International Journal of Mental Health Nursing最新文献

Electroconvulsive therapy is administered, internationally, to approximately a million people annually. This study aimed to collect the self-reported factors contributing to the problems for which ECT is prescribed and assess how well mental health services addressed those factors. An online survey was responded to by 858 ECT recipients and 286 family members and friends, from 44 countries. The majority (84%) of ECT recipients reported childhood adversities and, of those, 78% believed those adversities had contributed to the problems for which ECT was prescribed. Only 32% reported that mental health services had asked about their childhood adversities, and 30% that their adversities had been ‘therapeutically addressed’. 81% of ECT recipients reported at least one of 11 recent stressors. Of these, 67% believed their stressors had contributed to their problems. 34% reported being asked about their stressors and 21% felt that the stressors had been ‘therapeutically addressed’. Mental health professionals, including nurses, should ensure that patients are asked about the life events and circumstances they believe contributed to the difficulties for which ECT is being considered, and offered some help with them.

The older adult population aged 65 years and over is growing rapidly and social isolation among this population has been recognised as a significant public health concern. High rates of physical, emotional and cognitive comorbid conditions are commonly linked among older adults with social isolation. As the older adult population increases, the need for psychosocial interventions will increase in order for health services to serve this ageing population. The aim of this review was to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions implemented in community settings to reduce social isolation in older adults. Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage integrative review framework guided this review as it facilitates the inclusion and integration of diverse methodological approaches to experimental research. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Embase) were systematically searched and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Of the 14 989 studies retrieved from database search, seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised using narrative synthesis. Ten types of psychosocial interventions for older adults with social isolation were identified that can be delivered by healthcare professionals. The positive impact of these on social isolation, and comorbidities such as depression and anxiety has been demonstrated. In addition, we identified the useful components of these interventions and the experiences of older adults and healthcare professionals in delivering psychosocial interventions, thereby highlighting the key elements that contribute to successful outcomes. Findings strongly suggest the need for enhanced support structures and greater integration of psychosocial approaches into routine community care for older adults. Therefore, training for healthcare professionals to provide psychosocial interventions to older adults in the community is needed.

This qualitative study aims to explore patient perspectives and experiences with functional recovery in late-life depression. Purposive sampling was used to include patients (60 years and older) with a depression diagnosis in the past year (in full or partial remission at inclusion). This led to the inclusion of 12 participants. Participants were recruited from an outpatient psychiatric clinic in the Netherlands. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using both inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The Social Production Function (SPF) theory was utilised as a framework to deductively categorise themes under the subjective well-being instrumental goals. This study highlights the critical role of stimulation/activation, comfort, affection and aging in functional recovery in late-life depression. Under the theme of stimulation/activation, we found that motivation, participation, balance and structure were considered highly relevant. Affection, in the form of support, maintaining contact with people and cultivating meaningful connections, made a valuable contribution to the functional recovery process. Within the theme of comfort, participants described how comorbidities affected their recovery, requiring adjustment and acceptance. While themes arose that corresponded to status and behavioural confirmation, they were considered less significant to the recovery process. The inductively found theme ‘the role of aging’ was added to the themes of the SPF framework. It showed that functional recovery from late-life depression could not be understood without the effects of aging. These results show how the SPF theory aligns with older adults' goal of well-being. The findings underscore the need for personalised care focusing on functional recovery and offer a foundation for the evaluation of future interventions.

Recent evidence indicates that social anxiety disorders are increasing alongside a growing sense of disconnection from communities. However, anxiety disorders are often overlooked or perceived as ‘less serious’ mental health issues. Consequently, young people may avoid formal psychological interventions or discussions with family members for fear of being misunderstood, increasingly turning instead to online spaces for support. This study aimed to explore how adolescents (aged 12–18) use Reddit to share their experiences of anxiety. A total of 105 posts, made between January 2021 and January 2022, were thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: Perceived barriers in seeking mental health support; Reddit as a last resort: motivators leading to anonymous posts; and ‘Remember you are not alone’: empathy and support through distance. The findings highlight adolescents' fear of stigma and rejection, as well as limited access to appropriate mental health services. For many, online help-seeking provided opportunities to share distress, seek advice, and connect with empathetic peers. Understanding social media's role in adolescents' emotional regulation, identity, and peer support can inform empathetic, tailored care. Encouraging open dialogue about online experiences supports safe coping and strengthens therapeutic relationships. Professionals should help adolescents build digital literacy and consider the potential therapeutic value of weak online ties, while research on practicalities, safeguarding, and outcomes is needed before implementation.