest representation of the patient’s own preferences for treatment. The lifespan of this document, however, does not necessarily end after it has been completed and filed away. Exploration of its uses should justify the rigors of its acquisition. A large and immovable aspect of this exploration is to what extent assessment results can be shared with the subjects themselves.
OT’s legal obligation
The law states that we, as OT’s, have a legal obligation to share assessment results with all patients, regardless of the setting. The Access to Health Records Act (Department of Health (DoH), 1990) was the first Bill to specifically address the responsibility of occupational therapists to disclose any information; ”˜relating to the physical or mental health of an individual who can be identified from that information, or from that and other information in the possession of the holder of the record’ (section 2.1 (f) DoH, 1990). Since this benchmark legislation both the Data Protection Act 1998, European Union Data Directive (1998) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) (2000) have refined and reinforced this policy. Significantly for health-care professionals the FOI was designed to promote and highlight patients rights to publicly held information, after the Audit Commission in 1995 found that many health professionals were reticent in permitting patients free access to their records. In light of this legislation, omitting results of a MOHOST assessment, for example, is of equal offence to omitting medical records (section 2.1 (f) DoH, 1990).
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Occupational Therapy (COT 2005) echoes government directives for information access by stating ”˜access to records shall be granted in accordance with current statutory requirements’ (2.3.5, COT, 2005). The Code also refers to a clause in the Data Protection Act (1998) that exempts information that is ”˜likely to cause substantial damage or substantial distress to him or to another’ (Data Protection Act 1998 section 10A). The closest statement within the code of ethics relating specifically to the process of assessment feedback itself is that ”˜reasonable steps shall be taken to ensure that the client understands”¦the proposed intervention(s) (2.1.4, COT, 2005).
"The Evidence”
Over the last three decades piecemeal research on this subject has been produced, often contrasting psychiatric notes with medical notes to gain insights. A study by Critchon, Douzenis, Leggatt and Hughes (1992), titled ”˜Are psychiatric case notes offensive’, found that acute in-patients found the formulation “chronic schizophrenic” to be offensive but not the formulation “chronic diabetic”, in those patients with a duel diagnosis. Other studies have attempted to measure anxiety levels in patients who were exposed to candid reports about themselves in clinical records, revealing contrasts between physical and psychiatric patients. In one randomized trial, 11% of medical outpatients reported they had “upsetting feelings” as a result of reading their records (Golodetz, Ruess, Milhous, 1976). In a non-randomised controlled trial, 23% of obstetic patients reported that records were “worrying” (Elbourne, Richardson, Chalmers, Waterhouse, Holt, 1987). In three separate studies of psychiatric patients’ anxiety levels, using varied research methods, however, results range from 12% to 50% of patients reporting discontent after reading their clinical reports (Beradt, Gunning, Quenstedt, 1991; Miller, Morrow, Kaye, Maier, 1987; Stein, Furedy, Simonton, Neuffer, 1979).
Within OT itself very little has been written about the way patients interface with assessment results. Kielhofner (2005) admits that although it is common-place to discuss assessment results with patients in both mental and physical health within the MOHO tradition, there is no explicit guidance for practitioners in this area or adequate evidence-base (personal correspondence, 2005). The few examples that exist show the positive effect of sharing feedback between patient and OT, and the scope for creativity in this field.
In a case study by Auzmendia, Gloria de las Heras, Kielhofner and Miranda (2002) the results of a Volitional Questionnaire, an observational assessment ascertaining the level of volition of the individual, were shared with a community outpatient who has a bipolar disorder. At first the OT refrained from sharing the assessment results and instead used it to learn more about the individual. As the goal setting process became more concrete the OT began sharing the results with him and eventually taught him to use the measure himself as a self-assessment.
Kirsty Forsyth, author of the MOHOST, sounds a cautionary note on whether or not a there should be a blanket feeding back of assessment results to patients by stating that sharing is not always appropriate and needs to be flexible (personal correspondence, 2005). A good example of this flexibility is illustrated by Kielhofner, Brenneman Baron, Mentrup, Schulte and Shepard (2002) who describe how an Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS), another observational assessment, was used to help an acute patient with depression self analyze whilst watching a videotape of his social interaction. This empowered the patient to be the main definer of his problems rather than have them defined for him by a health-care professional. An important footnote in this example is that the client had volunteered to be assessed by this method, so would have been more conducive to such a candid process.
If communicated effectively, therefore, the feeding back of assessment results can provide a foundation to mutual and therapeutic goal setting. If communicated bluntly, on the other hand, it can serve to offend the patient (Starke, Andrews, Griffin, Rebeiro, 2001). It is essential for more evidence-based research in the field to be generated because of the unique nature of the OT assessment and partnership between OT and patient. For this reason conclusions from other professions cannot be borrowed. More needs to be learnt about what factors influence the feedback process and how patients and practitioners feel about it. Acute mental health is the ideal platform on which to stimulate debate on this subject.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
10 Common myths about bipolar disorder
Adrienne Carlson has compiled a list of 10 common myths about bipolar disorder with lots of useful information aimed at combating some of the stigma around the condition. The myths are:
- Bipolar disorder is merely mood swings
- Manic episodes are characterized by extreme happiness
- Bipolar shifts happen very quickly
- It is OK to quit taking medication during manic episodes
- Bipolar disorder is very rare
- Bipolar disorder is not an illness
- People with bipolar disorder are inherently unstable or violent
- Most people with bipolar disorder are women
- Prolonged drug abuse can eventually lead to bipolar disorder
- People with bipolar disorder cannot hold down jobs
You can find out more about these issues on Adrienne's blog at
Crazy Not Stupid
One truck driver was doing his usual delivery to IMH (Institute of Mental Health).
