Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology
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Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · Jan 2013
Comparative StudyUse of general practitioners versus mental health professionals in six European countries: the decisive role of the organization of mental health-care systems.
To investigate patterns of use of general practitioners (GPs) and/or mental health professionals (MHPs) for mental health reasons, across six European countries, and the extent to which these patterns of use are associated with differences in mental health-care delivering systems. ⋯ Differences in the use of GPs versus MHPs are markedly linked to individual as well as organizational factors. Interventions are needed, in countries fostering medical access, to reimburse sessions with non-medical MHPs and improve cooperation between professionals to obtain better practice in access to care.
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Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · Jan 2013
Experiences with treating immigrants: a qualitative study in mental health services across 16 European countries.
While there has been systematic research on the experiences of immigrant patients in mental health services within certain European countries, little research has explored the experiences of mental health professionals in the delivery of services to immigrants across Europe. This study sought to explore professionals' experiences of delivering care to immigrants in districts densely populated with immigrants across Europe. ⋯ Although mental health service delivery varies between and within European countries, consistent challenges exist in the experiences of mental health professionals delivering services in communities with high proportions of immigrants. Improvements to practice should include training in reaching appropriate diagnoses, a focus on building trusting relationships and measures to counter marginalisation.
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Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · Dec 2012
Comparative StudySuicide of first-generation immigrants in Australia, 1974-2006.
This study analysed suicide rates among first-generation immigrants in Australia from 1974 to 2006, and compared their suicide risks against the Australian-born population. It also examined the associations between the suicide rates of immigrants from 23 selected countries of birth during 2001-2006, and in their home countries. ⋯ The patterns of suicide rates in immigrants were influenced by the social and cultural norms of their COB. The overall decrease in suicide risk among immigrants was particularly evident in males.
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Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · Dec 2012
Obsessive--compulsive disorder: prevalence, correlates, help-seeking and quality of life in a multiracial Asian population.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a particularly debilitating disorder characterized by early onset, chronic course, and significant comorbidity. People with OCD often delay or are unwilling to seek treatment. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence and correlates of obsessive compulsive disorder in the Singapore population, to determine types of obsessive compulsive (O/C) symptoms, the comorbidity of the disorder and to examine the quality of life among those with OCD. ⋯ While OCD is not an extremely prevalent disorder, it has a profound impact on quality of life and daily activities of those suffering from the disorder. The large treatment gap among those with OCD and the significant delay in seeking treatment after the onset of the illness makes OCD a disorder of significant public health priority.