2^nd International Conference on Mental Health & Human Resilience July 14-15, 2016 Cologne, Germany

Chair

Lisa Trepanier

University of Toronto, Canada

Co-Chair

Wanju Park

Kyungpook National University, South korea

Session Introduction

Denny Meyer

Swinburne University of Technology, Australia

Title: Screening for Suicide Risk

Time : 10:40-11:05

Biography:

Denny Meyer has completed a DBL from the University of South Africa. She is an Associate Professor of Statistics at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. She has published more than 100 papers in reputable journals.

Abstract:

General practitioners have limited consultancy time to work with patients presenting with mental health problems and their options are limited in terms of what they can do for these patients. An online tool for assessing suicide risk has been developed in order to help GPs detect when the level of patient distress is high and this paper explores the options for integrating this tool within medical practices. The tool was developed by using binary logistic regression to predict self reported suicide ideation in an online sample of nearly 17,000 clients on the basis of K6 and other relevant data. The model performed well for males and females in all age groups (18-64) and was validated using a diagnostic measure for depression. A sample of ten healthcare professionals have highly commended the simplicity of the tool and confirmed the need for such a tool, especially if it can be incorporated in the medical software utilized by medical centers. However, the actual implementation requires more testing. In order to be effective the risk of false alarm must be minimized, but at the same time patient safety must be ensured. A suicidal barometer model is envisaged with appropriate recommendations for GP actions matched to the level of risk predicted. There is some degree of dissension in the field regarding how this should be done, although appropriately designed (online) education materials, direct questioning regarding suicide planning, the development of safety plans with patients and finally, emergency assistance (e.g. hospitalization) are commonly considered as useful approaches.

Ángel Sánchez-Bahíllo

Mental Health Center of Cartagena, Spain

Title: The problem of diagnosis informed by a psychotherapeutic approach

Time : 11:05-11:30

Biography:

Angel Sanchez Bahillo is trained in General Adult Psychiatry at Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Spain and trained in Medical Psychotherapy at West Midlands Deanery, UK. He has completed his PhD at Universidad de Murcia, Spain. He has developed the “Modelo Mar Menor” as an approach to mental health incorporating psychoanalytic and systemic thinking into the management of patients from primary care through the sanitary system. He has published numerous papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editor for the Royal College of Psychiatrists Psychotherapy Faculty Newsletter.

Abstract:

Understanding patients is crucial to undertake a therapeutic approach. Psychiatry currently relies mostly on diagnostic categories that rely on a phenomenological and statistical basis with putative biological foundations. ICD and DSM offer a multiplicity of diagnostic categories that tend to reify symptoms into diseases for which we don’t know an etiopathology. Actually, in some cases, we are positive that these diseases do not exist in the terms described by the catalogues. These diagnostic labels are a poor guide to treatment and tend to induce stigma, to dissociate the patient from the origin of his problems and to facilitate the development of an identity around the diagnosis. Formulation, as an alternative to categorical diagnosis, approaches the complexity of the human being and aims to empower him both to understand and to manage his suffering. Formulations are theory laden and acknowledge being so. Different theoretical approaches to the understanding of a patient are discussed, focusing on psychoanalytic and systemic models.

Paul F. Granello

The Ohio State University, U.S.A

Title: Suicide Risk Assessment: Clinical Aphorisms

Time : 11:55-12:20

Biography:

Paul F Granello is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at The Ohio State University, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and one of the Co- Founders of the State of Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. He has authored or co-authored five books (three on suicide) and published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He has received $2.5 million in grant funding for suicide prevention and presented more than 200 times at national and international conferences.

Abstract:

Suicide risk assessment involves a complex set of skills that requires knowledge, training and experience. Mental health professionals who conduct such assessments need concrete, practical information on suicide assessment in order to conduct culturally and developmentally appropriate suicide risk assessments. In general, the determination of suicide risk is based on a comprehensive assessment of individual risk factors and warning signs as well as a careful appraisal of protective factors that can work to mitigate the risk. Much of the research emphasizes the content of suicide risk assessment and instead of the principles that guide the process of assessment. The presenter’s own research, clinical experience and comprehensive reviews of the literature reveal a dozen overarching principles that guide the implementation of suicide assessment, regardless of setting, population or specific type or method of assessment used. These clinical aphorisms guide the work of individuals who engage in suicide assessment, becoming a part of the expert thinking that directs the process. Taken together, they can form a foundation for the process of suicide risk assessment. Ultimately, a comprehensive and thorough suicide risk assessment is the cornerstone of appropriate and effective interventions with suicidal individuals.

