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Advances in Mental Health Care: Self-Management, Prevention and Early Intervention

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2022) | Viewed by 14807

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia
Interests: lived experience perspectives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Self-management can help people with mental health challenges to develop the skills to take care of themselves and improve collaborative interactions with health and social care support providers and the systems in which they work. Through self-management, the person can gain a greater sense of control of their life and build hope and confidence to pursue and achieve their everyday and life goals on their terms. The benefits of prevention and early intervention in mental health to address longer-term psychosocial disability and marginalization are widely acknowledged.

Despite the strengthening understandings of the importance of self-management to mental health and the central role of the person in their own care, there remain significant gaps in knowledge and understanding, including, but not restricted to, the following:

  • Cross-cultural contexts for mental health self-management, prevention and early intervention;
  • The role of lived experience mental health peers in supporting self-management, prevention and early intervention;
  • Mental health care service systems and self-management within a human rights framework;
  • The experiences of young people impacted by mental health and how they experience self-management as part of transitions in care to adult mental health services;
  • The role and experiences of families and informal caregivers in supporting mental health self-management.

We welcome submissions across the broadest interpretation of these issues, and from a wide range of disciplines of relevance to mental health and self-management. We particularly welcome submissions by lived experience researchers. Please feel free to send queries, ideas or abstracts to [email protected] prior to submission.

Prof. Dr. Sharon Lawn
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health
  • self-management
  • prevention and early intervention
  • psychosocial care
  • lived experience
  • self-care

