Editorial introductions
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry)
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - August 28, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIONS Source Type: research
Barriers, benefits and interventions for improving the delivery of telemental health services during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a systematic review
Purpose of review
To reduce the spread of infection from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), mental healthcare facilities were forced to make the rapid transition from face-to-face services to virtual care. This systematic review aims to synthesize the extant literature reporting on barriers of telemental health (TMH) during the COVID-19 pandemic and how facilities have worked to overcome these barriers, to inform best practices for TMH delivery.
Recent findings
Most recent findings came from case studies from mental health professionals which reported on barriers related to institutional, provider and pati...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: PROVISION OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES: Edited by Giovanni de Girolamo and Thomas Becker Source Type: research
A systematic review of neuropsychological and psychiatric sequalae of COVID-19: implications for treatment
Purpose of review
COVID-19 impacts multiple organ systems and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Pathogenesis of viral infection, co-morbidities, medical treatments, and psychosocial factors may contribute to COVID-19 related neuropsychological and psychiatric sequelae. This systematic review aims to synthesize available literature on psychiatric and cognitive characteristics of community-dwelling survivors of COVID-19 infection.
Recent findings
Thirty-three studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria for review. Emerging findings link COVID-19 to cognitive deficits, particularly attention, e...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: PROVISION OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES: Edited by Giovanni de Girolamo and Thomas Becker Source Type: research
Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on healthcare workers: systematic comparison between nurses and medical doctors
Purpose of review
The COVID-19 outbreak has had major impact on individual's psychological health and overall well being worldwide. Evidence shows that these psychological challenges are especially prominent in healthcare workers (HCW); especially in nurses. Indeed, several studies report that nurses suffer more psychologically because of the consequences of the pandemic compared with medical doctors. To further look into this, we systematically review the recent literature to see whether the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic differs between medical doctors and nurses across studies and which aspects of men...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: PROVISION OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES: Edited by Giovanni de Girolamo and Thomas Becker Source Type: research
The opioid overdose crisis as a global health challenge
Purpose of review
To assess the current state of the opioid overdose crisis along three major axes: drug markets and patterns of use, the effectiveness of systems of care, and international developments.
Recent findings
Overdose is a major contributor to mortality and disability among people who use drugs. The increasing number of opioid overdoses in North America especially is an indication of changing drug markets and failing regional systems of care. Globally, we see three clusters of overdose prevalence: (1) a group of countries led by the United States with historically high rates of opioid overdose, (2) a ...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: PROVISION OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES: Edited by Giovanni de Girolamo and Thomas Becker Source Type: research
Homelessness: care for the most vulnerable – a narrative review of risk factors, health needs, stigma, and intervention strategies
Purpose of review
To summarize the most recent literature on risk factors of homelessness, mental, and somatic health needs, healthcare use, stigma as well as intervention strategies for people experiencing homelessness.
Recent findings
Studies identified adverse life events as well as mental health problems like drug use or suicidality as significant predictors of becoming homeless. Prevalence rates of mental disorders, especially substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, and depression are high. Barriers of healthcare use are financial resources and insurance status as well as experiences of discrimination...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: PROVISION OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES: Edited by Giovanni de Girolamo and Thomas Becker Source Type: research
Early childhood trauma, substance use and complex concurrent disorders among adolescents
Purpose of review
To highlight the interdependence between early childhood trauma, substance use and complex concurrent disorders among adolescents and discuss the delayed response and gaps in the healthcare system.
Recent findings
High-risk behavior such as suicidality, self-harm and hazardous substance use including overdose and the use of psychotropic substances for self-medication of mental health challenges is a growing concern. These symptoms are often related to early childhood trauma, substance use and complex concurrent disorders. Most countries do not have a youth mental healthcare system, there are no...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: PROVISION OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES: Edited by Giovanni de Girolamo and Thomas Becker Source Type: research
The effects of substance use on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection risks and outcomes
Purpose of review
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) infection rates are currently occurring at alarmingly accelerated rates. There is also a long-standing and concurrent rise in the prevalence and severity of substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, the intersection between these two conditions needs to be carefully considered to ensure a more effective delivery of healthcare.
