Mental Health Associations
American Public Health Association
Organizations
Public Health
United States
Community Mental Health Services
Mental Disorders
Training Latin American primary care physicians in the WPA module on depression: results of a multicenter trial. (1/6)
BACKGROUND: In order to improve care for people with depressive disorders and to reduce the increasing burden of depression, the American Regional Office of the World Health Organization has launched a major region-wide initiative. A central part of this effort was directed to the primary care system where the diagnosis and treatment of depression are deficient in many countries. This study evaluated the materials developed by the World Psychiatric Association in a training program on depression among primary care physicians by measuring changes in their knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). METHOD: One hundred and seven physicians and 6174 patients from five Latin American countries participated in the trial. KAP were assessed 1 month before and 1 month following the training program. In addition, the presence of depressive symptoms was measured in patients who visited the clinic during a typical week at both times using the Zung Depression Scale and a DSM-IV/ ICD-10 major depression checklist. RESULTS: The program slightly improved knowledge about depression and modified some attitudes, but had limited impact on actual practice. There was no evidence that the diagnosis of depression was made more frequently, nor was there an improvement in psychopharmacological management. The post-training agreement between physician diagnosis and that based on patient self-report remained low. The physicians, however, seemed more confident in treating depressed patients after training, and referred fewer patients to psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional means of training primary care physicians in depression have little impact on clinical practice regardless of the quality of the teaching materials. (+info)Implementation of evidence-based practices for children in four countries: a project of the World Psychiatric Association. (2/6)
OBJECTIVE: The present study examined implementation issues in adopting cognitive-behavioral therapies in routine clinical settings in four countries reflecting diverse cultures, languages, settings, and traditions. METHOD: A Director's Systems Survey was administered prior to program implementation and one year later. Therapist ratings on attitudes about evidence-based practices and satisfaction were also gathered. RESULTS: All sites reported successful adoption of the program, although significant variations existed in fiscal support, family involvement, prior experience with cognitive-behavioral therapies, and plans for sustainability. Therapists' ratings indicated overall satisfaction with the implementation of the project. Findings from the Director's Systems Survey pointed to five factors facilitating implementation: 1) early adoption and guidance by innovative leaders (i.e., the Directors); 2) attention to the "fit" between the intervention model and local practices; 3) attention to front-end implementation processes (e.g., cultural adaptation, translation, training, fiscal issues); 4) attention to back-end processes early in the project (e.g., sustainability); and 5) establishing strong relationships with multiple stakeholders within the program setting. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation issues here mirror those identified in other studies of evidence-based practices uptake. Some of the obstacles to implementation of evidence-based practices may be generic, whereas issues such as the impact of political/economic instability, availability of translated materials, constitute unique stressors that differentially affect implementation efforts within specific countries. (+info)An examination of cross-cultural systems implementing evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches. (3/6)
Implementation of evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches for youth with behavioral and/or emotional problems is rising to recognition worldwide. Feasibility research is critical to examine what characteristics of systems allow for success or barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practices into real-world settings, especially when working cross-culturally. This paper briefly reviews the experience of 4 international sites to understand how the overall structure and specific site variables directed the implementation of the World Health Organization and the World Psychiatry Association project. Discussion includes a thematic summary of the successes and challenges experienced by the sites, and future directions of feasibility studies. (+info)The role of UNASAM - National Union of Associations for Mental Health in Italy. (4/6)
This paper, after an introduction on the origin, development and principal aims of the National Union of Associations for Mental Health (UNASAM), briefly describes what happened in the last 30 years in the field of mental health in Italy. This period covers roughly the lifespan of the Italian Law 180, from the beginnings, the closure of psychiatric hospitals, to the difficulties of present days. The second part of the paper is a summary of a study commissioned to UNASAM by Istituto Superiore di Sanita and conducted in collaboration with the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" of Milan. This research was aimed at evaluating the quality of mental health services in four Italian Regions. Members of patients' families participated with enthusiasm, filling up a questionnaire and engaging in fieldwork, which required more than 3000 working hours and produced significant and useful results. (+info)Closing the dementia care gap: Can referral to Alzheimer's Association chapters help? (5/6)
(+info)Assessing care of vulnerable elders--Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study of a practice redesign intervention to improve the quality of dementia care. (6/6)
(+info)"Mental Health Associations" generally refer to organizations that aim to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. They are dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals, families, and communities by providing resources, support, and services. These associations often work towards reducing stigma associated with mental illnesses, advancing appropriate and accessible mental health services, and encouraging policies that promote mental health. Examples include the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is a professional organization in the United States that aims to improve the public's health and well-being, and to promote optimal health policies and practices. Founded in 1872, APHA brings together a diverse community of public health professionals, including researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates, to share knowledge and expertise, and to advance the field of public health through education, research, and advocacy.
