Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons^™

Prenatal Maternal Depression In Canada: Are Current Protocols Adequate?, Britney A. Glasgow-Osment, Farah Wahib, Madeleine Zanin, Shama Kassam

Master's in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences Graduate Program

Throughout pregnancy, maternal and fetal health are influenced by a multitude of factors. Prenatal maternal depression is one such factor. It is well documented that prenatal maternal depression causes negative pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and baby, including irregular placental function, psychological distress, and pre-term birth, among others. In Ontario, the incidence of prenatal maternal depression is alarmingly high, at 10.3%.As such, the current tools for managing prenatal maternal depression must be effective, efficient, and comprehensive. We hypothesized that the current protocols for screening and treating prenatal maternal depression in Canada are inadequate. To investigate this, a literature review …

Telehealth Experiences In Canadian Veterans: Associations, Strengths And Barriers To Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic., Deanna L Walker, M S Nouri, R A Plouffe, J J W Liu, T Le, C A Forchuk, D Gargala, K St Cyr, A Nazarov, Don Richardson

MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre

INTRODUCTION: Identifying barriers to care in veteran populations is critical, as veterans face increased social isolation, relationship strains and financial insecurities. For Canadian veterans experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare, telehealth may be a promising alternative with comparable effectiveness to in-person services; however, the potential benefits and limitations of telehealth require further examination to determine its long-term utility, and to inform health policy and planning. The goal of the present research was to identify predictors and barriers to telehealth usage in Canadian veterans in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Data were drawn from baseline data of a longitudinal survey …

Parental Quality Of Life 10 Years After Their Child’S Epilepsy Diagnosis, Klajdi Puka, Kathy Nixon Speechley

Western Research Forum

Background: Although the long-term course of childhood epilepsy is favorable in terms of seizure control, patients often face debilitating cognitive and psychosocial deficits that persist even after seizure remission. Pediatric epilepsy also has a large impact on the family and has been shown to be associated with diminished quality of life (QOL) among parents. However, the long-term outcome of parental QOL is unknown. This study aimed to 1) evaluate parental QOL 10 years after their child was diagnosed with epilepsy and 2) identify epilepsy-, child- and family-related characteristics associated with diminished parental QOL.

Methods: Data were derived …

Positive Allosteric Modulator Of Gabab Receptor Alters Behavioral Effects But Not Afterdischarge Progression Induced By Partial Hippocampal Kindling., L Stan Leung, Miao Jin, Liangwei Chu, Jingyi Ma

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Hippocampal seizures decreased the function of GABAB receptors, which may further increase seizure susceptibility and contribute to development of schizophrenia-like behaviors. Recent literature indicates that GABAB receptor agonist may normalize schizophrenia-like behaviors and prevent drug-induced behavioral sensitization. We hypothesized that positive modulation of GABAB receptor function during seizure induction will reduce seizure-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors. Using a partial hippocampal kindling model, afterdischarges were induced after injection of saline or dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle-kindled rats), or a GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator CGP7930, at 1 mg/kg i.p. (CGP1-kindled) or 5 mg/kg i.p. (CGP5-kindled). The increase in the primary afterdischarge duration during kindling was …

Positive Psychiatry, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Revolutionary advances in understanding mental disorders and in providing novel treatments have enhanced the expectations of patients and relatives. There is a growing demand on newer research in providing interventions that allow patients to live a normal life. Of late, concept of the illness itself has undergone significant change. It is now proposed that expected outcome from treatment of mental disorder is to achieve a state of ‚ ‘wellness.’ Positive psychiatry is a newer branch of psychological medicine that seeks to promote understanding of wellness and examines its application in intervention and prevention of mental disorders. The concept of positive …

Behavioural Charactertics Of Patients Vulnerable For Repeated Hospitalisation, Amresh Srivastava, Coralee Berlmont, Miky Kaushal, Avinash Desouza, Robbie Campbell, Larry Stitt