He discovered a flat tyre when he was about to go home. He jacked up the truck and took the flat tyre down.
When he was about to fix the spare tyre, he accidentally dropped all the bolts into the drain.. As he can't fish the bolts out, he started to panic.
One patient happened to walk past and asked the driver what happened. The driver thought to himself, since there's nothing much he can do; he told the patient the whole incident.
The patient laughed at him & said "can't even fix such a simple problem.... no wonder you are destined to be a truck driver..."
Here's what you can do, take one bolt each from the other 3 tyres and fix it onto this tyre. Then drive to the nearest workshop and replace the missing ones, easy as that" The driver was very impressed and asked "You're so smart but why are you here at the IMH?"
Patient replied: "Hello, I stay here because I'm crazy not STUPID!"
He discovered a flat tyre when he was about to go home. He jacked up the truck and took the flat tyre down.
When he was about to fix the spare tyre, he accidentally dropped all the bolts into the drain.. As he can't fish the bolts out, he started to panic.
One patient happened to walk past and asked the driver what happened. The driver thought to himself, since there's nothing much he can do; he told the patient the whole incident.
The patient laughed at him & said "can't even fix such a simple problem.... no wonder you are destined to be a truck driver..."
Here's what you can do, take one bolt each from the other 3 tyres and fix it onto this tyre. Then drive to the nearest workshop and replace the missing ones, easy as that" The driver was very impressed and asked "You're so smart but why are you here at the IMH?"
Patient replied: "Hello, I stay here because I'm crazy not STUPID!"
Monday, March 1, 2010
MH OT on Twitter
Just a quick note to say that there is now an official Twitter account for the blog :-) @MH_OT so if your on Twitter feel free to stop in and say hi :-)
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Extreme Stress in the First Trimester Linked to Schizophrenia
Courtasy of: www.mentalhealthblog.com
"New research supports a growing body of literature that attributes maternal exposure to severe stress during the early months of pregnancy to an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia in the offspring". - source
The researchers, Dolores Malaspina, Anita Steckler, and Joseph Steckler are referring to extreme stressors such as that experienced during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, sudden death etc.
The discovery came about after reviewing a collection of data gathered from 88,829 people born in Jerusalem between the years 1964 to 1976. A correlation existed among a higher risk of developing schizophrenia among the offspring of mothers who were in their second month of pregnancy during the Arab-Israeli "Six Day War". In addition, the correlation was even greater among females. In fact, females were 4.3 times more likely to develop schizophrenia, as opposed to males who were merely 1.2 times more likely to develop the disorder.
The theory is that stress hormones are amplified during such times of great distress and the placenta is very sensitivity to these hormones.
This research does not provide proof or a causal link, but it does support the existing research that suggests similar results. Malaspina makes sure to note that some exposure to maternal stress hormones are necessary, but extreme stress should be addressed in order to avoid any sort of impact on the fetus.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
"New research supports a growing body of literature that attributes maternal exposure to severe stress during the early months of pregnancy to an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia in the offspring". - source
The researchers, Dolores Malaspina, Anita Steckler, and Joseph Steckler are referring to extreme stressors such as that experienced during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, sudden death etc.
The discovery came about after reviewing a collection of data gathered from 88,829 people born in Jerusalem between the years 1964 to 1976. A correlation existed among a higher risk of developing schizophrenia among the offspring of mothers who were in their second month of pregnancy during the Arab-Israeli "Six Day War". In addition, the correlation was even greater among females. In fact, females were 4.3 times more likely to develop schizophrenia, as opposed to males who were merely 1.2 times more likely to develop the disorder.
The theory is that stress hormones are amplified during such times of great distress and the placenta is very sensitivity to these hormones.
This research does not provide proof or a causal link, but it does support the existing research that suggests similar results. Malaspina makes sure to note that some exposure to maternal stress hormones are necessary, but extreme stress should be addressed in order to avoid any sort of impact on the fetus.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Antidepressants May Increase Risk of Stroke or Death in Postmenopausal Women
Courtasy of: www.mentalhealthblog.com
“The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) of the National Institutes of Health followed more than 160,000 postmenopausal U.S. women for up to 15 years, examining risk factors for and potential preventive measures against cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis.”
The researchers collected data from 136,000 participants that were not taking antidepressant medications when they first began the study. It was noted during their first follow up between one and three years later that roughly 5,500 of those women had begun taking antidepressants. “The research team compared that group's subsequent history of cardiovascular disease with that of participants who had not started taking antidepressants.”
Results showed that the women taking antidepressants had a small, but statistically significant increased risk of stroke and/or death compared to participants declaring that they were not taking antidepressants.
Lead author, Jordan W. Smoller, MD, ScD, of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Psychiatry, explains that although it is necessary to treat depression because it is a serious illness, it is equally important for older women to discuss their treatment options with their physician before committing to one because of the various risks involved.
The DSM IV defines depression as experiencing feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. It is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. Episodes of depressed mood are a core feature in various psychological disorders.
