Latest news with #mentalhealthprofessionals
Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
NHS opens first ‘mental health A&E'
The NHS has launched a first-of-its-kind, open-all-hours mental health unit for patients in crisis. The new centre is offering walk-in appointments around the clock for patients with serious mental illness. The first of six new 'neighbourhood mental health centres' opened this week in Tower Hamlets, east London, with the rest due to open in other areas later this year. The NHS said the 'one-stop shop' would bring together a range of community mental health services under one roof, including crisis services, community mental health services and short-stay beds. The centres will operate much as an A&E unit does but with a focus on mental health and without the lengthy delays those in crisis often face. Last year 250,000 people went to A&E because of a mental health issue, but one-in-three had to wait more than 12 hours. One patient waited 18 days for a bed to become available. People with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, will be able to walk in without an appointment if they need mental health support as well as advice on employment, housing, or volunteering. Other patients will be able to book appointments or receive referrals to attend and speak with specialists. The new services will be staffed by psychiatrists, therapists and other mental health professionals, as well as charity staff, volunteers, and people who have experienced serious mental illness themselves. Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said the services would mean 'people can access all the support they need in one place without needing to book ahead'. She said: 'We know that for people with serious mental health problems it can be daunting to seek help, and people can be overwhelmed by the different teams they come into contact with. 'NHS staff will be on hand round-the-clock to offer help as the health service looks to offer more community support through the 10 Year Health Plan. 'I would encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to come forward for care either by contacting their GP, NHS 111 or visiting their local neighbourhood centre.' It comes after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, set out the 10-year health plan earlier this month, outlining ambitions to bring care out of hospitals and into the community. The NHS said the initiative was part of a wider approach to improve mental health care, alongside the rollout of 24/7 psychiatric teams in every A&E, a 24/7 mental health crisis helpline across England and dedicated mental health emergency departments. The other 24/7 mental health centres will be based in Whitehaven in Cumbria, Acomb in York, East of Birmingham, Heeley in Sheffield, and Lewisham in London. The NHS has ordered all local health providers to review the care they provide to those with the most serious mental illness, and issued guidance instructing patients not to discharge patients just for missing an appointment. It comes after paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane, the Nottingham killer that fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates in 2023, had been discharged by the NHS after failing to engage with his care. Cassandra Geisel of Rethink Mental Illness and lead for the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance, said timely access to care can 'be the difference between recovery and crisis for people living with severe mental illness'. She said: 'What people tell us, and what evidence shows, is that the most effective support is wraparound: providing access not only to clinical care and treatment but also to support with housing, employment, and building social connections.' These factors can be powerful in preventing relapse and supporting recovery, but when absent, someone's mental health can significantly worsen.' Lorraine Sunduza, chief executive of East London NHS Foundation Trust, said she was proud that they would be providing the first neighbourhood pilot site to be fully operational. She said: 'The Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre will provide person-centred mental health care for people in Bethnal Green when they need it and bring NHS care closer to home.'
Medical News Today
07-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
What are the differences between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia?
Both drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can cause similar symptoms. However, drug-induced psychosis only occurs from drug use, whereas schizophrenia can have several different psychosis and schizophrenia can both cause delusions and hallucinations. However, this is typically where the similarities two conditions have different causes and occur for different durations. For example, drug-induced psychosis may only last a few hours following drug intake, whereas a person must exhibit schizophrenia symptoms for 6 months or more for a full article summarizes the main differences between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia and discusses their causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. It will also detail the treatment and outlook for both conditions. Key differencesAccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), there are several key differences between schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis. The table below outlines psychosisWhat are the symptoms?Schizophrenia must include delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. They may also include disorganized behavior and catatonic psychosis must include delusions or are the causes?Genetic and environmental factors. Drug-induced psychosis can also transition into drugs, such as cannabis, hallucinogens, and long can it last?Symptoms must affect a person for at least 6 months before they can receive a diagnosis. People can experience recovery periods that last for years, but typically it is a chronic acute phase may only last a few hours. However, symptoms can persist for several do doctors treat it?Antipsychotic medications can help with the acute phase. They can also be useful in the longer term, alongside nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).Antipsychotic medications help manage the acute phase. Doctors may then try to address the underlying cause of the drug