Data and Test Instruments

Background Re-hospitalization which takes place in about 30 to 50% postdischarge patienst, leads to poor outcome, increased rate of mortality and consumes more than 2/3 of budgetary allocations. Inability to identify vulnerable candidates for repeated admissions limits our options for strategic treatment. Methods In this prospective study conducted at Regional Mental Health Care ( Presently Parkwood Institute) 101 patienst ( 51 feamles, mean age 43 years), were examined using standard psychometric tools on parameters of clinical, psychopathological, suicide behaviour and resiliency for their risk and preventive characerstics. Results We assessed 101 subjects (51 females) with mean age of 42 years. …

Should Suicide Behaviour Be An Outcome Parameter For Mental Disorder, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Suicide and mental illness are closely related to each other. A high number of people who commit suicide suffer from a mental illness, and a high number of mentally ill patients exhibit suicide behavior. Suicide behavior is a significant aspect of mental illness. It is consistently observed throughout the course of illness, seen in the prodromal stage, during acute phase of remission, in residual phase and whenever illness relapses. A number of times, mental disorder improves but suicide behavior persists. 10-15% patients attempt suicide in the initial phase of an illness. More than half of the patients get hospitalized due …

Identification Of Risk Factors For Suicide Amongst Psychiatric Patients: Can Structured Measurement Tools Be More Specific?, Amresh Shrivastava, Robbie Campbell, Megan Johnston, Coralee Berlmont, Miky Kaushal, Avinash Desousa, Larry Stitt, Charles Nelson

Data and Test Instruments

Background One of the main challenges in suicide prevention is that it cannot be predicted. Significant number of patients attempt suicide while being under psychiatric treatment. Lethality and intent of each risk factor varies and remains inconsistent. Though structured instruments have also been useful with limited success search for newer methods remains an urgent clinical need. We believe risk is multifactorial and a scale based upon fundamental domains of biological, psychological, social, environmental, spiritual and clinical origin can elucidate more specific factors. Scale for impact of suicidality- Management, Assessment and Planning of care-brief screener (SISMAP-bcs) is 23 item scale which …

Resilience: A Psychobiological Construct For Pathway Of Suicidality, Amresh Srivastava, Corelee Berlmont, Miky Kaushal, Avinash Desouza, Robbie Campbell, Larry Stitt

Data and Test Instruments

Absttract: Background and objective Resilience which is a neurobiological and behavioral construct may modulate psychopathological trajectory as a ‘final common pathway’ for suicide behavior. Since it allows people to adapt to adversity and bounce back to normalcy, treatments based upon modifcation of resilience may be a possibility. Objective of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to examine association of resilience and suicidality in individuals with psychiatric disorders attending Regional RMHC, St. Thomas and London. Method We measured level of resilience by using Connor-Davidson scale (CD-RISC, cut-off 60), suicidality by Scale for Impact of Suicidality Management, Assessment and Planning of Care brief …

Resilience : An Independent Psychobiological Mental Health Construct (Guest Editorial), Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Survival against trauma is a unique characteristic of all human beings. While a number of factors contribute in building this capacity, resilience appears to be the most important one. Interest in studying resilience arises from number of areas which are of utmost clinical significance such as such as exploring the possibility of at-risk individuals who developing a mental illness]. Resilience is a human capacity to adapt swiftly and successfully to stressful or traumatic events and revert back to a positive state. It is commonly conceptualized as the ability to thrive despite experiencing adversity

Education And Training For Suicide Prevention In India, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

No abstract provided.