Ekhlas Al-Gamal

King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia

Title: Testing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Arabic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Time : 12:20-12:45

Biography:

Ekhlas Al-Gamal is an Associate Professor at College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is credited as an author in more than 20 publications in high impact factor international journals. Her research interests are psychiatric and mental health nursing (adult and children), patient's psychological distress of living with acute or chronic illnesses, caregivers' psychological-wellbeing and their experiences, internet addiction and anticipatory grief. She is a Member of Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Nursing International Conference, UK since 2010 to till date. She is an Editorial Board Member of International ISI Journal and Reviewer of many international journals.

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to develop the Arabic version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (A-HADS) and test its reliability and validity for the assessment of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is evidence that patients with COPD suffered from anxiety and depression. A valid and reliable tool can help clinicians and researchers to assess anxiety and depression in such group in order to provide appropriate screening and interventions. The A-HADS and Quality of Life Index pulmonary version (QLI-P) were completed by 67 Jordanian patients with COPD. Internal consistency reliability and construct validity were calculated. The Arabic version of the HADS was found to be acceptable to assess anxiety and depression in patients with COPD. Cronbach's alpha coefficient has been found to be 0.75, for the A-HADS anxiety sub-scale and 0.82 for the A-HADS depression sub-scale. A-HADS scores correlated significantly with QLI-P and demonstrated good construct validity. This preliminary validation study supports the A-HADS as a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of anxiety and depression in Arabic speaking patients with COPD.

Break: Lunch Break 12:45-13:20 @ Foyer

Joan Haliburn

University of Sydney, Australia

Title: Cumulative trauma, co-morbidity, diagnosis and treatment

Time : 13:20-13:45

Biography:

Joan Haliburn is a Consultant child, adolescent & family Psychiatrist. She is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at University of Sydney and Senior Supervisor of Complex Trauma Unit, Westmead Hospital and is also in private practice. She was the President of Australia and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy between 2000 and 2003 and Director of its training division for 10 years. She has published numerous papers, presented workshops and papers in Australia and internationally. She has contributed chapters to several books. She is an International Fellow, American Psychiatry Association and is currently on the Board of Directors, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.

Abstract:

Objective: To discuss cumulative trauma and co-morbidity in the context of diagnosis and effective treatment, particularly in adolescents. Method: Four adolescents who met more than one Axis 1 diagnosis along with Axis 11 diagnosis who received treatment inappropriately for 3 to 5 years, resulting in increased psychosocial morbidity. A case study of 1 adolescent, Jennifer is described. Results: Adolescents, like adults can have co-morbid disorders on both Axis 1 and 11 which interfere with diagnosis and response to treatment. Appropriate diagnosis led to appropriate treatment of Jennifer, improvement and return to school. Conclusions: Clinicians tend to underestimate the severity of adolescent mental health disturbance particularly when complexity of issues presents themselves. Instead a painstaking and thorough assessment of all facets of their presentation needs to be undertaken. This will result in better treatment results and lowered morbidity and better psychosocial functioning.

Session Introduction

Shauna McKay-Burke & Olivia

Canada

Title: Journey through psychosis, healing to resilience

Time : 14:10-14:35

Biography:

Shauna McKay-Burke is a LPN (Licenced Practical Nurse) with 12 years experience in psychiatry; adult, youth & forensics, as well she has worked in Geriatrics, Rehab, Perioperative, and VON nursing. A graduate of the Douglas College Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Program. Her passions are Mental Health Nursing, Journalism & most of all her family! Olivia Burke is a 20 year old Fashion Design Student at the NB College of Craft & Design. She is a former patient of 4 South Mental Health & Addictions Unit, IWK hospital, NS Canada. Her passions are Fashion Design and she dreams of visiting NYC's fashion hub and creating her own fashion line.

