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Objective: Managing mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a global challenge. Current workforce arrangements tend to separate those skilled in caring for highly infectious medical patients from those whose specialism is in managing co-morbid mental health, substance misuse and/or behaviours of concern, including potential non-compliance with community or health care directives. This paper reports an innovative service development through the emergency establishment of a temporary COVID-positive mental health ward in response to a local outbreak in Melbourne. Method: A case study of service reorientation is presented, examining barriers and enablers to effective care of co-morbid mental illness, addiction and COVID-19. Results: Establishing a skilled multidisciplinary workforce across mental health and infectious disease is the most important consideration in optimising care. Other issues included suitable physical space, security arrangements and inter-disciplinary communication. Conclusions: The paper holds insights for managing mental health care during potential future infectious disease outbreaks across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of common mental disorders among older Australians included in the Health In Men Data Linkage Study and compare those with the results of the 2020–2021 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW). Method: We used longitudinal record linkage to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders from age 65 years in a random sample of 38173 Australian men aged 65–85 years living in the Perth metropolitan region. Outcome was the proportion of participants affected by depressive episodes or dysthymia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, psychotic disorder and alcohol use disorder. Results: Prevalence estimates for participants aged 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84 and ≥85 years were 0.9%, 2.0%, 3.6%, 5.8% and 12.6% for depressive, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.4% and 0.7% for bipolar, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.3%, 2.2%, 6.9% for anxiety, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.4% and 0.6% for psychotic and 1.2%, 1.7%, 2.1%, 2.2% and 4.2% for alcohol use disorders. Conclusions: In contrast to the NSMHW, our data indicate that the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders increases with age, particularly among the older old. We conclude that the NSMHW should not be relied upon to guide planning or policies to address the mental health needs of older Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mental Health Acts (MHAs) are important pieces of legislation which include essential definitions of mental illness and mental disorder and are used to guide decision-making regarding treatment, including involuntary admissions. In Australia, responsibility for reviewing this legislation falls under the jurisdiction of State and Territory Governments, resulting in interstate variations of legislative definitions and care requirements. In this paper, we outline some of the main differences between MHAs, and argue that it is time for Australia to enact nationally consistent Mental Health Legislation. Conclusions: Substantial divergence exists between definitions of mental illness and mental disorder, differing criteria for involuntary treatment and discrepancies between treatment requirements for Indigenous Australians. While variations between MHAs are understandable considering the historical context, in an increasingly integrated society, it is time for Australia to enact nationally consistent mental health legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To consider the contribution of non-clinical factors in the rising rate of mental health presentations and explore the associated silence within the psychiatric profession. Conclusion: Medicalisation, concept creep and group think, alongside societal demand and expectations, have collectively contributed toward a distorted view of mental health and illness. Equitable service provision has been hindered by the silence of important perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim is to report the operation of the Australian Defence Force Centre for Mental Health (ADFCMH) Second Opinion Clinic (SOC) after its first 10 years of operation. Method: Demographic data and clinical data were recorded and analysed for all Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel (n =209) seen at the clinic from 2011 to 2021. Results: Assessment at the clinic led to a change in diagnosis from that given at the time of referral in 40.7% (n =85) of members seen. Of the total members assessed at the SOC, 55.9% (n =117) had been on an at least one operational deployment. Mood disorders were the most common mental disorders seen among personnel at the SOC. Conclusions: The ADFCMH SOC is a valuable clinical resource supporting ADF health services nationally and provides an example of an effective mental health tertiary referral service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Young people affected by mental health disorders have greater sexual health needs compared to their peers. Less is known about this need across illness severity. Method: A cross-sectional survey of the sexual health of those attending outpatients or inpatients within a youth mental health service was conducted. Statistical differences between groups were explored. Results: One hundred and seven young people (18–25 years) participated and of these, 37.7% were inpatients who had more severe psychiatric symptoms than outpatients. While inpatients were as likely to be sexually active as outpatients, they were significantly less likely to have a regular sexual partner (25% vs 64.5%). Additionally, they used amphetamines more frequently during sex (28.6% vs 5.8%). Sexual dysfunction was experienced by 55.6% of inpatients and 37.9% of outpatients. Conclusions: High-risk sexual behaviours and sexual dysfunction were highly prevalent in both groups. For some behaviours and dysfunction, this prevalence was higher in the inpatient population. Holistic clinical services that address the mental, physical and sexual health needs of consumers are needed both within inpatient and outpatient settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We argue that mental health-related concepts have become degraded within professional circles and in the wider community. We identify three trends: concept creep, the rise of broad umbrella concepts (e.g. distress and trauma), and the conflation of mental health with well-being, which marginalises serious mental illness. We speculate on the causes of these trends, including cultural shifts towards greater sensitivity to harm and the rise of wellness industries. Contributing factors within psychiatry include overdiagnosis, dimensional models and transdiagnostic perspectives. Conclusions: These trends may lead to inflated demands on services from those at the milder end of the psychopathological spectrum. We set out seven measures that mental health professionals can take to resist trends towards broad concepts of mental illness and limit some of their adverse consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: People with mental illness may be vulnerable to psychological distress and reduced well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess psychosocial and lifestyle predictors of distress and well-being in people with mental illness during the pandemic. Method: People with mental illness who participated in an exercise programme prior to the pandemic were invited to complete surveys about mental health and lifestyle corresponding to before and during the pandemic. Results: Social support reduced, alcohol intake increased, and sleep quality and diet worsened during the pandemic, contributing to distress. Psychological distress was associated with the two or more mental illnesses, and negatively associated with having a physical disease. Better diet appeared to protect against increases in distress; loneliness hindered improvements in well-being. Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle programmes designed to improve social connection may improve health for people with mental illnesses during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]