Abstract This paper presents a comparison of a mentalhealth program in Canada with a mentalhealth program in the U.S. The basis of the analysis is a three-part schema for examining social welfare programs.
From the Paper "This research compares a mental health program in Canada, the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program(NSEEP) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a mental health program in the United States, the University of Maryland School Mental Health Program (SMHP) in Baltimore, Maryland. The framework for the comparison of the two mental health programs is a three-part schema for examining social welfare programs..."
Abstract This paper discusses infant mentalhealth. It expands on the ability to assess issues relating to infant mentalhealth as opposed to the dynamic changes in child development or normal aggression, for example, in a 4 year old. The paper also focuses on career opportunities for the Developmental Specialist working within a pediatric or clinic setting.
From the Paper "Unfortunately, although a common assumption from years ago, still today many individuals - both practitioners and parents - still believe that infants do not have the capacity to feel pain, emotion or experience dysfunction related to mental health psychopathology (Frankel, Boyum & Harmon, 2004). Gradually, the literature and research is proving these individuals wrong. However, the onus is still on the practitioner to identify these issues in infants and children 5 years of age and younger within their care based on isolated 15-20 minute visits without having the proper training to do so (Minde, Tidmarsh & Hughes, 2001). Additionally, most of the time the practitioner spends those 15-20 minutes assessing sources of physical health or pathology (Minde, Tidmarsh & Hughes, 2001). Most children are not scheduled for all of their well-baby care visits which can further complicate the problems associated with trying to assess infant mental health. According to Keren, Feldman and Tyano (2001) "defining symptoms and ..."
Abstract This brief yet concise paper details recent research which has proven that unemployment causes, rather than merely results from, poor psychological health. A study in Great Britain revealed that unemployed individuals were approximately three times more likely, than employed people, to commit suicide. This paper examines the impact of unemployment on one's mentalhealth, including: Anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction with one's life, negative self-esteem and other emotional states have each been demonstrated in complex studies to be higher in unemployed people than in similar groups of employed people.
From the Paper "For many people, the stress of being unemployed is devastating. A recent study of more than 500,000 people in Great Britain revealed that people who said they were unemployed in a 1981 census were approximately three times more likely than employed people to commit suicide in the next decade. "Job loss seems to result in a serious erosion in people's sense of control and self-esteem," says William R. Avison, Ph.D., professor of sociology and leader of the University of Western Ontario study. Because control and self-esteem are two limitations of mental health, it is understandable that unemployment affects people so deeply, he argues."
Tags:mental, health, employment, labor, physical, depression, study, research
Abstract This paper offers an analysis of Princess Diana of Wales' 1993 speech on "Women and MentalHealth" using feminist criticism. In this article, the writer discusses the strong influence of the norms and practices of a patriarchal society on the psychological well being of women.
From the Paper "Presented at a conference for mental health professionals, Princess Diana's speech 'Women and Mental Health' at the most superficial level, highlighted the existence of the psychological difficulties experienced by women. However, at a deeper level, this speech also brought up to the surface the oppressive impact of the norms and practices of patriarchal society on the psychological well-being of women. To explore this issue further, the method of feminist criticism will be employed to analyze this artifact. More specifically the research question that will ... "
Abstract This paper discusses a meta-analysis conducted on Ontario's Community MentalHealth Evaluation Initiative. The paper starts with the identification of the stakeholders, description of the program, evaluation design, evidence gathered, and conclusions reached by the evaluation. A set of 30 standards for assessing quality of evaluation activities is also done.
From the Paper "Meta-analysis of Ontario's Community Mental Health Evaluation Initiative Stakeholders The stakeholders are divided into CMHEI partners and the consumers, families and even community providers (Goering et al, 2004). The former consist of The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), The Ontario Mental Health Foundation and The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Goering et al, 2004). The program operators collaborated and took a direct hand in conducting this evaluation, the objective of which was to "assess the effectiveness of community-based mental health services and supports, providing evidence to support future decisions about programs and service delivery" (p. 7)."