from 2021 states that drug-induced psychosis refers to a psychotic episode from the misuse of or withdrawal from a authors write that it may also have links to:higher levels of dopaminethe severity of drug misuse and dependencemisusing more than one drugThe DSM-5-TR defines substance-induced psychotic disorder as a psychiatric disease that features delusions, hallucinations, or both during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal. Furthermore, health experts are yet to fully understand the symptoms of a psychotic disorder that do not relate to substance of a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis write that drug-induced psychosis can lead to long-term experiences of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. They note that research suggests a person is at significant risk of transitioning from drug-induced psychosis to long-term illness if they take cannabis, hallucinogens, or amphetamines. However, this transition may be less frequent in opioids, alcohol, and sedative all drug use leads to drug-induced psychosis. Scientists remain unsure about why some drug use leads to these episodes. However, research has shown that several different drugs are able to cause include:cannabishallucinogensamphetaminesalcohol withdrawalsedatives withdrawalCauses of psychosisThe National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) writes that there is no one cause for may be a symptom of a mental health condition such as causes include:sleep deprivationsome prescription medicationsalcohol misusecannabisCauses of schizophreniaOverall, scientists are uncertain about the exact causes of schizophrenia. However, possible causes include having multiple issues within the brain's neurotransmitters, which may sometimes have a genetic have also identified environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. These include:atypical fetal developmentgestational diabeteslow birth weighthaving a complicated birth, such as the mother having an infection during pregnancymaternal malnutritionbeing born in the winterliving in an urban environmentSymptomsThe DSM-5-TR lists the symptoms of drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia. Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis include delusions and following are symptoms of drug-induced schizophrenia:delusionshallucinationsdisorganized speech, which may be unfocused or incoherenthighly disorganized or catatonic behaviordiminished emotional expression or lack of motivationDiagnosisThe DSM-5-TR states that doctors and psychiatrists must consider several different factors to diagnose drug-induced psychosis and diagnose an individual with drug-induced psychosis, medical professionals must be confident of the following criteria:the individual has at least one symptom of drug-induced psychosisthe symptoms must have begun during or just after drug use or during drug withdrawalthe symptoms are not the result of a different psychotic disorderthe symptoms persist even when the individual is not intoxicated the symptoms cause significant problems with the individual's work or social functioningTo diagnose an individual with schizophrenia, medical professionals must be confident of the following criteria:for at least 1 month, the individual has at least two schizophrenia symptomsfor at least 1 month, one of those symptoms must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speechthe symptoms cause significant problems with the individual's work, social functioning, or ability to self-carethe symptoms do not indicate conditions such as schizoaffective disorder, depression, or bipolar disorderthe symptoms are not the direct result of drug usethe individual has some negative symptoms, such as a diminished emotional expression or lack of motivationIn autistic people or those with childhood communication disorders, schizophrenia diagnoses are more complicated. Healthcare professionals must make sure that the individual has experienced severe delusions or hallucinations for at least 1 and managementAccording to a 2022 review, doctors mainly treat drug-induced psychosis with antipsychotic medications. These medications help manage the symptoms during the acute phase of this the acute phase has passed, doctors will attempt to address the underlying cause. With drug-induced psychosis, drug intoxication might have played a treatment for schizophrenia is very complex. Research has shown that certain oral antipsychotic medications can help with the acute phase of the an acute phase of schizophrenia, doctors typically recommend antipsychotics in the form of a slow-acting injection. This can help the individual avoid symptom relapse and maintain their interventions are also useful and might include art therapy, drama therapy, or CBT. A person should also get support while they gradually reenter their outlook for people with schizophrenia varies factors can make it harder for individuals to manage their condition. These include:a slow, gradual disease onsetthe disease beginning during childhood or adolescencean impaired ability to think However, other factors can make it easier for people to manage their condition:acute disease onsetbeing femaleliving in a developed countrySchizophrenia can severely disrupt someone's personal and professional life. It can also lead to suicidal ideation. In people with this condition, the most common cause of premature death is to 2019 research, between 24% and 32% of people with drug-induced psychosis may go on to develop other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia spectrum disorder. This risk is highest in people whose drug-induced psychosis came from cannabis the outlook for people with drug-induced psychosis is uncertain. A 2021 study notes there is very little data on the treatment, outcome, and clinical best practices regarding drug-induced is out thereIf you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/ HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/ in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help and drug-induced psychosis are conditions that can both lead to delusions and hallucinations. However, they are not the and drug-induced psychosis have different symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and is a lack of research on how to treat and manage drug-induced psychosis, but common treatments include antipsychotic medications.