Some symptoms of depression can include:
Anxiety
Sleep disturbances
never seem to be enough
dullness
chronic sadness never seeming to end
obsessions
shakiness when feeling most down
mood swings
Medications used to treat depression:
Tricyclic antidepressants
Amitriptyline
Imipramine
Nortriptyline
Desipramine
Side effects: Fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, light-headedness
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
Fluoxetine
Fluvoxamine
Sertraline
Paroxetine
Side effects: Nausea, gastrointestinal upset, sleep disturbances, headache, agitation
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase:
Moclobemide
Side effects: Insomnia, headache, constipation
5-HT2 antagonists:
Nefazodone
Side effects: Fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, headache
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors:
Venlafaxine
Side effects: Nausea, agitation, sweating
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors):
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Selegiline (Emsam)
Side effects: Drowsiness, Constipation, Nausea, Diarrhea, Stomach upset, Fatigue, Dry mouth, Dizziness, Low blood pressure, Light-headedness, Decreased urination, Decreased sexual function, Sleep disturbances, Muscle twitching, Weight gain, Blurred vision, Headache, Increased appetite, Restlessness, Shakiness, Trembling, Weakness, Increased sweating
“Depression is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death, and one of the reasons that tricyclic antidepressants are used less frequently is their potential for negative effects on heart function. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants have fewer side effects in general and are known to have aspirin-like effects on bleeding, which could protect against clot-related cardiovascular disorders.”
Although no relationship was established between antidepressant use and heart disease, follow-up appointments nearly six years later indicated that participants using antidepressants had an increased risk of death and those treated with SSRIs had an increased risk of stroke.
Even though results seem frightening it seems to me that further investigation is needed as there are several problems with this study. The researchers have not distinguished whether the problem really lies within the link between antidepressants and cardiovascular disease or depression itself and cardiovascular disease. Prior studies will show that depression has risks that are just as high as those who use antidepressants in this study. If anything, the study may indicate that treatment with antidepressants could exacerbate those risks. After careful review of this study, it seems difficult to place blame on antidepressants, but more could be revealed with further investigation.
Additionally, the study does not specify whether these women were being treated for depression or for anxiety nor is there any indication that lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking or diet have been accounted for. Furthermore, the study is too group-specific; therefore it cannot suggest that results can be generalized to the other populations, such as men or premenopausal women unfortunately.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, it seems logical that women with cardiovascular risks would benefit from exploring treatment options other than antidepressants, but in the end, for most, the benefits of antidepressants may far outweigh the costs.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
“The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) of the National Institutes of Health followed more than 160,000 postmenopausal U.S. women for up to 15 years, examining risk factors for and potential preventive measures against cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis.”
The researchers collected data from 136,000 participants that were not taking antidepressant medications when they first began the study. It was noted during their first follow up between one and three years later that roughly 5,500 of those women had begun taking antidepressants. “The research team compared that group's subsequent history of cardiovascular disease with that of participants who had not started taking antidepressants.”
Results showed that the women taking antidepressants had a small, but statistically significant increased risk of stroke and/or death compared to participants declaring that they were not taking antidepressants.
Lead author, Jordan W. Smoller, MD, ScD, of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Psychiatry, explains that although it is necessary to treat depression because it is a serious illness, it is equally important for older women to discuss their treatment options with their physician before committing to one because of the various risks involved.
The DSM IV defines depression as experiencing feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. It is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. Episodes of depressed mood are a core feature in various psychological disorders.
Some symptoms of depression can include:
Anxiety
Sleep disturbances
never seem to be enough
dullness
chronic sadness never seeming to end
obsessions
shakiness when feeling most down
mood swings
Medications used to treat depression:
Tricyclic antidepressants
Amitriptyline
Imipramine
Nortriptyline
Desipramine
Side effects: Fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, light-headedness
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
Fluoxetine
Fluvoxamine
Sertraline
Paroxetine
Side effects: Nausea, gastrointestinal upset, sleep disturbances, headache, agitation
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase:
Moclobemide
Side effects: Insomnia, headache, constipation
5-HT2 antagonists:
Nefazodone
Side effects: Fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, headache
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors:
Venlafaxine
Side effects: Nausea, agitation, sweating
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors):
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Selegiline (Emsam)
Side effects: Drowsiness, Constipation, Nausea, Diarrhea, Stomach upset, Fatigue, Dry mouth, Dizziness, Low blood pressure, Light-headedness, Decreased urination, Decreased sexual function, Sleep disturbances, Muscle twitching, Weight gain, Blurred vision, Headache, Increased appetite, Restlessness, Shakiness, Trembling, Weakness, Increased sweating
“Depression is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death, and one of the reasons that tricyclic antidepressants are used less frequently is their potential for negative effects on heart function. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants have fewer side effects in general and are known to have aspirin-like effects on bleeding, which could protect against clot-related cardiovascular disorders.”
Although no relationship was established between antidepressant use and heart disease, follow-up appointments nearly six years later indicated that participants using antidepressants had an increased risk of death and those treated with SSRIs had an increased risk of stroke.
Even though results seem frightening it seems to me that further investigation is needed as there are several problems with this study. The researchers have not distinguished whether the problem really lies within the link between antidepressants and cardiovascular disease or depression itself and cardiovascular disease. Prior studies will show that depression has risks that are just as high as those who use antidepressants in this study. If anything, the study may indicate that treatment with antidepressants could exacerbate those risks. After careful review of this study, it seems difficult to place blame on antidepressants, but more could be revealed with further investigation.
