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Perspectives On Help-Negation, Coralie J. Wilson Nov 2012

Perspectives On Help-Negation, Coralie J. Wilson

Coralie J Wilson

Help-negation refers to the process of help avoidance or refusal that commonly occurs in clinical and non-clinical samples with varying forms and levels of psychological symptoms. In the last decade the effect has been established as an inverse relationship between the severity of symptoms and help-seeking for suicidal ideation, depression, and general psychological distress, for a variety of professional and non-professional help sources [see Wilson CJ, Bushnell JA, Caputi P. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 2011; 5: 34-39, for a review]. Findings from now over 20 help-negation studies suggest that at least some types of psychological symptoms or processes associated with …


Four Potential Criteria For Deciding When To Use Antidepressants Or Psychotherapy For Unipolar Depression: A Literature Review, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika Sep 2012

Four Potential Criteria For Deciding When To Use Antidepressants Or Psychotherapy For Unipolar Depression: A Literature Review, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika

Vicki Bitsika

Objective: To evaluate the literature supporting four potential criteria for deciding whether to use psychotherapy or pharmacology when treating depression.

Method: Literature review of the evidence from the last 10 years on presenting patient’s demographics, aetiology, comorbidity, and genetic factors, as predictors of treatment outcome efficacy.

Results: Demographic information has little support as a potential criteria for decision-making; aetiology (melancholic vs. non-melancholic) has significant support; presence of personality disorder comorbidity is unproven as a criterion but may have some value; genetic predisposition has the strongest evidence supporting it as a criteria for treatment decision-making.

Conclusion: Although some presenting cases will …


How Prostate Cancer Patients Cope With The Effects Of Diagnosis And Treatment: Development Of The Effects Of Prostate Cancer Coping Strategies Scale, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika, David Christie Sep 2012

How Prostate Cancer Patients Cope With The Effects Of Diagnosis And Treatment: Development Of The Effects Of Prostate Cancer Coping Strategies Scale, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika, David Christie

Vicki Bitsika

Background: The elevated anxiety and depression experienced by prostate cancer (PCa) patients can impair their decision-making as well as decrease their psychological well-being and weaken relationships with partner and family. Although standardised assessment models exist for identifying the symptoms of anxiety or depression, relatively little attention has been given to identifying the causal antecedents that PCa patients encounter and that may lead to anxiety or depression, nor their own attempts to cope with those antecedents. This study investigated the coping strategies used by a sample of PCa patients in response to the specific stressors and lifestyle changes that arose from …


Variability In Anxiety And Depression Over Time Following Diagnosis In Patients With Prostate Cancer, Christoper Sharpley, David Christie, Vicki Bitsika Sep 2012

Variability In Anxiety And Depression Over Time Following Diagnosis In Patients With Prostate Cancer, Christoper Sharpley, David Christie, Vicki Bitsika

Vicki Bitsika

To determine the presence and nature of variability in anxiety and depression in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) over 3 years following diagnosis, 442 patients with PCa completed standardized anxiety and depression inventories via survey between 1 and 36 months after receiving their initial diagnosis. Data were analyzed from a series of 3-month cohorts, and results indicated that total scores and incidence of clinically significant anxiety and depression varied over time, but that this variability was restricted to specific subfactors of anxiety and depression. Provision of effective psychological treatment to patients with PCa is discussed.


Understanding The Functionality Of Depression Among Australian Breast Cancer Patients: Implications For Cognitive And Behavioural Interventions, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika, David Christie Sep 2012

Understanding The Functionality Of Depression Among Australian Breast Cancer Patients: Implications For Cognitive And Behavioural Interventions, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika, David Christie

Vicki Bitsika

Background: Depression in breast cancer (BCa) patients can reduce quality of life, relationships and treatment compliance, thus constituting a major target for cognitive behavioural (CBT) interventions. Although CBT treatments, which are built upon consideration of the roles of antecedents and consequences for depressive behaviour, are effective, the nature of those antecedents which trigger depression among BCa patients has received relatively little attention.

Purpose: Hypotheses were (1) to determine if BCa patients were experiencing either or both of punishment type I and II and (2) to identify if these aspects of punishment were related to overall depression.

