Background: Substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD) is prevalent in South Africa, yet there is a paucity of research regarding its longitudinal course, with studies finding that diagnostic conversion occurs often, mostly to schizophrenia (SCZ). Aim: We examined the rate of, and factors associated with, diagnostic conversion in first-episode SIPD to primary, non-substance-related mental disorders. Setting: Adult inpatients with a diagnosis of first-episode SIPD discharged between 2012 to 2014 from Valkenberg psychiatric hospital, Cape Town. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of first-episode patients discharged from hospital, followed-up for a four-year period. We used survival analysis and Cox-proportional hazard regression to determine factors associated with diagnostic conversion to a primary mental disorder. Results: Of the sample of 225 patients, the majority were young, male and polysubstance users. Diagnostic conversion occurred in 26.2%, the majority within 3 years - 71.2% to SCZ-spectrum disorders and 28.8% to major affective disorders. In the adjusted analysis, diagnostic conversion remained significantly associated with male sex (HRadj=1.85, 95% CI=1.00– 3.42, p=0.045) and greater length of index admission (HRadj=1.02, 95% CI=1.01 – 1.04, p=0.006). Compared to nonconverters, significant associations with conversion to SCZ-spectrum disorders were male sex and length of index admission. Conversions to both SCZ-spectrum and major affective disorders were significantly associated with number of re-admissions during follow-up. Conclusion: Diagnostic conversion occurred in a substantial proportion of SIPD cases, often to SCZ. This warrants enhanced follow-up of high-risk cases, with attention to indicators such as sex and length of index hospitalisation.

This work explored the ways in which the theoretical constructs of gay identity development, relational satisfaction, and outness interact in gay-male emerging adults. Informed by the literature on these constructs, the researcher developed a structural model to evaluate the interactive and mediating roles within the model. Three instruments were selected to assist in measuring these theoretical constructs. The Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS) measured gay identity development, the Gay and Lesbian Relationship Satisfaction Scale (GLRSS) measured relational satisfaction, and the Nebraska Outness Scale (NOS) measured outness. A sample of 206 cisgender gay men in Emerging Adulthood (ages 19-29) were recruited from LGBTQ+ Community Centers, Post-secondary Pride Centers, and electronically through the MTurk crowd sourcing platform. Data gathered from these participants was evaluated via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the relationship between the variables and understand how outness (NOS) and relationship satisfaction (GLRSS) mediate gay identity development (LGBIS). Results of confirmatory factor analysis of all three measures show considerable concerns. This study was unable to confirm author supplied factor structures for any of the instruments used in this work. Results of this study should be considered with extreme caution as the instrumentation used may be flawed and may not have actually measured the intended theoretical constructs. Discussion, consideration of findings, limitations, and areas for future research are given with caution.

No description available.

No description available.

Impacting millions of youth in the United States and across the globe, early parental death can be a very stressful and traumatic event and is an important topic to investigate. Utilizing an Eriksonian developmental perspective, this study (N = 256) examined a group of young adults who experienced a parental death during adolescence and a group of young adults who had not experienced an early parental death. The researcher examined the developmental impact of early parental death, and developed a predictive model of posttraumatic growth (PTG) for young adults who have experienced early parental death. When compared to non-bereaved peers, young adults who experienced a parental death during adolescence had lower psychosocial developmental strength; this impact did not vary due to demographic variables (e.g., gender, SES, ethnicity, age), type of parental death, gender of the deceased parent, age when death occurred, or the closeness of the relationship with the deceased parent. This study also affirmed the relationships between psychosocial development, social support, religiosity/spirituality, and PTG, emphasizing social support, spirituality, and psychosocial development as statistically significant predictors of PTG in young adults who experienced an early parental death. The strong statistical relationship between psychosocial development and PTG also affirmed the literature that has theorized this relationship. Investigating two different developmental periods contributed to the limited research on the long-term trajectory of PTG in individuals who experienced early parental death, and provided insight into sustaining PTG throughout the lifespan as well. Limitations and suggestions for future research are presented, along with implications for the profession of counseling.