Additionally, the study does not specify whether these women were being treated for depression or for anxiety nor is there any indication that lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking or diet have been accounted for. Furthermore, the study is too group-specific; therefore it cannot suggest that results can be generalized to the other populations, such as men or premenopausal women unfortunately.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, it seems logical that women with cardiovascular risks would benefit from exploring treatment options other than antidepressants, but in the end, for most, the benefits of antidepressants may far outweigh the costs.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Males in OT: a Portuguese Perspective
An OT college left this comment with regards to the gender ratio in OT. The comment was so good I thought it definitely deserved it's own post.
Here's what JFaias wrote:
The social representation of professions, such as OT are traditionally linked with female activities, like most of the health professions. We all have to admit that Occupational therapy started as a profession oriented to help people doing things (mostly creative craft activities).
In my experience, here in Portugal, at the time I did my studies in OT, The program was not academic recognized. I was the only male person in a group of 24 women (each one more beautiful then the other), most of them coming from families where, traditionally, women would stay at home taking care of the family. Some didn't find this enough to fulfill their lives and they looked for an occupation with a social representation of being useful to others.
But times were changing, both for women and OT. Scientific perspectives of OT approaches were being developed and theory become relevant to justify what ots were doing. At the same time, women were no more looking for an occupation but for a job and a career.
The average, until the middle of the 80's was one male per class.
Then, academic integration became (I'm still talking about Portugal) and what started to matter was find a place in the Higher Education system. Again, the social representation of profession made its influence: men for engineer, women health professions. In between, there was art professions which were absorbing both genders. OT was in between arts and health and we started to see more men in the classes. No more the privileged one, but female beauty in an OT class had to be divided by 5 or more male students.
I know that the higher education system differs much from culture to culture, but, in general we are talking about a growing from 4% to almost 15%, here.
Today, reality is much different, but, as you very well said, women still prevail in OT. But, since scientific evidence of practice turn into the core of the programs, male students numbers become higher. And this is still a social representation of how we understand what is to study in OT.
Don't get me wrong. I agree with everything you wrote. Actually, I found it very precise. But behind all that, social representation of the profession was, is and probably will be, in my opinion, the main reason for OT to be mostly practiced by women. And I'm glad it is.
Sorry about my english
JFaias
A brilliant description and perspective from another country :-) JFaias can be found on twitter at twitter.com/jfaias
I hope others find this different perspective interesting and informative and I would love to hear your ideas on this topic and any others posted here.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Here's what JFaias wrote:
The social representation of professions, such as OT are traditionally linked with female activities, like most of the health professions. We all have to admit that Occupational therapy started as a profession oriented to help people doing things (mostly creative craft activities).
In my experience, here in Portugal, at the time I did my studies in OT, The program was not academic recognized. I was the only male person in a group of 24 women (each one more beautiful then the other), most of them coming from families where, traditionally, women would stay at home taking care of the family. Some didn't find this enough to fulfill their lives and they looked for an occupation with a social representation of being useful to others.
But times were changing, both for women and OT. Scientific perspectives of OT approaches were being developed and theory become relevant to justify what ots were doing. At the same time, women were no more looking for an occupation but for a job and a career.
The average, until the middle of the 80's was one male per class.
Then, academic integration became (I'm still talking about Portugal) and what started to matter was find a place in the Higher Education system. Again, the social representation of profession made its influence: men for engineer, women health professions. In between, there was art professions which were absorbing both genders. OT was in between arts and health and we started to see more men in the classes. No more the privileged one, but female beauty in an OT class had to be divided by 5 or more male students.
I know that the higher education system differs much from culture to culture, but, in general we are talking about a growing from 4% to almost 15%, here.
Today, reality is much different, but, as you very well said, women still prevail in OT. But, since scientific evidence of practice turn into the core of the programs, male students numbers become higher. And this is still a social representation of how we understand what is to study in OT.
Don't get me wrong. I agree with everything you wrote. Actually, I found it very precise. But behind all that, social representation of the profession was, is and probably will be, in my opinion, the main reason for OT to be mostly practiced by women. And I'm glad it is.
Sorry about my english
JFaias
A brilliant description and perspective from another country :-) JFaias can be found on twitter at twitter.com/jfaias
I hope others find this different perspective interesting and informative and I would love to hear your ideas on this topic and any others posted here.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Professor Pat McGorry named Australian of the Year 2010
Courtesy of: http://newsroom.melbourne.edu
Professor McGorry is Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health (OYH), a world-renowned youth mental health organisation and Director of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation (headspace).
With an emphasis on early intervention and a commitment to educating the community to the early signs of mental illness, Professor McGorry’s extraordinary 27-year contribution has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people the world over.
University of Melbourne Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the University was delighted that Professor McGorry's outstanding contributions to youth mental health, through research and education, have been recognised at the highest Australian level.
"Pat McGorry has been a passionate advocate for youth mental health issues for almost three decades. He has transformed the lives of many young people with early psychosis and has helped to create much-needed awareness of these issues in our community," he says.
Professor Bruce Singh, Acting Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences says, the Faculty is thrilled that one of its long standing members has been honoured by the award of Australian of the Year, joining an elite group of distinguished contributors to this country.