Method: Two hundred fifty-three …


Reducing Treatment Delay For Early Intervention: Evaluation Of A Community Based Crisis Helpline, Amresh Srivastava Jun 2012

Reducing Treatment Delay For Early Intervention: Evaluation Of A Community Based Crisis Helpline, Amresh Srivastava

Amresh Srivastava

Background A limited number of studies have assessed the pathways to care of patients experiencing psychosis for the first time. Helpline/clinic programs may offer patients who are still functional but have potential for crisis an alternative that is free from judgment. Methods In this study we report on patient calling a round-the-clock crisis helpline for suicide prevention supported by psychiatric facilities in Mumbai, India. Chi-square and test of mean differences were used to compare outcomes between first-episode patients and those with a previous history. Results Within five years, the helpline received 15,169 calls. Of those callers, 2341 (15.4%) experienced suicidal …


Building The Foundation For The Family Options Project, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Valerie Williams, Karen Albert Mar 2012

Building The Foundation For The Family Options Project, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Valerie Williams, Karen Albert

Joanne Nicholson

This article describes how the long-standing partnership between Employment Options, Inc., a psychosocial rehabilitation agency in Marlborough, MA, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School's (UMMS) Center for Mental Health Services Research led to the development of the Family Options program.


Mothers With Mental Health Disorders: Mental Health Promotion In The Context Of Parenting, Joanne Nicholson, Elizabeth Aaker, Michael Agar, Karen Albert, Steven Banks, Kathleen Biebel, Bernice Gershenson, Antonia Seligowski, Valerie Williams, Brenda Warren, Sierra Williams, Katherine Woolsey Mar 2012

Mothers With Mental Health Disorders: Mental Health Promotion In The Context Of Parenting, Joanne Nicholson, Elizabeth Aaker, Michael Agar, Karen Albert, Steven Banks, Kathleen Biebel, Bernice Gershenson, Antonia Seligowski, Valerie Williams, Brenda Warren, Sierra Williams, Katherine Woolsey

Joanne Nicholson

Parenting is a meaningful role for the majority of American women, including those with mental health disorders. Success in this role, particularly for women with mental health disorders, would seem to be intimately related to mental health promotion, the recovery process, and successful functioning in other major life domains (e.g., employment, community living, and personal health and well-being). The achievement of maximum social participation for women with mental health disorders may hinge on addressing the challenges they face as parents. Presented at Margins to Mainstream: World Congress on Mental Health Promotion and Prevention. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, September 2008.


Critical Issues For Parents With Mental Illness And Their Families, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Beth Hinden, Alexis Henry, Lawrence Stier Mar 2012

Critical Issues For Parents With Mental Illness And Their Families, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Beth Hinden, Alexis Henry, Lawrence Stier

Joanne Nicholson

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated the impact of parents who have mental illness on children and families. The report discusses the scope of the issue and the experiences of parents with mental illness, federal and State policies impacting policies and practices relating to parents with mental illness, current programs for parents with mental illness and their families, and recommended steps for improving and expanding services. Prepared for the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD.


Exploring The Concept Of “Young Carer” In Families Living With Parental Mental Illness, Antonia Seligowski, Peter Mcnamee, Karen Albert, Valerie Williams, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Exploring The Concept Of “Young Carer” In Families Living With Parental Mental Illness, Antonia Seligowski, Peter Mcnamee, Karen Albert, Valerie Williams, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Background Information: The concept of “young carers” has been framed in the literature as children providing care and assuming household responsibilities when parents have physical and/or mental disabilities (Aldridge & Becker, 2003). In the United Kingdom, young carers have been studied extensively, leading to increased access to services and supports (Dearden & Becker, 2004). Our goal is to explore the concept of young carers in the U.S.

Aims: 1) To describe the care giving and household responsibilities of children and youth living with parents with mental illnesses, how often they are performed, and the feelings of children and youth about …


Programs For Families With Parental Mental Illness: Results Of A Us National Survey, Joanne Nicholson, Beth Hinden, Kathleen Biebel, Alexis Henry, Lawrence Stier Mar 2012

Programs For Families With Parental Mental Illness: Results Of A Us National Survey, Joanne Nicholson, Beth Hinden, Kathleen Biebel, Alexis Henry, Lawrence Stier

Joanne Nicholson

Citation: Nicholson, J., Hinden, B., Biebel, K., Henry, A., & Stier, L. (2004). Programs for families with parental mental illness. Visions: British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal, 2(2), 27-29. Available at: http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions/parenting. Summary: Survey of programs in the U.S. for parents with mental illness.