The Epidemic Of Mental And Neurological Health, Mohsyn I. Malik

Psychology Publications

This paper composes an image of modern mental and neurological health issues and looks to draw links to the current epidemic based on research and studies found online the internet and off-line. The goal is to examine what may be the underlying problem for a lot of these increases in mental health issues and neurodegenerative diseases and what are some promising clinical and sociocultural advances that may help. It explores problems such as the negative impact of the pharmaceutical giants, the increase in apathy in the work place and the general stigma towards mental disease. Through current research, the use …

A Neurobiological Model For Pathways Of Transition To Psychosis Due To Cannabis, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Cannabis has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of schizophrenia, although the exact biological mechanisms remain unclear. Purpose of this presentation is to explore trajectory for psychosis due to cannabis based upon a neurobiological model. A selective Pubmed search was carried out to construct a model of pathway based upon our hypothesis. The hypothesis for this conceptual paradigm is that neurobiological changes exist and cannabis metabolites modulate these changes in a sequential manner from genetic expression, environmental and biological interaction and neurochemical dysfunctions leading to cognitive dysmatria. Dopamine remains a final common pathway which leads to core …

Dimensions Of Suicidality: Analyzing The Domains Of The Sis-Map Suicide Risk Assessment Instrument And The Development Of A Brief Screener, Megan Johnston, Charles Nelson, Amresh Shrivastava

Data and Test Instruments

This study aimed at validating the domains of suicidality assessed by the Scale for Impact of Suicidality—Management, Assessment and Planning of Care (SISMAP) and creating a brief screener based on the full scale. A total of 50 individuals with suicidal ideation were given the SIS-MAP interview. Support was found for these domains of suicide risk; in particular, the subscales of ideation and protective factors for suicide risk were highly reliable. For each domain of suicidality, items most predictive of total risk index scores were selected to create a brief screener aimed at expediting the assessment process. The screener was reliable, …

Suicidal Ideation In Callers To A Crisis Hotline In Mumbai,, Amresh Srivastava, Megan Johnston, Larry Stitt, Meghana Thanksr, Sunita Iyer, Nilesh Shah, David Lester

Data and Test Instruments

Suicidal ideation in callers to a crisis hotline in Mumbai, India Amresh K. Shrivastava1,2, Megan Johnston3, Larry Stitt4, Meghana Thakar5, Sunita Iyer6, Nilesh Shah7 and David Lester8* 1Silver Mind Hospital and Mental Health Foundation of India, (PRERANA Charitable Trust) Mumbai. 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. 3Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2M2. 4Biostatistical Support Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. 5Silver mind Hospital, Mumbai, Currently, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioner, Lambeth CAMHS Early Intervention Team, South London and Maudsley …

Cannabis And Psychosis: Transition To Psychosis, Amresh Srivastava, Kristen , Terpstra, Yves Bureau

Data and Test Instruments

Cannabis has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of schizophrenia, however, but the pathway of cannabis causing psychosis is not well understood. It appears that cannabis does not cause any structural changes per say but deficits in areas of the brain responsible for memory and emotion do show some changes. Recent studies suggest that cannabinoids such as CB1 have a pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical antipsychotic drugs. This mechanisms may involve dopamine, GABA, and glutamate neurotransmission; It is still not known if these changes are transitory or permanent, and whether or not they contribute to …

Measurement Of Clinical Risk Of Stigma And Discrimination Of Mental Illnesses, Amresh Srivastava, Yves Bureau, Nitika Rewari, Megan Johnston, Arman Panday, Nilesh Shah

Data and Test Instruments

Abstract Background: Stigma and discrimination continue to be a reality in the lives of people suffering from mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, and prove to be some of the greatest barriers to access care, continue to remain under care, and regain a normal lifestyle and health. Research advances have defined stigma, assessed its implications and have even examined intervention strategies for dealing with stigma. The delay in treatment due to stigma causes potential complications like suicide, violence, harm to others and deterioration in capacity to look after one’s physical health. These are preventable clinical complications. In order to deal with the …