Health Line
04-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Identify the Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Key takeaways PTSD symptoms fall into categories like re-experiencing, avoidance, changes in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity, but the experience varies. Common symptoms may include flashbacks, distressing memories, nightmares, irritability, anxiety, and avoiding certain places, people, or objects. To meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, you must experience at least one intrusion symptom, one avoidance symptom, two hyperarousal symptoms, and two cognition and mood symptoms for at least 1 month. Traumatic events like abuse, accidents, military combat, natural disasters, and assault can cause PTSD, but support networks and positive coping skills may reduce the risk. It's thought that 1 out of every 11 people will receive a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD can make it difficult to function day to day, affecting your quality of life. However, with treatment, PTSD symptoms can become far more manageable. Mental health professionals use a handbook called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) to diagnose mental health conditions. The DSM-5-TR groups PTSD symptoms into four categories: reexperiencing avoidance persistent negative alterations in cognitions and mood alterations in arousal and reactivity You'll notice that the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of 'male' and 'female' or 'men' and 'women.' Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings. Unfortunately, the studies and surveys referenced in this article didn't report data on, or include, participants who were transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless. Intrusive memories or reexperiencing Intrusion-related PTSD symptoms involve memories intruding into your everyday life. Without trying to remember the traumatic event, you may feel like you're reexperiencing the event or that you can't stop thinking about certain details. Intrusive symptoms may include: frequent nightmares about the event strong, unwanted, distressing memories of the event cropping up when you're thinking about seemingly unrelated thoughts flashbacks, where you feel like you're reliving the event You may find that certain things — an object, a song, a smell — may trigger these symptoms. Sometimes, the trigger isn't obvious and seems to come out of nowhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children with PTSD might reenact the traumatic event through play or in thought. PTSD symptoms in children may be similar to those of other mental health conditions, including oppositional defiant disorder, depression, and ADHD. Avoidance or emotional numbing This symptom can involve avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic event. You might avoid places, situations, objects, and people who remind you of the event. You might also avoid thoughts and feelings you associate with the event. While many people with PTSD recognize why they're avoiding those reminders, not everyone is aware. In some cases, the association might not be obvious. When to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional Many people experience trauma and do not go on to develop PTSD. Although therapy can be useful for some, experiencing trauma doesn't mean you automatically need or will benefit from therapy. Therapy may be beneficial if your symptoms interfere with your day-to-day functioning or persist for several weeks after the event. A consultation with a qualified mental health professional can help you determine whether you'd benefit from therapy or other mental health help. Tools for diagnosis and treatment To receive a PTSD diagnosis, a qualified medical professional needs to assess your symptoms. It's best to talk with a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse, because they are more familiar with the symptoms of PTSD and other mental health conditions. Mental health professionals use a variety of tests and questionnaires to evaluate symptoms. To meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, you must experience the following symptoms for at least 1 month: at least one intrusion/re-experience symptom at least one avoidance symptom at least two hyperarousal/reactivity symptoms at least two cognition and mood symptoms You don't need a PTSD diagnosis to seek therapy and support. It's possible to find treatment and begin your healing journey without a diagnosis. Frequently asked questions What causes PTSD? Being exposed to any traumatic event can cause PTSD, especially an event that involves a real or perceived threat of injury or death. In other words, the event can include any situation where you feel that you or another person could have died or been injured. This can include events like: abuse or neglect car accidents bereavement, depending on the circumstances life threatening illness military combat natural disasters severe injury sexual or physical assault terrorism traumatic birth witnessing violence, suicide, or death Some research indicates that people who experience interpersonal crimes, such as assault, are more likely to develop PTSD than those who experience non-interpersonal traumas, such as natural disasters. Why do some people develop PTSD and others do not? It's not always clear why some people develop PTSD and others do not, but researchers have identified some factors that increase your risk of developing PTSD after experiencing trauma. After experiencing trauma, you may be more likely to develop PTSD if you: have a history of mental health conditions don't receive support from loved ones experience further stress around the event You might be less likely to develop PTSD if you: have a support network, which can include loved ones, a counselor, or a support group learn positive coping skills, which could be learned through therapy Genetics may also play a role in whether you develop PTSD, according to a large-scale 2019 study. While there's evidence suggesting the lifetime prevalence of exposure to trauma is lower among women than men, women are about twice as likely to develop PTSD than men. It's not clear why, although genetics and hormones may play a role. In the United States, research suggests that PTSD is more common among people who are Black, Latino, and Native American than among non-Latino white people. What's the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD? A single event can cause PTSD, while complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can occur from repeated trauma, especially ongoing trauma over many months or years. Childhood trauma often causes C-PTSD, especially child abuse perpetrated by parents or caregivers. People who have C-PTSD may experience similar symptoms to PTSD. Other C-PTSD symptoms include: PTSD is more well researched than C-PTSD. Additionally, C-PTSD may be more difficult to treat. That said, both PTSD and C-PTSD can be treated and managed.
