Mental Health and Wellness - Western State Hospital Internship Program

October 10 2024

September’s Friday Facts

Friday September 13, 2024
Recently there has been a growing interest in patients’ affective and emotional needs, particularly for those patients who are forced to spend the last phase of their life in residential facilities (Sollami, et al., 2017). Many studies have shown that pet therapy can reduce loneliness and isolation, improve mental and physical health, and provide a sense of purpose. Nursing home residents who participate in pet therapy are shown to have better sleep quality and improved cognitive function as pets can provide companionship, love, and support.

In the geriatric population, interaction with animals reduces behavioral disorders (agitation, aggression), stress and mood disorders, and appears to stimulate cognitive function (Sollami, et al., 2017). Pet therapy is even shown in some studies to benefit long-term memory, as well as improve sensory stimulation. Research has found that the presence of a dog during facilitated social activities, can act as a catalyst for interpersonal relationships (Sollami, et al., 2017). Therefore, pet therapy would be particularly beneficial for a patient who may be more withdrawn, as it supports feelings of belonging and sharing with others.

Friday Sept. 20, 2024

Suicide Awareness

Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide

Fact: Pre-discharge education and follow-up contact or outreach for psychitiatric patients who were recently discharge from the hospital increases productivity in suicide prevention and scalability (Mann et al., 2021)

Talking about suicide reduces the stigma, allows people to share their experience, and feel comfortable seeking help.

Facilitating connection pre- and post- discharge may contribute positively to suicide prevention and address the prevalence of SI related admissions.

Friday Sept. 27, 2024

Autism and Suicide

Many people do not know that those with autism are at greater rick for co-occurring mental health difficulties (Eave & HO, 2008). The difficulties associated with daily living, including “masking” autistic traits, difficult social interactions, sensory distress, among other challenges, can result in autistic burnout, which his linked to an increased risk of suicide. In fact, according to a metanalysis by Brown et al. (2024), individuals with autism spectrum disorder are up to eight times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-autistic individuals.

Facts About Suicide

A leading cause of death and serious public health problem with far reaching impact in the U.S.
Many people contemplate suicide, including neighbors, friends, and family members
CDC preventative resources include : ensuring good economic supports (i.e. stable housing, improved financial security, etc.)
Suicide prevention can include creating a positive environment, such as reducing access to legal methods that increase healthy organization policies and culture.

July 07 2024

April Journical Club – Black Maternal Health and Medical Conditions Predictability by Social Media Posts

Lynn provided us with a two in one presentation this month.

First was a short information presentation for Black Maternal Health Week. Lynn recently became a first time mom and has helped to shed light on maternal health facts that affect black women.

Lynn’s second part of the presentation focuses on how social media posts are being linked to common health issues, such as depression, diabetes, and anxiety.

Predicting Medical Conditions – Lynn Murphy – April 2024

July 07 2022

Friday Facts: Double Trouble? A Brief Look at Comorbid Substance Use in Schizophrenia (Originally Published 2/1/2019)

Schizophrenia affects one in every one hundred persons with half of those affected likely to experience co-morbid substance use (as cited in Hunt et al., 2018). This use, in turn, exacerbates the overall symptomologic course of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been associated with an increased frequency of adverse consequences (Hunt et al., 2018).

In comparison to those who are singly diagnosed with schizophrenia alone, persons with co-morbid alcohol and/or illicit drug use are more likely to experience “hospitalization, homelessness, aggression, violence, incarceration, and suicidality” (as cited in Hunt et al., 2018, p. 234).

Specifically pertaining to an increased frequency of hospitalizations, Schmidt, Hesse, and Lykke (2011) found that patients who were dually diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance use disorder were psychiatrically hospitalized two times more frequently than individuals who were diagnosed with schizophrenia alone. Likewise, this group of patients were three times more likely to experience an outpatient episode, including emergency room visits. (Schmidt et al., 2011). However, the duration of their treatment was typically briefer (Schmidt et al., 2011).

References

Hunt, G. E., Large, M. M., Cleary, M., Xiong Lai, H. M., & Saunders, J. B. (2018). Prevalence of comorbid substance use in schizophrenia spectrum disorders in community and clinical settings, 1990-2017: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 191, 234-258. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.011

Schmidt, L. M., Hesse, M., & Lykke, J. (2011). The impact of substance use disorders on the course of schizophrenia – A 15-year follow up study: Dual diagnosis over 15 years. Schizophrenia Research, 130, 1-3, 228-233. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2011.04.011

Shirreka Mackay, LPC
Practicum Student, Western State Hospital

July 07 2022

Article Review: Freeman, G. M., Martin, B. A., & Hu, R. J. (2016) G-CSF Dosing to Prevent Recurrent Clozapine-Induced Agranulocytosis (Originally Posted 1/6/2019)

A case study conducted by Freeman, Martin, and Hu, (2016) found that stabilization of psychiatric symptoms using Clozapine was possible in an individual with three consecutive instances of Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis.