A Multi-Disciplinary, Whole-Of-Family Approach To Supporting Parents With Mental Illness, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

A Multi-Disciplinary, Whole-Of-Family Approach To Supporting Parents With Mental Illness, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Summary: Family members are likely to have multiple and overlapping needs & roles – individuals with mental illness, carers & siblings. There are many opportunities & strategies for intervention. The best care requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders working in partnership. Citation: Nicholson, J. (2010, November). A multi-disciplinary, whole-of-family approach to supporting parents with mental illness. Presented as a plenary at the Developing Strength and Resilience in Children conference of Voksne for Barn, Oslo, Norway.


The Family Networks Implementation Study, Susan Maciolek, Joanne Nicholson, Nicole Dube, Jodi Adams, Bernice Gershenson Mar 2012

The Family Networks Implementation Study, Susan Maciolek, Joanne Nicholson, Nicole Dube, Jodi Adams, Bernice Gershenson

Joanne Nicholson

Family Networks is a comprehensive system transformation initiative to redesign and integrate traditional categorical services across Massachusetts into local systems of care for children, youth, and families served by the child welfare system. The Family Networks Implementation Study, a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is a two-year study of the process of implementing local systems of care that began in January 2007, and will continue through December 2008. Presented at the 21th Annual Research Conference. A System of Care for Children’s Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base. Tampa, Florida, February …


Mental Illness: Understanding The Impact On Families And How To Help, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Mental Illness: Understanding The Impact On Families And How To Help, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Abstract: Family is the context where mental health recovery takes place. Mental health services need to take a whole-of-family approach when working with people with a mental illness. Supporting people with a mental illness in their family roles actually improved the mental health outcomes of people participating in their programs. Citation: Nicholson, J. (2010, May). Mental illness: Understanding the impact on families and how to help. Presented as the 12th Annual Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture, Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.


Family Members With Overlapping Mental Health Needs Require The Transformation Of Systems And Services, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Beth Hinden, Valerie Williams, Bernice Gershenson, Judith Katz-Leavy Mar 2012

Family Members With Overlapping Mental Health Needs Require The Transformation Of Systems And Services, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Beth Hinden, Valerie Williams, Bernice Gershenson, Judith Katz-Leavy

Joanne Nicholson

Women and men with a lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorder are at least as likely to be parents as are adults without psychiatric disorder. The majority of adults in all diagnostic categories are parents, including those meeting criteria for affective and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and non-affective psychosis. Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) receiving services in Systems of Care (SOCs) programs may have multiple family risk factors. Family-centered, strengths-based practices require a paradigm shift in the way administrators and providers view and intervene with children and adults. Presented at The Santa Fe Summit on Behavioral Health, the American College of …


Using Organizational Data To Create The Essential Context For System Transformation In Child Welfare, William Deveney, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Using Organizational Data To Create The Essential Context For System Transformation In Child Welfare, William Deveney, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

The Massachusetts Department of Social Services (MA/DSS) has 29 area offices organized in 6 regions; 74,651 consumers (39,913 are children < 18 years of age); 10,863 children and youth in placement; and 3,400 employees (FY2005; 2nd quarter).

A comprehensive system transformation initiative is underway, to shift from the traditional “adversarial” child protective model, and translate the core values of “child-driven,” “family-centered,” “community-focused,” “strength-based,” “committed to diversity/ cultural competence,” and committed to continuous learning” into an active child welfare agenda. The “learning organization” is the guiding framework.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is an interactive, iterative, participatory process that reflects change in organizational values, and catalyzes and guides improvements in policy and practice. Data drive CQI, obtained as framed …


Creating Opportunities For Success: Working With Trauma Survivors In The Shelter Setting, Joanne Nicholson, Linda Weinreb, Tina Runyan, Kathleen Biebel Mar 2012

Creating Opportunities For Success: Working With Trauma Survivors In The Shelter Setting, Joanne Nicholson, Linda Weinreb, Tina Runyan, Kathleen Biebel

Joanne Nicholson

Summary: Training workshop with the following objectives: Increase knowledge, awareness, & understanding of trauma & its impact; Provide information about skills & strategies; Suggest self care strategies. Citation: Nicholson, J., Weinreb, L., Runyan, T., & Biebel, K. (2010, November). Creating opportunities for success: Working with trauma survivors in the shelter setting. Presented at a training workshop for the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Worcester, MA.