Abstract:

“It is a surreal experience to watch your child unravel before your very eyes and one that you are not likely to forget.” Shauna McKay-Burke 2012. In 2012, our family went on a journey both profound and horrifying. Our firstborn, Olivia, just 16, experienced a severe and persistent illness, that of psychosis. She was hospitalized on the very floor of which I work, for over 3 months.She was incredibly ill, and we had to watch. Psychosis is defined as a disturbance in reality. Olivia heard voices, or perceptual disturbances as we call them, and they were at her continually, she had no reprieve. It was torture for all of us, but especially for her. Our family very nearly came apart at the seams. I was caught in the cross fire of knowing too much about mental illness and its ramifications, armed only with the love for our daughter. She was absolutely tortured. To make matters worse my husband couldn’t comprehend how his little girl could become so quickly debilitated and fragmented, and my other children were too young and too scared to understand what was happening to their sister. In my mind, I was alone, at sea.I had to carry everyone and pray that Olivia would come through this. My child, my marriage and even my career hung in the balance. Close friends and family all had their opinions, and not all was favorable. Olivia was so incredibly ill. We tried over 10 antipsychotics, 5 full med trials, nothing was working, and when I say nothing, I mean nothing. It was hands down the darkest time of my life... this is our journey. Olivia missed 5 months of school, the honor student went to summer school. Most days I could barely rouse her. She slept 17 hours a day from med sedation. I watched in horror, as dreams we all shared for her, now so far away. In the darkest corners of my mind, I told myself at least my child was still alive. I secretly wondered if she would ever recoup. We honestly went to hell and back as a family. To make matters worse, I grew up in a profoundly mentally ill family tree. My grandfather had manic depression/bipolar disorder, and as a young girl I cared for him, but stigma surrounded our family like a cocoon. No one in my family talked about such things. In the bleakest moments of Olivia's illness I realized the fear of mental illness is nothing more than fear itself. If I wanted to get my daughter well, I had to be real and transparent about her illness and speak from the heart. Hiding behind the veil of stigma serves no one, least of all those most afflicted. I'm told that RESILIENCE is defined as an individual’s ability to adapt to stress and adversity. Well if that is so, then Olivia is the most resilient person I know. Not only did she graduate from high school, she did so with honors, and on time. She lives now in New Brunswick, and attends The College of Craft & Design, in her 2nd year of Fashion. At 14, she went to France to visit a former classmate; she loved Paris & all its fashion. Her dream is to become a fashion designer and somehow I think she will do just that. Olivia was a lifeguard & swim instructor before she became ill. 4 years ago I would not have dreamed it possible, but she works in both provinces once again in the pool! ' Olivia is the most resilient person that I know. She's spoken over the years on behalf of Mental Health initiatives for Youth. She always wants to give back. She does not fear stigma. Olivia knows firsthand that those with mental illness can recoup their lives with hard work & their resiliency and recover.

Session Introduction

Darcy Haag Granello

The Ohio State University, USA

Title: Using a Partnership Approach for Suicide Prevention Programming: An Enhanced Public Health Approach

Time : 14:35-15:35

Biography:

Darcy Haag Granello is a Professor of Counselor Education at The Ohio State University, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Director of The Ohio State University Suicide Prevention Program. She has co-authored three books and published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles. She has presented more than 200 times at national and international conferences.

Abstract:

Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility and programs that use broad-based partnerships within schools and communities have greater buy-in for creating prevention programming that is effective for the population served. In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. Nationally, about 1.4% of college students attempt suicide each year and nearly 7% of college students seriously consider suicide. The Ohio State University has the largest campus suicide prevention program in the U.S., and the state of Ohio is leading a national effort in campus suicide prevention. Recently, Ohio became the first state to pass a law requiring all state institutions of higher education to provide all students, faculty and staff information about available suicide prevention programs. The Ohio State University uses a multi-pronged effort shared by more than 50 campus partners and coordinated by the OSU Suicide Prevention Program. The approach has been identified by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration as a best practice approach to suicide prevention. Research demonstrates the effectiveness of this type of partnership model in reducing mental health stigma and increasing students’ access to care. This session will overview the components of the program, discuss how aspects of the program can be implemented at other universities and provide concrete examples of how academic institutions can work together to make suicide prevention a shared campus responsibility.