Abstract This paper presents the personal statement of a person pursuing studies in mentalhealth and counseling. The paper relates that, in order to pay for these studies, the applicant worked with an adoption agency, and being of Chinese origin felt personally rewarded by assisting in the placement of Chinese children and specifically that of a little Chinese girl. The paper concludes with a discussion about the writer's intentions of pursuing a health and counseling career, which would be of value in assisting the underprivileged, as demonstrated by the help given to the adopted Chinese girl.
From the Paper "I was put in charge of the Chinese adoption program because I am originally from China; my employers felt this background, especially culturally and linguistically, was invaluable to meet their ends. I found that I was able to help mediate issues that naturally arose between adopted children and their new families in this country. Especially when it came to older children, the importance of acting as a bridge between them and their new families was a crucial aspect of my work."
This is a research paper outlining the current issues in mentalhealth, like the stigma that those afflicted will face. The paper looks at who was more likely to stigmatize based on age, sex and experience with mentalhealth.
Abstract This study examines who is more likely to stigmatize the mentally ill according to their experiences. Specifically, the study examines the level of knowledge each participant has about mentalhealth issues and their viewpoints on the mentally ill, and whether it is related to gender.
From the Paper "Stigma, has "traditionally been defined as a sign or mark that designates the bearer defective, and therefore as meriting less valued treatment than normal people" (Heatherton 2000:88). This view of an individual is apparent in all societies. The actual experience of stigma is common. Virtually everyone has experienced some form of stigmatization. Whether it is our personality, our dress, or our economic status. However it has been the mentally ill and former mentally ill individuals who "have traditionally been degraded and rejected; they have experienced prejudice similar to that experienced by racial and ethnic minorities" (Heatherton 2000:103). It is a fault in society to assume that everyone stigmatizes in the same way. It is the way we socialize our children that anyone different is less of a person. The mass media constantly characterizes the mentally ill as "sick", "dangerous", "worthless", "unpredictable" (Heatherton 2000:103). Literature found on mental illness usually states that stigma for the mentally ill is common to all society, but a closer look shows that it fails to differentiate between its origins. Specifically that everyone looks at the mentally ill the same way: that they are negative and violent."
Abstract This paper assess the mentalhealth and family services provided by Health Care Associates, Inc, a mentalhealth and family/youth crisis intervention organization. The paper attempts to assess the organization's effectiveness in providing services to its client population.
From the Paper "In this paper, Health Care Associates Incorporated (HCA), which specializes in providing mental health as well as family youth crisis intervention services, will be assessed. More specifically, HCA's macro-structure and its environment will be evaluated in order to explore its effectiveness in providing services to its client population. Sources that were used for the assessment of HCA included agency materials, interviews with the staff and the Internet. HCA was created to cater to the wide-ranging needs of individuals with mental health problems..."
Tags:Health Care Associates, Inc. MentalHealth Family/Youth Crisis Intervention Services- Organization Assessment
Abstract This paper provides a discussion on the topic of mentalhealth and the insurance industry. The writer uses several jumping off points to explore the benefits and the process for receiving mentalhealth care nationwide and then focuses on some of the problems and issues that are key to the state of Arizona.
From the Paper "In recent years society has begun to remove the stigma that was once attached to mental illness and accept that it is a reality of life just as physical health is. We used to shun those who had mental illness or lock them away in institutions thereby preventing them from becoming contributing members of society. This caused those who needed to seek help to be silent about their problem for fear of being ostracized. In more recent years the stigma has begun to disappear and the result has been more people than ever before coming forth and seeking treatment for various mental health issues. This has created an overload in the system and it has developed some important eye openers when it comes to the health insurance industry regarding the way it handles mental health coverage. In many areas of the nation mental health needs are just not being met by insurance coverage. In other areas they are. It depends on the insurance policy itself as well as the state legislators and their votes. The state of Arizona is beginning to show some promise in the area of mental health coverage however there is still much work to be done before it will adequately meet the needs of its residents."
Abstract This paper provides an in depth explanation of occupational mentalhealth practice. The author discusses those circumstances in the work environment which effects the behaviors of the workers and which influence personal well being and the performance of a job. The author provides explanations about causes of work maladjustment and treatments for the symptoms.