Recent findings
Generally, those with SUDs are more likely to have higher risk social determinants of health factors. Therefore, these patients are more likely to have barriers that can create difficulties in follo...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on alcohol use disorders and complications
Purpose of review
To understand the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on persons with alcohol use disorders.
Recent findings
From a total of 455 titles on COVID-19 and alcohol, 227 abstracts were screened, and 95 articles were reviewed (on November 25th, 2020). The immediate effect was an increase in alcohol related emergencies including alcohol withdrawal, related suicides, and methanol toxicity. Although there are mixed findings with respect to changes in the quantity of drinking, there are reports of binge/heavy drinking during the lockdown as well as relapse postlockdown. Psychological, social, biolog...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
Maintaining treatment and prevention programs for opioid use disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Purpose of review
The current article reviews the impact of the biggest health crisis for many decades, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), on opioid treatment programs and the strategies adopted for maintaining opioid treatment programs during the pandemic.
Recent findings
The difficulty of access to opioid treatment services and the mental health problems accompanying opioid use disorders are the two main challenges to maintaining accessible and effective opioid treatment. Many countries and institutions issued guidance and recommendations to address these challenges. General coping strategies, loosening of p...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
Who complies with coronavirus disease 2019 precautions and who does not?
Purpose of review
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)–coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus imposes a higher risk of complications and mortality among people with mental disorders. Until widely available vaccines, adherence to preventive behaviours remains the most crucial tool to prevent SARS/COVID-19 virus transmission. Our review focuses on the determinants of adherence behaviours.
Recent findings
Adherence behaviours include the use of a face mask and protective gloves, personal hygienic behaviours (handwashing or using hand sanitiser), and keeping physical distance and avoiding social gatherings....
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
Opioids in the United Kingdom: safety and surveillance during COVID-19
Purpose of review
Opioid use is prevalent in the United Kingdom and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic it had been recognized that the safety of opioids was an important issue to be monitored by the UK medicines regulatory agency. With the emergence of COVID-19, this requirement has been even greater. This review was undertaken to determine the impact of the pandemic on safety and surveillance of opioids in the United Kingdom.
Recent findings
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the surveillance of opioids in the United Kingdom continued, although primary research was often conducted with data prior to the pandemic. Of tho...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
Substance use, mental disorders and COVID-19: a volatile mix
Purpose of review
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have uniquely and disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. This review summarizes recent evidence on the relationship between psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders and COVID-19, highlighting acute and long-term risks, pharmacotherapy interactions and implications regarding appropriate and timely evidence-based treatment.
Recent findings
Evidence points to a complex relationship between psychiatric and substance use disorders and COVID-19. A range of risk factors associated with psychiatric and substance use disorders increase...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
The rise of illicit fentanyls, stimulants and the fourth wave of the opioid overdose crisis
Purpose of review
This review provides an update on recently published literature on the rise of illicit fentanyls, risks for overdose, combinations with other substances, e.g. stimulants, consequences, and treatment.
Recent findings
Overdose due to illicit synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl and fentanyl analogs) continues to rise in the US both preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fentanyl-related overdose is rising in new geographic areas e.g. the western USA. Stimulant-related overdose is also increasing nationwide driven by methamphetamine and cocaine. Polysubstance use, e.g. the use of a stimulant alon...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
The impact of COVID-19 on gambling and gambling disorder: emerging data
Purpose of review
The lockdown response to the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted commercial gambling in many jurisdictions around the world. The goal of this review is to systematically identify and describe the survey data and findings to date examining the effect on individual gambling and gambling disorder.
Recent findings
Of the 17 publications meeting inclusion criteria, the majority reported cross-sectional assessments (n = 11, 65%) and remainder were longitudinal in that they had earlier gambling data for participants (n = 6, 35%). Not surprisingly given the closure of land-based gambli...
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - June 3, 2021 Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research