Study Of Negatives Symptoms In First Episode Schizophrenia*, Vivek Bambole, Nilesh, Shah, Shushma Sonavane, Megan , Johnston, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Background: Prevalence of negative symptoms in the early phase of schizophrenia remains uncertain. Ne- gative symptoms are the primary cause of long term disability and poor functional outcome. The purpose of this study is to examine the presence of negative symptoms in patients with fist episode psychosis in schizophrenia who were hospitalized. Methods: Nega- tive symptoms were measured in 72 patients present- ing with FEP using the scale for assessment of nega- tive symptoms (SANS) and ascertained diagnosis us- ing DSM-IV. Prevalence of SANS items and sub- scales were examined for both schizophrenia and bi- polar disorder. Results: This study …

Extrapyramidal Symptoms In 10 Years Of Long Term Treatment Of Schizophrenia: Independent Of Psychopathology And Outcome, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

Extrapyramidal Symptoms in 10 Years of Long Term Treatment of Schizophrenia: Independent of Psychopathology and Outcome Amresh Srivastava1, Megan Johnston2, Kristen Terpstra3, Larry Stitt4, Avinash De Sousa5*, Nilesh Shah6 1Department of Psychiatry, Elgin Early Intervention Program for Psychosis, The University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada, and Mental Health Resource Foundation, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 2.Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3G3 Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1 5Research Officer, Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai 6 Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai: One of …

Suicide In Young Men, Alexandra Pitman, Karolina Krysinska, Michael King

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Guidelines For Peer Support In High‐Risk Organizations: An International Consensus Study Using The Delphi Method, Mark C. Creamer, Tracy Varker, Jonathan Visson, Kathy Darte, Neil Greenberg, Winnie Lau, Gill Moreton, Meaghan O'Donnell, Don Richardson, Joe Ruzek, Patricia Watson, David Forbes

MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre

Despite widespread adoption of peer‐support programs in organizations around the world whose employees are at high risk of exposure to potentially traumatic incidents, little consensus exists regarding even the most basic concepts and procedures for these programs. In this article, consensus refers to a group decision‐making process that seeks not only agreement from most participants, but also resolution of minority objections. The aim of the current study was to develop evidence‐informed peer‐support guidelines for use in high‐risk organizations, designed to enhance consistency around goals and procedures and provide the foundation for a systematic approach to evaluation. From 17 countries, 92 …

Mental Disorders And Communication Of Intent To Die In Indigenous Suicide Cases, Queensland, Australia, Diego De Leo, Allison Milner, Jerneja Sveticic

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

In comparing Indigenous to non-Indigenous suicide in Australia, this study focussed on the frequency of the association between some psychiatric conditions, such as depression and alcohol abuse, and some aspect of suicidality, in particular communication of suicide intent. Logistic regression was implemented to analyze cases of Indigenous (n = 471) versus non-Indigenous suicides (n = 6,655), using the Queensland Suicide Register as a data source. Compared to non-Indigenous suicides, Indigenous cases had lower odds of being diagnosed with unipolar depression, seeking treatment for psychiatric conditions or leaving a suicide note. Indigenous suicides had greater odds of verbally communicating suicide intent …

Psychosis In Indigenous Populations Of Cape York And The Torres Strait, Ernest M. Hunter, Bruce D. Gynther, Carrick J. Anderson, Leigh-Ann L. Onnis, Jeffrey R. Nelson, Wayne Hall, Bernhard T. Baune, Aaron R. Groves

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

Objective: To describe and characterise treated psychotic disorders in the Indigenous populations of Cape York and the Torres Strait.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of patients with a psychotic disorder identified by treating psychiatrists.

Setting and participants: Indigenous patients aged 􏰀 15 years in Cape York and Torres Strait communities receiving treatment for a psychotic disorder over 3 months in 2010.

Main outcome measures: Prevalence of psychosis diagnoses, intellectual disability, and substance use comorbidities.

Results: 171 patients were included. The prevalence rate in this population was 1.68%, higher for males (2.60%) than females (0.89%), and twice as high in the Aboriginal (2.05%) …

Mental Health Of Indigenous Australians: A Review Of Findings From Community Surveys, Anthony F. Jorm, Sarah J. Bourchier, Stefan Cvetkovski, Gavin Stewart

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

Objective: To assemble what is known about the mental health of Indigenous Australians from community surveys. Data sources: A systematic search was carried out of publications and data sources since 2000 using PubMed, PsycINFO, Australian Medical Index, the National Library of Australia and datasets known to the authors.