From the Paper "Occupational mental health practice concerns those circumstances in the work environment which effects the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of the workers and which influence personal well being and the performance of a job. The goals are to promote conditions favorable to mental health in the workplace and to identify and modify unfavorable conditions" (Mickleburgh, 1986 page 426). There are various approaches or models that attempt to explain occupational adjustment. These approaches are viewed in a variety of ways. They vary from biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives."
Tags: employee, employer, health, organization, work, adjustment, relation, health
This extensive research paper analyzes U.K. case law regarding mentalhealth to develop a set of recommendations to be used as a guideline for creating an improved legal system for mentalhealth.
Abstract This paper outlines the history of mentalhealth law in the U.K., identifying a number of key principles of health care economics and ethics, with a focus on the particular incentives and trade-offs that are raised by these principles at three levels of the mentalhealth system: government and society; purchasers and providers; and users and caretakers. The author points out that self-determination theory (SDT) is based on the belief that innate psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness are important bases for human motivation. The paper suggests that there is a need to move towards a more open, accountable, and evidence-based mentalhealth care system, which would be fully supported by U.K. law.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
History of UK Case Law
Draft Mental Incapacity Bill
The Fundamental Principle Behind Medical Law in the UK
Capacity Law
Problems in MentalHealth Systems in the UK
A Right to Health Care: The Libertarian Objection
Whom to Sacrifice
The Struggle Between Ethics and Economics in MentalHealth Care
Four Principles of Health Care Economics
Four Principles of Health Care Ethics
Tensions in Health Care Decision-Making
Government and Society
Purchasers and Providers
Economic Incentives
Ethical Trade-offs
Users and Caretakers
Linking the Past to the Present
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions and Hypothesis
Methodology
Results
Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusion
Explicitness
Evaluation
Accountability
Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper "In a perfectly competitive market, the supply and demand for a particular good achieves equilibrium, and no more and no less of the good is produced or consumed than is necessary. In reality, markets are not perfectly competitive, resulting in failures due to unfair competition, uncertainty and externality effects. The market for mental healthcare is no exception. These failures are so common that some form of government intervention is necessary. The extent of government involvement is influenced by both economic and political considerations and by the existing model of social choice. In the United Kingdom, a careful balance of both individualistic (autonomy and consumer sovereignty) and collective (justice and welfare maximization) principles must be considered."
Abstract This paper explains that mental illness, which also includes autism, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, mental retardation and epilepsy, affects people of all nations of all social, economic and cultural backgrounds; however, the poor suffer most from a lack of the most basic resources for effective treatment. The author points out that, even though available treatment methods for mental illness differ among regions and socio-economic classes, most patients are prescribed psychotropic drugs, such as antidepressants. The paper states that, in the U.S., managed care systems usually do not cover mental disease and insurance companies look to mentalhealth benefits as the first place to cut in an attempt to reduce rising costs.
Table of Contents:
MentalHealth and Primary Care
Status of the Primary MentalHealth Care Industry
Incidence
Current Approaches
Recognition and Current Response
Policy Initiatives
The New GMS Contract
General Practitioners and Practitioners with Special Interest
Primary Care Graduate MentalHealth Workers
Shared Care between GP Practices and Community Health Teams
Obstacles and Issues
Little Attention Paid to Improving Primary MentalHealth Care
Fragmented Linkages of Substance Abuse Treatment with Community-Based Services
Obstacles to Accessing Primary MentalHealth Care
Social Disparities
Developments
Effects of Cutting Back on Health Coverage
Legislation
Community-based Primary Care Satellite Clinics
From the Paper "Mandating mental health benefits has already been an ongoing policy process, as in fact, more than as many states have enacted legislation and the mandates have become more typically comprehensive than previous ones. However, state legislation has not proved to be adequate substitutes of a federal legislation. State legislation did not appear to have reached enough persons to create a significant difference at the population level. Many consumers in the parity states were not aware of their improved coverage or that parity legislation may have accelerated the development of managed care in the mental health care arena, which separates nominal benefits from actual benefits."
Abstract This paper outlines the history of mentalhealth law in the UK, identifying a number of key principles of health care economics and ethics, with a focus on the particular incentives and trade-offs that are raised by these principles at three levels of the mentalhealth system: government and society; purchasers and providers; and users and caretakers. The paper then suggests that there is a need to move towards a more open, accountable, and evidence-based mentalhealth care system, which would be fully supported by UK law.