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 513 KiB  
Article
Participants’ Evaluation and Outcomes following Integration of Self-Management Support into Outpatient Schizophrenia Case Management
by Heather E. McNeely, Lori Letts, Mary-Lou Martin and Susan Strong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3035; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043035 - 9 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1507
Abstract
(1) Background: Self-management is advocated as a feasible, effective intervention to support individuals to actively manage the impact of illness and live healthier lives. We sought to evaluate a piloted self-management model, SET for Health, tailored for individuals living with schizophrenia embedded within [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Self-management is advocated as a feasible, effective intervention to support individuals to actively manage the impact of illness and live healthier lives. We sought to evaluate a piloted self-management model, SET for Health, tailored for individuals living with schizophrenia embedded within ambulatory case management. (2) Methods: A mixed-methods design engaged 40 adults living with schizophrenia in the SET for Health protocol. Functional and symptomatic outcomes were measured by self-report and clinician ratings at baseline and completion of self-management plans, on average one year later. Semi-structured qualitative client interviews invited evaluations of personal experiences with the intervention. (3) Results: Significant improvements were found concerning client illness severity, social and occupational functioning, illness management and functional recovery with reductions in emergency visits and days in hospital. Clients endorsed the value of the intervention. Baseline clinical characteristics did not predict who benefited. Participation contributed to motivational gains and quality of life. (4) Conclusions: Results confirmed self-management support embedded within traditional case management improved clients’ clinical and functional status, and contributed to quality of life. Clients engaged in their recovery and actively used self-management strategies. Self-management can be successfully adopted by clients with schizophrenia regardless of age, gender, education, illness severity or duration. Full article
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12 pages, 1313 KiB  
Article
Co-Design of an Educational Resource with Female Partners of Male Stroke Survivors to Support Physical Activity Participation
by Allyson Calder, Gisela Sole and Hilda Mulligan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416856 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Many male stroke survivors find it challenging to meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines for health benefits. The spouse/partner is an important source of self-management for stroke survivor PA participation; however, they feel unsupported by health professionals. This study aimed to co-design [...] Read more.
Many male stroke survivors find it challenging to meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines for health benefits. The spouse/partner is an important source of self-management for stroke survivor PA participation; however, they feel unsupported by health professionals. This study aimed to co-design an educational resource prototype to guide and empower female partners in supporting male stroke survivors’ participation in PA. We used a participatory action research (PAR) methodology. Thirteen support persons of male stroke survivors from Canterbury, New Zealand participated in four PAR cycles. The data were collected using individual interviews and focus groups and analyzed inductively using the general inductive approach. Three themes were reflected in the data and informed the prototype content: (1) managing an unwanted and challenging new life, (2) inconsistent access to meaningful information, and (3) considerations for successful stroke survivor PA participation. If partners are to be an essential source in supporting stroke survivors’ self-management of PA, they require resources that are meaningful and credible to enhance their confidence and self-efficacy. Further research is needed to explore the acceptability and usability of the educational resource with a wider audience and evaluate the co-design process. An inclusive and collaborative approach where support persons were valued for their expertise was essential in co-designing a meaningful resource intended to support stroke survivors and support persons’ self-management of their PA. Full article
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13 pages, 577 KiB  
Article
Parental Educational Anxiety during Children’s Transition to Primary School in China
by Qianqian Liu, Xiumin Hong and Mei Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315479 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
Children’s transition from preschool to primary school has long been recognized as a particularly challenging period that can induce parental educational anxiety. As a true portraiture of Chinese parenting, educational anxiety during this transition has attracted considerable attention, given its detrimental effects on [...] Read more.
Children’s transition from preschool to primary school has long been recognized as a particularly challenging period that can induce parental educational anxiety. As a true portraiture of Chinese parenting, educational anxiety during this transition has attracted considerable attention, given its detrimental effects on children’s development and education. This study was aimed at identifying the characteristics of parental educational anxiety and its influencing factors during children’s transition to primary school in China. We examined parental educational anxiety and parental educational experience through a questionnaire survey. The sample comprised 26,295 families with children in grade one distributed across nine cities in five provinces. The results indicate that (1) Chinese parents experience some degree of educational anxiety during their children’s transition to primary school and are more worried about their children’s learning and social adaptation processes than about how the curriculum is taught; (2) scores for parental educational anxiety varied significantly across different regions and urban/rural areas; (3) family socioeconomic status, parents’ educational concepts, preschools’ entrance preparation work, and primary school enrollment adaptation work are all important factors influencing parental educational anxiety during this transition. Our findings highlight the prevalence of parental educational anxiety in China and the need for effective measures to facilitate a smooth transition. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 1035 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Approaches for ADHD by Developmental Stage and Clinical Presentation
by Alma Y. Galvez-Contreras, Ivette Vargas-de la Cruz, Beatriz Beltran-Navarro, Rocio E. Gonzalez-Castaneda and Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912880 - 8 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4164
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with three presentations: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. These may represent an independent disease entity. Therefore, the therapeutic approach must be focused on their neurobiological, psychological and social characteristics. To date, there is no comprehensive analysis [...] Read more.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with three presentations: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. These may represent an independent disease entity. Therefore, the therapeutic approach must be focused on their neurobiological, psychological and social characteristics. To date, there is no comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of different treatments for each presentation of ADHD and each stage of development. This is as narrative overview of scientific papers that summarize the most recent findings and identify the most effective pharmacological and psychosocial treatments by ADHD presentation and age range. Evidence suggests that methylphenidate is the safest and most effective drug for the clinical management of children, adolescents and adults. Atomoxetine is effective in preschoolers and maintains similar efficacy to methylphenidate in adults, whereas guanfacine has proven to be an effective monotherapy for adults and is a worthy adjuvant for the management of cognitive symptoms. The psychosocial treatments with the best results in preschoolers are behavioral interventions that include training of primary caregivers. In adolescents, the combination of cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapies has shown the best results, whereas cognitive-behavioral interventions are the most effective in adults. Pharmacological and psychosocial treatments must be adjusted to the ADHD presentation and its neurocognitive characteristics through the patient’s development. Full article
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Other

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9 pages, 395 KiB  
Protocol
The Evidence Base for Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP): A Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
by Michael John Norton and Claire Flynn
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413365 - 19 Dec 2021
Viewed by 4543
Abstract
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) is a structured recovery education program used internationally for anyone who wishes to create a positive change in their life. It was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland and Jane Winterling in the late 90s, resulting from a search [...] Read more.
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) is a structured recovery education program used internationally for anyone who wishes to create a positive change in their life. It was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland and Jane Winterling in the late 90s, resulting from a search of programs or initiatives that could support their wellness. Since then, many studies have been conducted into the efficacy of the program for those with a mental health/addiction challenge. However, to date, there has been little to no synthesis of the evidence base for WRAP outside of the Copeland Center’s internal reviews. The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the evidence base for Wellness Recovery Action Planning within a mental health context. To do this, a PRISMA 2020 compliant review is proposed using the PRISMA-P statement as a guide to demonstrate the methodology to be undertaken. It outlines the inclusion/exclusion criteria, search terms, and databases while informing the readership of timescales to complete such actions. Finally, this protocol also addresses issues of bias and quality within included studies. This proposed literature review and meta-analysis will synthesize and examine the evidence base for WRAP using a systematic review methodology. It is hoped that this proposed review will identify gaps in the current literature regarding the program, and provide recommendations that will support the reviewers in their further studies while also strengthening the argument for a whole system evaluation of WRAP within an Irish context. Full article
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