This research study explored how undocumented immigrants define and experience mental health. A review of literature about undocumented Latinx immigrants emphasized that even in high distress, this population underutilizes mental health services. Data were analyzed through the lens of Latinx Critical Race Theory in an effort to conceptualize the role of multiple marginalization on the mental health state of undocumented Latinx immigrants. Eight undocumented Mexican immigrants in one city in a southern state were interviewed using semi-structured, open-ended questions. A transcendental phenomenology method was used to explore how this population experiences mental health. Data analysis revealed five themes that suggest that this population has a negative experience with mental health. The negative experience with mental health was influenced by family, community, and political climate. Additional findings are also discussed, along with implications for counselor education and clinical practice, limitations, and areas for further research.

Identify the signs and symptoms ofcommon perinatal mood disorders Identify local and national resources tosupport those with perinatal mentalhealth concerns

No description available.

No description available.

Background: There are significant challenges in many countries to effectively manage service needs of prisoners with a mental illness. In Zimbabwe, there is no literature on the prevalence of mental disorders among prisoners but it is likely to be as high as in other African countries. Apart from high prison populations which often under resourced, it is also reported that ex-offenders from correctional psychiatric institutions face a range of social, economic and personal challenges once released which often hamper their ability to live adaptive crime-free lifestyles. Although there is extensive literature on experiences of offenders within the criminal justice system, few studies have examined the convergence of the factors affecting those ex-offenders living with mental illness' transition from the prison environment to the community, as related to (i) their experiences upon discharge, (ii) barriers to effective community reintegration of this vulnerable population, and (iii) their service needs. The study addresses this gap. Aims & Objectives: The overall aim of the study was to explore the experiences of ex-offenders with a mental illness within a period of three to twelve months following discharge from psychiatric prison care. Specific objectives included: (1) exploring the experiences and needs of ex-offenders with severe mental illness upon discharge from psychiatric prison care; (2) exploring the key drivers and barriers to community re-integration of ex-offenders with severe mental illness after being discharged from psychiatric prison care; and explore available services and identify further service needs of ex-offenders with mental illness after being discharged from psychiatric prison care. Methods: Thirteen ex-offenders with a severe mental illness who were discharged at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison participated in the study. There is a dedicated psychiatric facility at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and it was being funded externally through MSF. Key informant structured interviews were utilised. All ex-offenders were discharged within a period of three to twelve months, were over eighteen (18) years of age and they participated in the study willingly and provided informed consent. Only those based in Harare Metropolitan Province were included. The research participants were interviewed using a qualitative interview schedule which inquired about the experiences and needs of ex-offenders with severe mental illness; key drivers and barriers to community re-integration following discharge and access to mental health services. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework approach to identify themes. To facilitate analysis of data, the qualitative analysis computer software NVivo 12 was utilised. Results: Findings of the study were grouped according to three main themes. Theme one highlighted how the prison infrastructure and environment negatively impacted on their mental health. This included dilapidated buildings, no running water, electricity shortages, poor ventilation in cells and overcrowding. The second theme focused on the perceived benefits of the comprehensive and integrated mental health services at Chikurubi Hospital. The third theme looked at the experiences and needs upon discharge from psychiatric prison care. Participants had mixed experiences of integration depending on the severity of the crime committed and whether or not they were integrated back into the same community where the crime was committed. Successful reintegration was challenging given the stigma and discrimination experienced as a result of committing a crime and having a mental health illness. The lack of community based services providing recovery focused interventions was also highlighted as a challenge. Conclusions: The study examined experiences of ex-offenders living with mental illness within three to twelve months following discharge from psychiatric prison care. Chikurubi Psychiatric Hospital provided comprehensive quality services through external funding. Upon discharge, community mental health services focused primarily on clinical recovery in the form of medication, impacting on the mental health of the participants as they re-integrated into the community.