Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine 

About: Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine is an academic journal published by Cambridge University Press. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Mental health & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 2051-6967. Over the lifetime, 1763 publications have been published receiving 10544 citations.

COVID-19 and people with intellectual disability: impacts of a pandemic.

Abstract: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic affect all groups in society. People with intellectual disability (ID) are especially vulnerable to the physical, mental and social effects of the pandemic. Cognitive impairments can limit understanding of information to protect them relying on carers to be vigilant on their behalf during quarantine. Restrictions on usual activities are likely to induce mental stress especially among those who are autistic leading to an escalation in challenging behaviours, risk of placement breakdown and increased the use of psychotropic medication. People with ID are vulnerable to exploitation by others where the usual community supports no longer function to protect them. In future pandemics, it is important that lessons are learned from the impacts COVID-19 have on people with ID. Collecting the evidence through a rigorous approach should help to empower people with ID and their carers to face future outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices during times of crisis such as COVID-19.

Abstract: Meditation and mindfulness are practices that can support healthcare professionals, patients, carers and the general public during times of crisis such as the current global pandemic caused by COVID-19. While there are many forms of meditation and mindfulness, of particular interest to healthcare professionals are those with an evidence base such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Systematic reviews of such practices have shown improvements in measures of anxiety, depression and pain scores. Structural and functional brain changes have been demonstrated in the brains of people with a long-term traditional meditation practice, and in people who have completed a MBSR programme. Mindfulness and meditation practices translate well to different populations across the lifespan and range of ability. Introducing a mindfulness and meditation practice during this pandemic has the potential to complement treatment and is a low-cost beneficial method of providing support with anxiety for all.

Youth mental health in the time of COVID-19.

Abstract: Youth mental health is a rapidly developing field with a focus on prevention, early identification, treatment innovation and service development. In this perspective piece, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on young people's mental health. The psychosocial effects of COVID-19 disproportionately affect young people. Both immediate and longer-term factors through which young people are affected include social isolation, changes to the delivery of therapeutic services and almost complete loss of all structured occupations (school, work and training) within this population group. Longer-term mechanisms include the effects of the predicted recession on young people's mental health. Opportunities within this crisis exist for service providers to scale up telehealth and digital services that may benefit service provision for young people's mental health in the future.

Psychiatric disorders amongst adults with learning disabilities - prevalence and relationship to ability level.

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with learning disabilities, and the relationship with severity of learning disabilities.Method: The study is population-based. Detailed psychiatric assessments on 207 adults with learning disabilities living in Leicestershire, UK. were conducted by a learning disabilities psychiatrist, using the Present Psychiatric State - Learning Disabilities; and Disability Assessment Schedule. Diagnostic criteria are clearly defined. Developmental assessments were undertaken using the Vineland Scale (survey form).Results: Psychiatric disorders were found in 49.2%, and rates for most individual disorders were higher than those found in the general population. Comparison with the two previous population-based studies shows the ascertained rates were broadly similar to those reported by Corbett but higher than those reported by Lund. Adults with more severe learning disabilities had higher rates of additional psychiatric disorders.Conclusions: The results may be explained by a combination of the genetic, physical, psychological and social factors associated with learning disabilities also being aetiological to psychiatric disorders. The high prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders demonstrate the importance of health service provision for adults with learning disabilities.

Addiction psychiatry and COVID-19: impact on patients and service provision.

Abstract: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly had a major impact on the provision of physical healthcare in Ireland and worldwide. The mental health impact of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, particularly relating to patients suffering from addiction. Heightened public stress and anxiety levels, increasing isolation and the physical consequences of addiction play a large role in the proliferation and ongoing relapse of substance misuse and behavioural addiction. Service provision is an ongoing challenge not only due to the increasing need for services given the increased mental health burden of COVID-19 but also the restrictions in place in clinical areas to achieve social distancing. The necessary adaptations to service provision provide opportunities for the analysis of current processes used in our addiction unit and the introduction of new processes to our service. The current crisis tests the sustainability of the service to provide the high standard of care required for these patients.