The Massachusetts Family Networks Implementation Study, Susan Maciolek, Joanne Nicholson, Jodi Adams, Bernice Gershenson, Katherine Woolsey, Brenda Warren Mar 2012

The Massachusetts Family Networks Implementation Study, Susan Maciolek, Joanne Nicholson, Jodi Adams, Bernice Gershenson, Katherine Woolsey, Brenda Warren

Joanne Nicholson

Family Networks is a comprehensive systems transformation initiative to redesign and integrate traditional categorical services across the Commonwealth into local systems of care for children, youth, and families served by the child welfare system. The Family Networks Implementation Study, a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (MA/DSS) and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is a two-year study of the process of implementing local systems of care that began in January 2007, and will continue through December 2008. Findings from the Family Networks Implementation Study will inform MA/DSS strategic planning, system refinements, and the Family Networks outcomes evaluation. …


Family Options For Parents With Mental Illnesses: A Developmental, Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Joanne Nicholson, Karen Albert, Bernice Gershenson, Valerie Williams, Kathleen Biebel Mar 2012

Family Options For Parents With Mental Illnesses: A Developmental, Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Joanne Nicholson, Karen Albert, Bernice Gershenson, Valerie Williams, Kathleen Biebel

Joanne Nicholson

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to provide a description of Family Options, a rehabilitation intervention for parents with serious mental illnesses and their children focusing on recovery and resilience, and to report the findings from a pilot study at 6-months post-enrollment for participating mothers. METHODS: A developmental design, and mixed quantitative and qualitative methods facilitate an in-depth understanding of Family Options and its impact on parents early in the implementation process. RESULTS: Participating families faced significant challenges, including long-term mental health conditions in adults, and emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. Data from mothers (n = 22) demonstrate …


Supporting Parents: Multi-Needs And The Need For Multi-Institutions’ Coordination Of Supports, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Supporting Parents: Multi-Needs And The Need For Multi-Institutions’ Coordination Of Supports, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Summary: Family members are likely to have multiple and overlapping needs & roles – individuals with mental illness, carers & siblings. There are many opportunities & strategies for intervention. The best care requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders working in partnership.

Citation: Nicholson, J. (2010, May). Supporting parents: multi-needs and the need for multi-institutions coordination of supports. Presented as a keynote at the Conference on Ondersteuning Ouders met Psychiasche Problemen,The Hague, The Netherlands.


Mothers With Mental Illness: I. The Competing Demands Of Parenting And Living With Mental Illness, Joanne Nicholson, Elaine Sweeney, Jeffrey Geller Mar 2012

Mothers With Mental Illness: I. The Competing Demands Of Parenting And Living With Mental Illness, Joanne Nicholson, Elaine Sweeney, Jeffrey Geller

Joanne Nicholson

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to understand the parenting experiences of women with mental illness from the perspectives of mothers and case managers employed by the state department of mental health. METHODS: Six focus groups of mothers and five focus groups of case managers met to discuss the problems facing mothers with mental illness and to recommend solutions. Focus-group transcripts were coded and items grouped by themes in qualitative analyses to explore the conflicts mothers face in meeting the dual challenges of parenting and living with mental illness. RESULTS: Mothers and case managers identified sources of conflict in …


Parenting With A Mental Illness. A Radio Interview For Abc Radio National, Australia Public Radio (Audio File), Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Parenting With A Mental Illness. A Radio Interview For Abc Radio National, Australia Public Radio (Audio File), Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Interview (mp3 audio file, 9.8 MB) by Dr. Joanne Nicholson with Richard Aedy, host and producer, “Parenting with a Mental Illness” on Life Matters, ABC Radio National, Australia public radio, May 25, 2010. Nicholson says that keeping families intact benefits both the family as a whole, and the ill parent's recovery. She argues too many health professionals make treatment plans without considering the family context. Citation: Nicholson, J. Interview with Richard Aedy, host and producer, “Parenting with a Mental Illness” on Life Matters, ABC Radio National, Australia public radio. May 25, 2010. Available from: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2010/2906312.htm.


Helping Families— Shifting The Emphasis, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Helping Families— Shifting The Emphasis, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Abstract: Family members are likely to have multiple and overlapping needs & roles – individuals with mental illness and carers. There are many opportunities & strategies for intervention. The best care requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders. Citation: Nicholson, J. (2010, May). Helping families – Shifting the emphasis. Presented as a keynote address at the Annual Corporate Breakfast with the Lord Mayor, Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.


