Symptom profiles of late‐life anxiety and depression: The influence of migration, religion and loneliness

an article by Emma Curran, Michael Rosato, Janine Cooper and Gerard Leavey (Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine,, UK) and Christine A. Mc Garrigle (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) published in Depression & Anxiety Volume 36 Issue 9 (September 2019)

Abstract

Objective

To examine

1. clinically relevant anxiety with comorbid depression in an older population, and the presentation of sub-threshold symptoms;
2. to assess anxiety and levels of comorbid depression associated with migration, religion, loneliness and long‐term illness.

Methods

Analysis of Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) (2009‐2011). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to define indicative diagnoses of anxiety and depression. We then assessed associations between sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, past migration, religious practice, social network, loneliness and long‐term illness.

Results

For those with clinically relevant anxiety, LCA derived three classes of self‐reported depression: low, sub-threshold and high. Approximately 19% were co-morbid, and a further 37% reported sub-threshold depression. Compared to those with low/no symptoms of depression, those classed as co-morbid were more likely to be male, had lower education levels, had spent more time abroad, lower religious attendance, a limited social network, were lonelier and had a long‐term life‐limiting illness. Those with sub-threshold levels of depression reported a more restricted social network and more moderate levels of loneliness.

Conclusion

Findings support the actuality of co-morbidity of both disorders. Consequently, government health strategy on detecting and managing social engagement, loneliness, and psychological disorders in older people may require a more granulated approach.

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People with Bipolar Disorder Share How They Started Treatment—and Why They Stick with It

a post by Margarita Tartakovsky for the World of Psychology blog



Bipolar disorder is highly treatable, and yet so many people don’t seek treatment. Or if they do seek help, they later stop taking their meds or stop attending their therapy sessions. Or both. And then their bipolar blows up. Their mania spikes. Their depression sinks even deeper.

Sticking to treatment is not easy. Medication has side effects. Therapy takes work. The illness itself can be stubborn, exhausting, confusing.

It can all feel so frustrating.

We wanted to know what led some individuals to stick to their initial treatment — and why they’ve stayed dedicated ever since. Of course, life is not linear, and the people we interviewed haven’t had linear journeys either. Because bipolar disorder is complex. Their stories will no doubt inspire you, and remind you that you are not alone, and you can get better — even if your journey’s been jagged, too, even if it doesn’t feel like that right now.

Continue reading

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Mindfulness Meditation as an Adjunct Approach to Treatment Within the Correctional System

an article by Terra Dafoe and Lana Stermac (Ontario Institute of Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Canada) published in Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume 52 Issue 3 (April 2013)

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioural therapy and relapse prevention represent the correctional gold standard in treatment, while the principles of risk, need, and responsivity are widely recognised as essential for reducing recidivism.

Addressing responsivity has become difficult as the number of inmates with mental health diagnoses continues to rise, complicating treatment programming and highlighting the need for adjunct, complementary therapies.

Mindfulness has been shown to be effective across a number of clinical populations found within correctional settings.

Furthermore, it has been shown to be effective for working with difficulties identified as dynamic, criminogenic needs; for example, self-regulation.

The present article reviews mindfulness research with the goal of demonstrating the utility of this adjunct approach to working with individuals residing within the correctional system.

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