Table of Contents
History of UK Case Law
Draft Mental Incapacity Bill
The Fundamental Principle Behind Medical Law in the UK
Capacity Law
Problems in MentalHealth Systems in the UK
A Right to Health Care: The Libertarian Objection
Whom to Sacrifice
The Struggle Between Ethics and Economics in Mental Healthcare
Four Principles of Healthcare Economics
Four Principles of Healthcare Ethics
Tensions in Healthcare Decision-Making
Government and Society
Purchasers and Providers
Economic Incentives
Ethical Trade-offs
Users and Caretakers
Linking the Past to the Present
From the Paper "In the United Kingdom, a debate has surfaced in recent years regarding existing mental health laws . This debate raises important questions about human rights, duty of care, individual responsibility, the nature of mental illness and the purpose of mental health services. The focus of this debate revolves around the libertarian principles of autonomy and self-determination. In basic terms, stakeholders in the debate, including mental health professionals, insurance companies, patients and family members, have varying ideas regarding whether or not we can justify the legalized use of force by mental health services on individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder who have not committed a crime."
History of UK Case Law
Draft Mental Incapacity Bill
The Fundamental Principle Behind Medical Law in the UK
Capacity Law
Problems in Mental Health Systems in the UK
A Right to Health Care: The Libertarian Objection
Whom to Sacrifice
The Struggle Between Ethics and Economics in Mental Healthcare
Four Principles of Healthcare Economics
Four Principles of Healthcare Ethics
Tensions in Healthcare Decision-Making
Government and Society
Purchasers and Providers
Economic Incentives
Ethical Trade-offs
Users and Caretakers
Linking the Past to the Present
Abstract This paper examines the biological vs. social and cultural perspectives of mentalhealth, clearly emphasizing the social and cultural approach more so than the biological one, since current trends indicate that this is a key issue in the field of mentalhealth today. The paper investigates mental illness primarily from the standpoint that mental illness may result from social and cultural factors more so than biological ones. However the paper also carefully provides a solid foundation for promoting both views and treatment approaches to mental illness in the attempt to better understand mental illness and its impact on society in general.
Current Issues in MentalHealth: Examining Mental Illness From a Cultural
and Social Perspective
Introduction
Mental Illness as Biology?
Mental Illness from a Cultural Perspective
The Mind as Machine
The Use of Psychiatric Medications to Treat Illness
Duality of Disease
The Stigma of Mental Illness
Conclusions/Analysis
References
From the Paper "Wakefiled (1994) poses the question of whether or not the concept of a mental disorder might be culturally relative (Kirk & Einbinder, pp.11-17). He suggests that mental disorders may result more from cultural and social influences and factors than biological ones. His theory is based on the notion that people respond differently to different things based in part on their upbringing, surroundings and social environment. People also have the inherent capability of being conditioned to respond in a certain manner to certain things. What might be considered normal for one person in one culture may be considered aberrant behavior in another."
Abstract There are two arguments regarding the treatment of mentalhealth. Some believe that it should receive the same amount of health care coverage as physical illness, while others argue that the costs of treating mental illness could lead to severe problems. To better understand these arguments, this paper examines two articles, "MentalHealth Should be Treated on Par with Physical Health," by Lewis L. Judd, and "MentalHealth Should Not be treated on Par with Physical Health," by Richard E. Vatz, as well as two of their reference sources.
From the Paper "Martin Bobgan and Deidre Bobgan, the writers of an article titled, "Mental Illness is not a Disease" would probably agree that spending money on mental illness, and treating it equally to physical illness would be a lost cause. Although their opinion is much more drastic than that of Richard Vatz, all three writers would probably seem to agree that covering mental illness in insurance coverage would not be helpful to society. In the article, Mental Illness is not a Disease," Martin and Deidre Bobgan profess that people "continue to promote the false concept of mental illness, to align it with medicine, and consign it to science." It is apparent that these writers believe that the mental state and one's physical well-being fall into completely different categories."