Supporting Parents With Mental Health Needs In Systems Of Care, Barbara Friesen, Judith Katz-Leavy, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Supporting Parents With Mental Health Needs In Systems Of Care, Barbara Friesen, Judith Katz-Leavy, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Summary: Community-based systems of care (SOCs) must address both the needs of parents with mental illness and the needs of their children. Learning more about the challenges faced by SOCs in this area, and the strategies they implement to overcome them, provides insights with implications for the broader field. This project was intended to learn more about efforts to assess parents’ mental health needs, effectively engage and support them, and improve system coordination and access to services to inform service delivery and system reform, especially for those involved in both child welfare and mental health. This report presents information gathered …


Supporting Parents With Psychiatric Disabilities And Promoting Recovery: An International Challenge, Peter Van Der Ende, Joanne Nicholson Mar 2012

Supporting Parents With Psychiatric Disabilities And Promoting Recovery: An International Challenge, Peter Van Der Ende, Joanne Nicholson

Joanne Nicholson

Introduction: Parenting is a significant life role for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Not only is success in this role a normal life goal for many, but functioning as well as possible as parents would seem to be intimately related to the recovery process and successful functioning in other major life domains. Research on the prevalence and needs of parents with psychiatric disabilities in two countries, the U.S. and The Netherlands, provides the framework for developing and testing interventions. Essential program components include supports for parents in meeting their children’s needs as well as managing their own. Research Question: What are …


Mothers With Mental Illness: Ii. Family Relationships And The Context Of Parenting, Joanne Nicholson, Elaine Sweeney, Jeffrey Geller Mar 2012

Mothers With Mental Illness: Ii. Family Relationships And The Context Of Parenting, Joanne Nicholson, Elaine Sweeney, Jeffrey Geller

Joanne Nicholson

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the experiences of mothers with mental illness regarding their family relationships.

METHODS: Six focus groups of mothers with mental illness and five focus groups of case managers met to discuss problems facing mothers with mental illness and to recommend solutions. Focus groups were audiotaped, and transcripts were coded and analyzed qualitatively to describe ways in which husbands and partners, grandparents, and other family members contribute to the context of parenting for mothers with mental illness.

RESULTS: Mothers with mental illness and case managers described a range of relationships and attitudes of family members and provided examples …


Implementation Challenges In Wrapping Interventions Around Families Living With Parental Mental Illness, Joanne Nicholson, Beth Hinden, Joan Mikula, Kathleen Biebel, Valerie Williams, Katherine Woolsey, Elizabeth Aaker Mar 2012

Implementation Challenges In Wrapping Interventions Around Families Living With Parental Mental Illness, Joanne Nicholson, Beth Hinden, Joan Mikula, Kathleen Biebel, Valerie Williams, Katherine Woolsey, Elizabeth Aaker

Joanne Nicholson

Citation: Hinden,B., Mikula, J., Nicholson, J., Bieble, K., Williams, V., Woolsey, K., & Aaker, E. (2008). Implementation Challenges in Wrapping Interventions Around Families with Parental Mental Illness. In C. Newman, C. Liberton, K. Kutash, and R/ Friedman (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th Annual Research Conference, A System of Care for Children’s Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Florida Mental Health Institute, Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health.

Summary: Parental mental illness challenges service providers in adult mental health, child welfare and children’s mental health systems of care. This presentation describes the development …


Bungy Jump Into The Unknown - Women Escaping Domestic Violence, Megan Levy Mar 2012

Bungy Jump Into The Unknown - Women Escaping Domestic Violence, Megan Levy

Megan Levy

What happens to those women coming out of a women’s refuge? Can they live away from Domestic Violence? Do they have parenting skills? To answer these questions a case study methodology combined with theories from Humanistic, Social and Community Psychology was implemented to analyse the contents of the meetings held by the refuge’s Self-Help Group,. This group consisted of 11 women, ages 29 to 48 yo: Five of them still in domestic violence; and the rest escaping DV: two, in the refuge, and four who had left 12 to 36 months ago. The first finding: When a woman is still …


Violence And Character: A Cups (Culture X Person X Situation) Perspective, D. Cohen, Angela K.-Y. Leung Jan 2012

Violence And Character: A Cups (Culture X Person X Situation) Perspective, D. Cohen, Angela K.-Y. Leung

Ka Yee Angela LEUNG

No abstract provided.


Guilt As A Consequence For Leaving The Homeland, Catherine Ward, Irene Styles Dec 2011

Guilt As A Consequence For Leaving The Homeland, Catherine Ward, Irene Styles

Catherine Hall Ward Dr

No abstract provided.