“It vindicates the decision of the Faculty to create the first Chair of Youth Mental Health in Australia and to appoint Professor McGorry to it by invitation in 2006,” Professor Singh says.
“The Faculty is very proud that Professor McGorry has utilized his role in the University over many years to be a fearless advocate for the needs of young people with mental health problems and a very effective champion in bringing increased recognition to the area and a substantial increase in government funding for it.
“I am particularly pleased because of the small role I played in bringing him into the University shortly after I took over leadership of the Department of Psychiatry some 20 years ago.”
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Professor McGorry is Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health (OYH), a world-renowned youth mental health organisation and Director of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation (headspace).
With an emphasis on early intervention and a commitment to educating the community to the early signs of mental illness, Professor McGorry’s extraordinary 27-year contribution has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people the world over.
University of Melbourne Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the University was delighted that Professor McGorry's outstanding contributions to youth mental health, through research and education, have been recognised at the highest Australian level.
"Pat McGorry has been a passionate advocate for youth mental health issues for almost three decades. He has transformed the lives of many young people with early psychosis and has helped to create much-needed awareness of these issues in our community," he says.
Professor Bruce Singh, Acting Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences says, the Faculty is thrilled that one of its long standing members has been honoured by the award of Australian of the Year, joining an elite group of distinguished contributors to this country.
“It vindicates the decision of the Faculty to create the first Chair of Youth Mental Health in Australia and to appoint Professor McGorry to it by invitation in 2006,” Professor Singh says.
“The Faculty is very proud that Professor McGorry has utilized his role in the University over many years to be a fearless advocate for the needs of young people with mental health problems and a very effective champion in bringing increased recognition to the area and a substantial increase in government funding for it.
“I am particularly pleased because of the small role I played in bringing him into the University shortly after I took over leadership of the Department of Psychiatry some 20 years ago.”
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Males in OT: why are we the minority?
Twitter.....I never thought I would find a tweet from someone that would be so thought provoking to me that it would make me reevaluate the whole structure of the university course that I completed in order to enter this wonderful profession. I've long thought, and read about the demographic phenomenon of Males only making up approx 6-7% of the total Occupational Therapy workforce. Ive always thought that this was due to the stereotypical work practices of OT not overly aligning with the stereotypical, "marchoness" of men. The tweet I read today made me rethink this perspective and remove some of the blame from the over-generalized expectations of my sex.
The tweet in question was as follows by @OT_Kate:
The tweet in question was as follows by @OT_Kate:
Wouldn't it be great if all learning and teaching followed the preschool model (learning through doing, exploring, & playing). My best lectures at the university level follow that model.
....and this got me thinking....what if university did follow a more, "preschool model" rather then the standard academic "here-is-the-information-now-remember-it" model. How would the course differ? how would the profession differ? and how would this affect the number of males enrolling in the course and eventually entering the profession? As this is an exercise in thought provocation I will be basing my "evidence" on myself, my experiences, and my opinions. I would really encourage people to present their opinions in the comments section as I find this to be a fascinating phenomenon.
Firstly ME. I consider myself to be a fairly average Australian male, mid twenties and started university 1 year after finishing high school. My favorite classes, during my course, were always the practical skills classes. I found it difficult to absorb all the necessary information whilst sitting sedentary in a lecture room.
There is much written around the fact that when compared to Females, Males are very visual, hands on learners. This is me in a nutshell. Granted there are exceptions but overall as a sex we generally prefer to get in and try things ourselves then study how they work.This is concreted form me by the fact that I learned more during my 28 weeks of placement work then I did in the 2 1/2 years of class prior to placement. Granted, I do agree that theory has its place in every course and im not discounting the value of the textbook teachings, but I do find it strange that, a profession that promotes, "wellness through meaningful, purposeful occupation," could deliver such a large amount of information and theory using a teaching model that would more then likely only be meaningful to the minority of students.
How many people remember sitting in a lecture thinking, "am I ever even going to need to know this?" Then getting to your placements and finally working out how it all fits together?? I know I am definitely one of these people, and so is nearly every other male OT I've spoken to. I feel that if there was a way that all of that theory could be delivered in a way that made it more of an "experience" rather then an exercise in auditory processing the profession would more then likely gain a higher percentage of male practitioners.
I'm sure there are some Universities around the world that have done exactly this and I would love to hear what has been implemented, however, I'm speaking from my perspective of the universities in my own country.
My overall point is summarised into the hypothesis that, course delivery needs to be reviewed and looked at through, "OT eyes," in order to gain the best results from all students. I can definitely foresee the benefits of the, "preschool model" in increasing the number of male OTs as well as increasing the overall new-graduate skill-set.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Recovery: Definition & Components
Courtesy of: www.mhrecovery.com
Since the mid-1980s, a great deal has been written about mental health recovery from the perspective of the consumer (client), family member and mental health professional. The amount of research of various aspects of recovery continues to grow. Early research by Courtney Harding (1987) and others challenged the belief that severe mental illness is chronic and that stability is the best one could hope for. They discovered there are multiple outcomes associated with severe mental illness and that many people did progress beyond a state of mere stability. As such, the concept of recovery began to obtain legitimacy (Sullivan 1997).