The study involved the five and a half year treatment of a 19-year-old male with schizoaffective disorder. The individual developed agranulocytosis subsequent to three consecutive Clozapine trials. The individual was initially prescribed Clozapine after multiple failed attempts of numerous other antipsychotic medications. After nine months agranulocytosis occurred and was then discontinued with subsequent administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for a brief time.

Based on the individual’s resistance to all other attempted forms of treatment (pharmacotherapy and ECT), risks and benefits were discussed and Clozapine was used again, yet with concurrent administration of G-CSF. Stabilization of psychiatric symptoms occurred for a longer period of time with no development of agranulocytosis or substantially elevated absolute neutrophil count (ANC). However, after 68 days of symptom stabilization agranulocytosis occurred. G-CSF dosing was adjusted based on the individual’s lack of hereditary predisposition to developing neutropenia, and a lack of other relevant symptoms being reported.

The most recent trial for the individual in this study included a daily dosage of clozapine, 700mg with G-CSF dosing ultimately adjusted to 480mg every 5 days (6.4mg/kg/week). The current clozapine trial, along with G-CSF dosing resulted in 380 days of a positive psychiatric response, which is 83 days beyond what was achieved on the individual’s first Clozapine trial before development of agranulocytosis. At the time the article documenting this case study was written, the individual in the study had not developed agranulocytosis, was self-administering his Clozapine along with G-CSF, and was residing with his family.

References
Freeman, G. M., Martin, B. A., & Hu, R. J. (2016). G-CSF dosing to prevent recurrent clozapine-induced agranulocytosis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(6), 643-643. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15101303

Blake Palmer, LPA (Temp)
WKPIC Doctoral Intern

July 07 2022

Friday Facts: December Fun Facts (Originally Published 1/6/2019)

This time of year is one of the more enjoyable times for adults, but especially children. The darkest time of the year is also a time whereby a hero emerges. Lights on the Christmas tree are symbolic of the return of illumination. Beaming through the nighttime sky emerges Santa and his reindeer. Santa and the representation of a “all knowing” creature bringing gifts for good children is an innocent game played between children and parents. Some parents believe that exposing their children to Santa is harmful. As future psychologists, it’s important to note the distinctions on both sides of the “Santa” debate.

Some psychologists view the belief in Santa as a negative occurrence. Johnson (2012) argues that parents who promote Santa are guilty of lying unjustly to their children, damaging parental trust, and encouraging negative behavior (Johnson, 2012). Furthermore, Johnson states that engaging in the Santa fantasy risks even more damaging consequences such as diminishing the child’s spiritual beliefs or allowing the promulgation of magical thinking (Johnson, 2012). Other arguments include the belief that sometimes even the “good” children do not receive gifts due to financial hardships. This time of year can be extremely difficult for children in poverty and their parents whom feel shame and guilt if they are unable to provide material gifts for their families.

A counter argument for the promotion of Santa with children underscores the value that Santa plays in developing the imagination of young children (Waugaman, 2013). Waugaman also emphasizes the idea that parents are able to create magical memories for their children that ultimately represent a parents eternal love (Waugaman, 2013). Upon the age whereby, the child comes to the realization of Santa he graduates to a stage from being a receiver of gifts to more importantly a giver of gifts. The ultimate hope is that children when matured will one day share their unique gifts and talents with human kind.

Parenting is one of the most difficult aspects of life. Deciding as to whether to incorporate holiday traditions into Christmas family routines should be handled carefully. The complexity of the Santa debate will continue to go forward in the future. However, for all parents the challenge is to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for their children. Anyone can adopt the spirit of hope, peace, and goodwill to humankind. The epitome of the Christmas spirit does not require a white beard or sleigh full of reindeer. Instead, anyone with a big heart and twinkle in their eye can become Santa.

References
Johnson, D. K. (2012, December 12, 2012). Say Goodbye to the Santa Claus Lie. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/plato-pop/201212/say-goodbye-the-santa-claus-lie

Waugaman, E. P. (2013). The Santa Question. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/whats-in-name/201312/the-santa-question

Chris Morrison, MA, M.Ed.
WKPIC Doctoral Intern

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Category Archives: Mental Health and Wellness

September’s Friday Facts

April Journical Club – Black Maternal Health and Medical Conditions Predictability by Social Media Posts

Friday Facts: Double Trouble? A Brief Look at Comorbid Substance Use in Schizophrenia (Originally Published 2/1/2019)

Article Review: Freeman, G. M., Martin, B. A., & Hu, R. J. (2016) G-CSF Dosing to Prevent Recurrent Clozapine-Induced Agranulocytosis (Originally Posted 1/6/2019)

Friday Facts: December Fun Facts (Originally Published 1/6/2019)

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