Fast Company
23-06-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
What AI can—and can't—fix in behavioral health's labor crisis
America's behavioral health workforce is in crisis. Burnout is accelerating, waitlists are expanding, and clinicians are transitioning away from the field at alarming rates—not because their passion has diminished, but because the administrative burden has become overwhelming. These departures represent one of the most significant labor challenges in our industry with its impact felt across communities nationwide. Every week, I talk to leaders running certified behavioral health agencies across the country, and their message is consistent: Leaders aren't seeking technological disruption. They're desperate for breathing room to retain staff, serve more clients, and maintain compliance without drowning in documentation—a fundamental workforce sustainability issue. When artificial intelligence enters the conversation, many approach it with justified skepticism. This caution stems from two critical concerns: First, behavioral health has endured its share of overhyped technology that promised transformation but delivered frustration; second, and equally important, is the critical issue of regulatory compliance, privacy, and data security in this intensely regulated field. Documentation: The critical foundation for reimbursement and compliance In behavioral health, documentation forms the foundation for intake, clinical interactions, reimbursement, compliance, and broader care accountability. Providers rightfully question whether AI-generated notes (where technology assists in creating clinical documentation) will withstand audits or satisfy complex regulatory requirements. AI technology not only facilitates the creation of clinically relevant documentation but also enhances oversight capabilities and ensures full auditability of all generated content. The daily reality for most providers involves hours of note-taking, repetitive scheduling, and navigating documentation systems never designed for behavioral health's unique compliance demands. We call this 'administrative burden,' but the term fails to capture the resulting exhaustion that drives talented clinicians from the field. According to a recent study by Google Cloud and The Harris Poll, U.S. clinicians spend nearly 28 hours weekly on administrative tasks—over half of their work week, with 82% reporting burnout. In behavioral health's already resource-constrained environment, this burden often becomes the breaking point for dedicated professionals, contributing to a sector-wide labor shortage. Find solutions in thoughtful AI implementation With clinicians overwhelmed with documentation that causes burnout, behavioral health professionals need solutions that work for them. This is where carefully designed AI tools show great promise. Early AI implementations focused on documentation and administrative workflows are demonstrating measurable benefits when developed with clinician input and compliance requirements at the forefront. Organizations deploying these tools thoughtfully see tangible impact: In our current deployments, clinicians are reporting up to 80% reduction in clinical note-taking time as technology listens and drafts notes in the background. Smart assistants help staff locate resources without interrupting care. Intake workflows become more efficient, shortening the gap between a client's first call and first session. These tools don't put an end to compliance complexity—they help manage it while creating space for providers to be present. Care gets better when clinicians are supported I remember hearing directly from a patient that during his initial session, his provider never once made eye contact with him. Instead, they were focused on their computer, furiously typing notes and immersed in updating his electronic health record (EHR). Fortunately, that's where we repeatedly see that AI can improve care delivery. By removing needless administrative work, behavioral health clinicians have more time to form connections and spend more time with their clients, achieving better outcomes. According to our customers, 50% say they feel more connected to their clients without increasing hours and 60% say they feel more connected to their patients now that they're not documenting during sessions. I also hear from clinicians that they see greater consistency in their care plans with fewer missed handoffs. These aren't merely efficiency gains, but restoration of human capacity essential for building trust, ensuring continuity, and addressing complex behavioral health needs—all critical factors in workforce retention. AI won't fix everything To be clear, AI isn't a silver bullet. It won't resolve funding challenges, address workforce shortages, rebuild trust between providers and policymakers, or guarantee that alternative payment models work effectively for behavioral health. What it can do is create breathing room and greater capacity by providing clinicians with the margin needed to practice what they are trained for. In a field where every additional hour with a client, every prevented resignation, and every accelerated intake process can transform a life, that support matters profoundly. 3 critical elements for success For AI to deliver on its promise in behavioral health, it's important to focus on three critical elements: clinical expertise driving development, seamless integration into existing workflows, and evaluation against regulatory standards. The most effective AI tools are designed with clinicians informing their development, refined with their feedback, and tested against compliance standards and regulations during audits. Behavioral health needs meaningful innovation—tools that honor the work, alleviate friction, and strengthen the relationship between clinician and client. This will help preserve our essential mental health workforce to our social infrastructure
Washington Post
19-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Trump administration will shut LGBTQ youth-focused suicide prevention line
The Trump administration said it will shut down the national suicide prevention hotline's LGBTQ youth-focused services, terminating a program designed to offer expert help to a group that is especially vulnerable to suicide. The announcement sparked concern among LGBTQ advocates and some mental health professionals, as the Trump administration continues its efforts to roll back LGBTQ rights and dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The White House Office of Management and Budget characterized the service as an attempt to encourage children to embrace 'radical gender ideology,' Reuters reported, a term the Trump administration has used repeatedly to target the LGBTQ community.