Although there are many perceptions and definitions of recovery, William Anthony, Director of the Boston Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation seems to have developed the cornerstone definition of mental health recovery. Anthony (1993) identifies recovery as " a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness. Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purpose in one’s life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness."
Ultimately, because recovery is a personal and unique process, everyone with a psychiatric illness develops his or her own definition of recovery. However, certain concepts or factors are common to recovery. Some of these are listed below.
Hope
Hope is a desire accompanied by confident expectation. Having a sense of hope is the foundation for ongoing recovery from mental illness. Even the smallest belief that we can get better, as others have, can fuel the recovery process.
Early in the recovery process, it is possible for a treatment provider, friend, and/or family member to carry hope for a consumer. At some point, however, consumers must develop and internalize their own sense of hope.
Medication/Treatment
While many people are frustrated by the process of finding the right medications and the side effects of medications, most persons with a psychiatric disorder indicate that medications are critical to their success (Sullivan, 1997). For many, the goal is not to be medication-free, but to take the least amount necessary.
Likewise, mental health consumers often report that mental health professionals and treatment programs are valuable to their recovery. Especially when consumers feel they are engaged in a partnership with their treatment provider and are involved in their treatment planning.
Empowerment
Empowerment is the belief that one has power and control in their life, including their illness. Empowerment also involves taking responsibility for self and advocating for self and others. As consumers grow in their recovery journeys, they gain a greater sense of empowerment in their lives.
Support
Support from peers, family, friends and mental health professionals is essential to recovery from mental illness. It is especially beneficial to have multiple sources of support. This not only reduces a consumer’s sense of isolation, but also increases their activity in the community, allowing them to obtain an integral role in society.
In addition to support from individuals, participation in support groups is an important tool for recovery. Consumers frequently report that being able to interact with others who understand their feelings and experiences is the most important ingredient for their recovery.
Education/Knowledge
In order to maximize recovery, it is important to learn as much as possible about our illnesses, medications, best treatment practices and available resources. It’s also important to learn about ourselves, including our symptoms so that we can gain better control over our illnesses.
Consumers can educate themselves by speaking with health care professionals, attending workshops and support groups, reading books, articles and newsletters, browsing the internet and participating in discussion groups.
Self-help
While most consumers recognize the value of professional treatment, self-help is often viewed as the conduit to growth in recovery. Self-help can take many forms including learning to identify symptoms and take actions to counteract them, reading and learning about an illness and its treatment, learning and applying coping skills, attending support groups and developing a support system to rely on when necessary.
Spirituality
A broad definition of spirituality is that it’s a partnership with one’s higher power. For many consumers spirituality provides hope, solace during their illness, peace and understanding and a source of social support.
Employment/Meaningful Activity
Frequently, when we meet new people, they ask "what do you do?" Whether it is fair or not, what we do shapes others' opinions of who we are. As a result, it is common for a person's identity to be significantly impacted by what they do. Likewise, what a person does influences his/her confidence, esteem, social role, values, etc. Simply put, employment/meaningful activity affords most consumers the opportunity to regain a positive identity, including a sense of purpose and value.
Anthony, W. A. (1993). Recovery from mental illness: The guiding vision of the mental health service system in the 1990’s. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal, 16(4), 11-23.
Harding, C. M., Brooks, G. W., Asolaga, T. S. J. S., and Breier, A. (1987). The Vermont longitudinal study of persons with severe mental illness. American Journal of Psychiatry, 144, 718-726.
Sullivan, W.P. (1997). A long and winding road: The process of recovery from severe mental illness. In L. Spaniol, C. Gagne and M. Koehler (Ed.), Psychological and social aspects of psychiatric disability (pp. 14-24). Boston: Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Since the mid-1980s, a great deal has been written about mental health recovery from the perspective of the consumer (client), family member and mental health professional. The amount of research of various aspects of recovery continues to grow. Early research by Courtney Harding (1987) and others challenged the belief that severe mental illness is chronic and that stability is the best one could hope for. They discovered there are multiple outcomes associated with severe mental illness and that many people did progress beyond a state of mere stability. As such, the concept of recovery began to obtain legitimacy (Sullivan 1997).
Although there are many perceptions and definitions of recovery, William Anthony, Director of the Boston Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation seems to have developed the cornerstone definition of mental health recovery. Anthony (1993) identifies recovery as " a deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness. Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purpose in one’s life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness."
Ultimately, because recovery is a personal and unique process, everyone with a psychiatric illness develops his or her own definition of recovery. However, certain concepts or factors are common to recovery. Some of these are listed below.
Hope
Hope is a desire accompanied by confident expectation. Having a sense of hope is the foundation for ongoing recovery from mental illness. Even the smallest belief that we can get better, as others have, can fuel the recovery process.
Early in the recovery process, it is possible for a treatment provider, friend, and/or family member to carry hope for a consumer. At some point, however, consumers must develop and internalize their own sense of hope.
Medication/Treatment
While many people are frustrated by the process of finding the right medications and the side effects of medications, most persons with a psychiatric disorder indicate that medications are critical to their success (Sullivan, 1997). For many, the goal is not to be medication-free, but to take the least amount necessary.
Likewise, mental health consumers often report that mental health professionals and treatment programs are valuable to their recovery. Especially when consumers feel they are engaged in a partnership with their treatment provider and are involved in their treatment planning.