APHA's mission is to "improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status through its work in research, education, and advocacy." The organization focuses on a wide range of public health issues, including infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health, injury prevention, and health disparities. APHA also plays an important role in shaping public health policy by advocating for evidence-based policies and practices at the local, state, and federal levels.
APHA's membership includes over 25,000 public health professionals from across the United States and around the world. The organization publishes several scientific journals, including the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, and hosts an annual meeting that brings together thousands of public health professionals to share research, best practices, and policy developments in the field.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "organizations" is a very broad term and does not have a specific medical definition. If you are referring to "organs" in the body, here is a definition:
Organs: In human anatomy, a part of the body that performs a specialized function. Organs are composed of several types of tissues, which are groups of cells that perform a similar function. Examples of organs include the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Each organ's tissue has a specific structure that allows it to carry out its function in a highly efficient manner.
If you were asking about organizations in the context of medical institutions or healthcare systems, here is a definition:
Healthcare Organization: An entity that provides healthcare services, such as hospitals, clinics, physician practices, and long-term care facilities. These organizations can be public, private, or nonprofit and are responsible for delivering medical care to patients, managing health information, conducting research, and promoting public health. They may also provide education and training to healthcare professionals. Healthcare organizations must comply with various regulations and accreditation standards to ensure the quality and safety of patient care.
Public health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts of society." It focuses on improving the health and well-being of entire communities, populations, and societies, rather than individual patients. This is achieved through various strategies, including education, prevention, surveillance of diseases, and promotion of healthy behaviors and environments. Public health also addresses broader determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, housing, food, and income, which have a significant impact on the overall health of populations.
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. It involves the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of an individual's health. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness, it also includes positive characteristics such as resilience, happiness, and having a sense of purpose in life.
It is important to note that mental health can change over time, and it is possible for an individual to experience periods of good mental health as well as periods of poor mental health. Factors such as genetics, trauma, stress, and physical illness can all contribute to the development of mental health problems. Additionally, cultural and societal factors, such as discrimination and poverty, can also impact an individual's mental health.
Mental Health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health counselors use different tools and techniques to evaluate, diagnose and treat mental health conditions. These include therapy or counseling, medication, and self-help strategies.
Mental health services refer to the various professional health services designed to treat and support individuals with mental health conditions. These services are typically provided by trained and licensed mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. The services may include:
1. Assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders
2. Psychotherapy or "talk therapy" to help individuals understand and manage their symptoms
3. Medication management for mental health conditions
4. Case management and care coordination to connect individuals with community resources and support
5. Psychoeducation to help individuals and families better understand mental health conditions and how to manage them
6. Crisis intervention and stabilization services
7. Inpatient and residential treatment for severe or chronic mental illness
8. Prevention and early intervention services to identify and address mental health concerns before they become more serious
9. Rehabilitation and recovery services to help individuals with mental illness achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives in the community.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "United States" is a geopolitical entity, specifically the name of the country consisting of 50 states, and it is not a medical term or concept. Therefore, I can't provide a medical definition for it. If you have any questions related to health, medicine, or biology, I would be happy to try to help answer those!
Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) refer to mental health care services that are provided in community settings, as opposed to traditional hospital-based or institutional care. These services are designed to be accessible, comprehensive, and coordinated, with the goal of promoting recovery, resilience, and improved quality of life for individuals with mental illnesses.
CMHS may include a range of services such as:
1. Outpatient care: Including individual and group therapy, medication management, and case management services provided in community clinics or healthcare centers.
2. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT): A team-based approach to providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses who may have difficulty engaging in traditional outpatient care.
3. Crisis intervention: Including mobile crisis teams, emergency psychiatric evaluations, and short-term residential crisis stabilization units.
4. Supported housing and employment: Services that help individuals with mental illnesses to live independently in the community and to obtain and maintain competitive employment.
5. Prevention and early intervention: Programs that aim to identify and address mental health issues before they become more severe, such as suicide prevention programs, bullying prevention, and early psychosis detection and treatment.
6. Peer support: Services provided by individuals who have personal experience with mental illness and can offer support, guidance, and advocacy to others who are struggling with similar issues.
7. Family education and support: Programs that provide information, resources, and support to family members of individuals with mental illnesses.
The goal of CMHS is to provide accessible, comprehensive, and coordinated care that meets the unique needs of each individual and helps them to achieve their recovery goals in the community setting.
A mental disorder is a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior. It's associated with distress and/or impaired functioning in social, occupational, or other important areas of life, often leading to a decrease in quality of life. These disorders are typically persistent and can be severe and disabling. They may be related to factors such as genetics, early childhood experiences, or trauma. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. It's important to note that a diagnosis should be made by a qualified mental health professional.
Health status is a term used to describe the overall condition of an individual's health, including physical, mental, and social well-being. It is often assessed through various measures such as medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and self-reported health assessments. Health status can be used to identify health disparities, track changes in population health over time, and evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.