Study selection: Surveys had to involve representative sampling of a population, identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and include a measure of mental health.

Data extraction: 11 surveys were found. Data were extracted on prevalence rates for Indigenous people by age and sex, along with comparison data from the general population, …

Preliminary Development And Content Validity Of A Measure Of Australian Aboriginal Cultural Engagement, Stacey L. Berry, Trevor P. Crowe, Frank P. Deane

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

Objectives. Aboriginal people form one of the populations most in need of mental health and substance abuse services within Australia, although many services are not adequately sensitive to, or inclusive of, relevant aspects of Aboriginal culture in their programmes. The Aboriginal Cultural Engagement Survey (ACES) was developed with the objective of assessing the level of cultural engagement of Aboriginal clients. A measure of cultural engagement is an important step in establishing an association between culture and health benefits, so that future interventions may be designed which better meet the cultural needs of Aboriginal Australians within health services.

Design. The process …

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Guiding Management With Careful Assessment Of Comorbid Mental And Physical Illness, Don Richardson, Diane Mcintosh, Murray B. Stein, Jitender Sareen

MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and serious psychiatric condition in the civilian and veteran population. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the Canadian general population is 9.2%, which, surprisingly, is not significantly different from the 7.2% lifetime prevalence rate within the Canadian Regular Forces. In Canadian veterans pensioned with a medical condition the 1-month prevalence was 10.3%. Given the serious functional impairment and impaired quality of life associated with PTSD, careful assessment and treatment of PTSD is warranted. Due to the complex clinical presentation of PTSD, which can include symptoms across the continuum from adjustment disorder and subthreshold …

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Health Problems Among Medically Ill Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans, Don Richardson, Jordan Pekevski, Jon D Elhai

MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and four significant health conditions (gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, headaches, and cardiovascular problems).

METHOD:

Participants included 707 Canadian peacekeeping veterans with service-related disabilities, from a random, national Canadian survey, who had been deployed overseas.

RESULTS:

PTSD severity was significantly related to gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, and headaches, but not to cardiovascular problems. Controlling for demographic factors did not affect PTSD's relationships with the three significant health conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study supports previous work in finding consistent relations between PTSD severity …

Switching And Selecting Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs: Quetiapine, Amresh Srivastava

Psychiatry Presentations

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Likelihood And Intensity Of Past-Year Mental Health Service Use In An Active Canadian Military Sample, Deniz Fikretoglu, Jon D Elhai, Aihua Liu, Don Richardson, David J. Pedlar

MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre

Objective:
This study examined associations between sociodemographic, military, and psychiatric need variables and past-year mental health service use among active Canadian military members. The likelihood and intensity of services were examined across two provider types— mental health providers and medical providers.
Methods: Data were drawn from the first epidemiological survey of mental health in the Canadian Forces, conducted by Statistics Canada in 2002. Survey instruments included the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, which was used to assess mental health and service use.
Results: Of the 8,441 military members who participated in the survey, 14.5% (N=1,220) met criteria for having a mental …

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among A Sample Of Treatment- And Pension-Seeking Deployed Canadian Forces Peacekeeping Veterans, Don Richardson, Mary E. Long, David J. Pedlar, Jon D Elhai

MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre

Objectives: To examine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in deployed Canadian Forces peacekeeping veterans, addressing associations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression severity. Methods: Participants (n = 125) were consecutive male veterans who were referred for a psychiatric assessment. Instruments administered included the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, Short-Form-36 Health Survey, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Mental HRQOL was significantly lower for peacekeepers with, than without, PTSD. Using univariate analyses, PTSD and depression severity were each significantly negatively related to mental HRQOL. In sequential regression analyses controlling for age, we found that PTSD and depression severity significantly predicted …