Empowerment
Empowerment is the belief that one has power and control in their life, including their illness. Empowerment also involves taking responsibility for self and advocating for self and others. As consumers grow in their recovery journeys, they gain a greater sense of empowerment in their lives.
Support
Support from peers, family, friends and mental health professionals is essential to recovery from mental illness. It is especially beneficial to have multiple sources of support. This not only reduces a consumer’s sense of isolation, but also increases their activity in the community, allowing them to obtain an integral role in society.
In addition to support from individuals, participation in support groups is an important tool for recovery. Consumers frequently report that being able to interact with others who understand their feelings and experiences is the most important ingredient for their recovery.
Education/Knowledge
In order to maximize recovery, it is important to learn as much as possible about our illnesses, medications, best treatment practices and available resources. It’s also important to learn about ourselves, including our symptoms so that we can gain better control over our illnesses.
Consumers can educate themselves by speaking with health care professionals, attending workshops and support groups, reading books, articles and newsletters, browsing the internet and participating in discussion groups.
Self-help
While most consumers recognize the value of professional treatment, self-help is often viewed as the conduit to growth in recovery. Self-help can take many forms including learning to identify symptoms and take actions to counteract them, reading and learning about an illness and its treatment, learning and applying coping skills, attending support groups and developing a support system to rely on when necessary.
Spirituality
A broad definition of spirituality is that it’s a partnership with one’s higher power. For many consumers spirituality provides hope, solace during their illness, peace and understanding and a source of social support.
Employment/Meaningful Activity
Frequently, when we meet new people, they ask "what do you do?" Whether it is fair or not, what we do shapes others' opinions of who we are. As a result, it is common for a person's identity to be significantly impacted by what they do. Likewise, what a person does influences his/her confidence, esteem, social role, values, etc. Simply put, employment/meaningful activity affords most consumers the opportunity to regain a positive identity, including a sense of purpose and value.
Anthony, W. A. (1993). Recovery from mental illness: The guiding vision of the mental health service system in the 1990’s. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal, 16(4), 11-23.
Harding, C. M., Brooks, G. W., Asolaga, T. S. J. S., and Breier, A. (1987). The Vermont longitudinal study of persons with severe mental illness. American Journal of Psychiatry, 144, 718-726.
Sullivan, W.P. (1997). A long and winding road: The process of recovery from severe mental illness. In L. Spaniol, C. Gagne and M. Koehler (Ed.), Psychological and social aspects of psychiatric disability (pp. 14-24). Boston: Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The History of OT
Courtesy of: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/otpsych/mental.html
Most people think that occupational therapy (OT) is only about physical challenges. On the contrary, OT is a powerful resource in the treatment of mental health problems. OT helps people with controlling their feelings and thoughts and can help them attain their highest funtional ability in daily life skills. This population includes, but is not limited to, those experiencing faulty perceptions, aversions to interpersonal encounters, cognitive dysfunction, pathologic affective states, and aberrant social behavior. Utilizing techniques based on the method of purposeful activity with the use of crafts makes it possible for individuals to attain the ability to cope with and manage daily living roles and activities. A commitment between the therapist and the patient can lead to a more purposeful and satisfying life.
The history of Occupational Therapy(OT) had it's origin in the 1700's during Europe's "Age of Enlightenment". At this time, radical new ideas were emerging for the infirm and mentally ill. Normally, they were excluded from work activities and were treated like criminals and locked in prisons. During this new era concern was given to their mental well being. This dramatic change can be attributed to two very different men, Phillipe Pinel, a French physician, scholar and natural philosopher and William Tuke, an English Quaker.
Phillipe Pinel was of the belief that morally treating the mentally ill meant treating their emotions. The doctrine of Moral Treatment utilized occupation; man's goal directed use of time, interests, energy , and attention; in combination with purposeful daily activity for treatment. Music and various forms of literature, physical exercise and work were used as a method to release the mind from emotional stress and thereby improve the individual's activities of daily living.
William Tuke and his family were also redefining the direction of mental health care. Because Tuke was appalled at the inhumane treatment and the deplorable conditions which existed in the public insane asylums, he developed several principles for the moral treatment of this population. The main approach use was that of the moral concepts of kindness and consideration. He also encompassed the concept of religion which created an atmosphere of family life. Occupations and purposeful activities were prescribed in order to minimize the patient's disorder.
The progression of moral treatment continued into the 1900's as Sir William Ellis and his wife came to be in charge of England's county asylums. This community became a family atmosphere and the men and women both were encouraged to enhance their previous trades or establish new ones in order to support purposeful activity. Sir and Lady Ellis were able to prove that the mentally ill were not dangerous with tools, and were far less dangerous than other unoccupied individuals. The Ellis' were also responsible for developing the idea of an "after care" house, very similar to the halfway houses of today. These places functioned as stepping-stones from total care to limited assistance living care.
The Progressive Era of the twentieth century in the United States initially was not progressive at all for the mental health field. The moral treatment philosophy had waned during the civil war and nearly disappeared with no one to carry on the philosophy. A lack of concern and lack of moral treatment was ushered in with the use of sterilization of the "mental defectives", the insitutionalized insane. Fortunately, in the early 1900's, Susan Tracy, a nurse, employed occupation for mentally ill patients. She also initiated activity instruction to student nurses and coined the term "Occupational Nurse" for this specialty.
Other professionals involved in the rebirth of OT include Eleanor Slagle, a partially trained social worker; George Edward Barton, a disabled architect; Adolph Meyer, a psychiatrist; and William Dunton, a psychiatrist. These professionals, along with Susan Tracy, formed the backbone of modern occupational therapy and ensured acceptance as a medical entity with the establishment of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy leading to the present day American Occupational Therapy Association.
Occupational therapy has continued to develop from a deeply-rooted belief in the critical importance of "doing"; of active enjoyment in purposeful activity as a catalyst in the development of self, fulfillment in social membership, social efficacy and self-actualization.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Most people think that occupational therapy (OT) is only about physical challenges. On the contrary, OT is a powerful resource in the treatment of mental health problems. OT helps people with controlling their feelings and thoughts and can help them attain their highest funtional ability in daily life skills. This population includes, but is not limited to, those experiencing faulty perceptions, aversions to interpersonal encounters, cognitive dysfunction, pathologic affective states, and aberrant social behavior. Utilizing techniques based on the method of purposeful activity with the use of crafts makes it possible for individuals to attain the ability to cope with and manage daily living roles and activities. A commitment between the therapist and the patient can lead to a more purposeful and satisfying life.
The history of Occupational Therapy(OT) had it's origin in the 1700's during Europe's "Age of Enlightenment". At this time, radical new ideas were emerging for the infirm and mentally ill. Normally, they were excluded from work activities and were treated like criminals and locked in prisons. During this new era concern was given to their mental well being. This dramatic change can be attributed to two very different men, Phillipe Pinel, a French physician, scholar and natural philosopher and William Tuke, an English Quaker.
Phillipe Pinel was of the belief that morally treating the mentally ill meant treating their emotions. The doctrine of Moral Treatment utilized occupation; man's goal directed use of time, interests, energy , and attention; in combination with purposeful daily activity for treatment. Music and various forms of literature, physical exercise and work were used as a method to release the mind from emotional stress and thereby improve the individual's activities of daily living.
William Tuke and his family were also redefining the direction of mental health care. Because Tuke was appalled at the inhumane treatment and the deplorable conditions which existed in the public insane asylums, he developed several principles for the moral treatment of this population. The main approach use was that of the moral concepts of kindness and consideration. He also encompassed the concept of religion which created an atmosphere of family life. Occupations and purposeful activities were prescribed in order to minimize the patient's disorder.
The progression of moral treatment continued into the 1900's as Sir William Ellis and his wife came to be in charge of England's county asylums. This community became a family atmosphere and the men and women both were encouraged to enhance their previous trades or establish new ones in order to support purposeful activity. Sir and Lady Ellis were able to prove that the mentally ill were not dangerous with tools, and were far less dangerous than other unoccupied individuals. The Ellis' were also responsible for developing the idea of an "after care" house, very similar to the halfway houses of today. These places functioned as stepping-stones from total care to limited assistance living care.
The Progressive Era of the twentieth century in the United States initially was not progressive at all for the mental health field. The moral treatment philosophy had waned during the civil war and nearly disappeared with no one to carry on the philosophy. A lack of concern and lack of moral treatment was ushered in with the use of sterilization of the "mental defectives", the insitutionalized insane. Fortunately, in the early 1900's, Susan Tracy, a nurse, employed occupation for mentally ill patients. She also initiated activity instruction to student nurses and coined the term "Occupational Nurse" for this specialty.
Other professionals involved in the rebirth of OT include Eleanor Slagle, a partially trained social worker; George Edward Barton, a disabled architect; Adolph Meyer, a psychiatrist; and William Dunton, a psychiatrist. These professionals, along with Susan Tracy, formed the backbone of modern occupational therapy and ensured acceptance as a medical entity with the establishment of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy leading to the present day American Occupational Therapy Association.
Occupational therapy has continued to develop from a deeply-rooted belief in the critical importance of "doing"; of active enjoyment in purposeful activity as a catalyst in the development of self, fulfillment in social membership, social efficacy and self-actualization.
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
MH OT Content
Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be updating the posts and content of this blog as often as I can, but I'm also very open to posts or even just suggestions for what other MH OT's would like to share with the world :-)
If you are an OT working in Mental Health and would like to contribute feel free to drop me a line at:
brock.cook@gmail.com
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
If you are an OT working in Mental Health and would like to contribute feel free to drop me a line at:
brock.cook@gmail.com
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
Welcome
G'day everyone! My names Brock and I'm an Occupational Therapist working in a rehab team that covers both an Acute ward and Community group program.
I was inspired to start this blog by a fellow OT, Nicole Grant, who has her own blog at:
http://www.brissieot.blogspot.com/
My aim for this blog is to bring a little awareness to not only Mental Health but also to the field of Occupational Therapy and how it fits into MH.
I'm not aiming for it to be a comprehensive resource. I do, however, hope that it provokes thought and comments, not just from OT's, but hopefully from anyone who is interested enough to read it :-)
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
I was inspired to start this blog by a fellow OT, Nicole Grant, who has her own blog at:
http://www.brissieot.blogspot.com/
My aim for this blog is to bring a little awareness to not only Mental Health but also to the field of Occupational Therapy and how it fits into MH.
I'm not aiming for it to be a comprehensive resource. I do, however, hope that it provokes thought and comments, not just from OT's, but hopefully from anyone who is interested enough to read it :-)
Peace & Balance
MH OT
-- Post From My iPhone
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