To examine the clinical and demographic profile of inpatient psychosis admissions in Ireland.

Anonymised data was extracted from the Health Research Board (HRB) National Psychiatric Inpatient Reporting System (NPIRS) from 2013–2022. The NPIRS database is maintained by the HRB and records all admissions to inpatient units and hospitals on the register of approved centres under the Mental Health Act 2001. Data was reviewed and analysed using SPSS V26.

There were 43,963 psychosis admissions over the 10-year period corresponding to 26% of all psychiatric admissions. Males accounted for 58% of psychosis admissions. The median age at first admission was 36 years of age for males and 42 years of age for females. Median length of stay in days was longer for psychosis admissions (median = 20 days IQR = 8–43) than for other mental health disorders (median = 13 days IQR = 4.0–33).

Understanding the clinical and demographic profile of psychosis related inpatient psychiatric admissions in Ireland provides insights that can inform effective service planning and care delivery. The findings of this study have particular relevance for the implementation and evolution of the Health Service Executive Early Intervention in Psychosis Clinical Programme.

To examine the criteria utilised for detaining individuals under the Irish Mental Health Act 2001 (MHA 2001) and their association with clinical features.

Demographic and clinical data of 505 involuntary admissions under the MHA 2001 between 2013 and 2023 were attained. Data included criteria utilised for detention and renewal, sociodemographic and clinical features associated with these criteria, and the use of coercive practices, such as seclusion and restraint.

The majority of patients who were involuntarily admitted (61.4%), or had their admission order affirmed by tribunal (78.2%), were not judged to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others. Patients admitted under the “impaired judgement criterion” were less likely to be secluded (χ2 = 15.8, p < 0.001) or restrained (χ2 = 11.6, p < 0.01). Patients admitted under the “risk criterion” were younger (KW = 12.7, p = 0.02), and less likely to have a psychotic disorder (χ2 = 5.9, p = <0.001) or have a previous involuntary admission (χ2 = 7.7, p = 0.02). Patients who were subject to coercive care were younger (U = 12739, p < 0.001), more likely to be male (χ2 = 4.6, p = 0.03), and have prolonged involuntary admissions (U = 18412, p = 0.02).

Currently, the majority of the involuntary care provided for patients under the MHA 2001 is not related to the risk criterion of causing immediate and serious harm to themselves or others, but rather to the criterion of impaired judgement. Patients admitted under the risk criterion are more often subjected to restrictive practices, but are less likely to suffer from psychosis, than those receiving involuntary care due to their impaired judgement.

There is evidence of increasing rates of hospital presentations for suicidal crisis, and emergency departments (EDs) are described as an intervention point for suicide prevention. Males account for three in every four suicides in Ireland and are up to twice as likely as females to eventually die by suicide following a hospital presentation for suicidal crisis. This study therefore aimed to profile the characteristics of ED presentations for suicidal ideation and self-harm acts among males in Ireland, using clinical data collected by self-harm nurses within a dedicated national service for crisis presentations to EDs.

Using ED data from 2018–2021, variability in the sociodemographic characteristics of male presentations was examined, followed by age-based diversity in the characteristics of presentations and interventions delivered. Finally, likelihood of onward referral to subsequent care was examined according to presentation characteristics.

Across 45,729 presentations, males more commonly presented with suicidal ideation than females (56% v. 44%) and less often with self-harm (42% v. 58%). Drug- and alcohol-related overdose was the most common method of self-harm observed. A majority of males presenting to ED reported no existing linkage with mental health services.

Emergency clinicians have an opportunity to ensure subsequent linkage to mental health services for males post-crisis, with the aim of prevention of suicides.

Citizenship, as conceptualized by Rowe and colleagues, emphasizes the significance of relationships and community membership, encapsulated by the ‘5 Rs’ – rights, responsibilities, roles, resources, and relationships.

A meta-synthesis of 20 qualitative studies on citizenship and mental health was conducted.

We identified four central themes: Autonomy and Empowerment, Social Inclusion and Relationships, Social Exclusion, and Non-Relational Resources and Supports. Service users’ experiences illuminate the challenges of achieving full citizenship, negotiating societal norms, and accessing non-relational resources.

This synthesis contributes to our understanding of Citizenship and its relationship with mental health, highlighting its role in fostering social inclusion and empowerment as well as informing potential implications for mental health interventions and policies.

To examine if the COVID-19 pandemic had a differential impact longitudinally over four years on psychological and functional impact in individuals with a pre-existing anxiety, bipolar or emotionally unstable personality Disorder (EUPD).

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 patients attending the Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (n = 21), bipolar disorder (n = 18), or EUPD (n = 13) at four time points over a four-year period. Patients’ impression of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was assessed in relation to anxiety and mood symptoms, social and occupational functioning and quality of life utilising psychometric instruments and Likert scale data, with qualitative data assessing participants’ subjective experiences.

Individuals with EUPD exhibited higher anxiety (BAI) symptoms compared to individuals with bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders (F = 9.63, p = 0.001), with a more deleterious impact on social functioning and quality of life also noted at all time points. Themes attained from qualitative data included isolation resulting from COVID-19 mandated restrictions (N = 22), and these same restrictions allowing greater appreciation of family (n = 19) and hobbies/nature (n = 13).

Individuals with EUPD reported increased symptomatology and reduced functioning and quality of life as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic over a four-year period compared to individuals with either an anxiety or bipolar disorder. This could be related to the differing interaction of the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions on the symptoms and support requirements of this cohort.

To outline the life and work of Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia (124–40 BC), especially his contributions to thinking about mental illness.

Review and discussion of relevant fragments of Asclepiades’ work that survive and review of secondary literature, supplemented by relevant systematic literature searches (e.g. PubMed).

Asclepiades challenged the long-standing Hippocratic doctrine of the four humours and developed an approach to physical and mental illness that was humane, reasoned, and a forerunner of later developments in psychiatry. Asclepiades argued that the human body, like everything in the universe, comprised tiny, imperceptible particles, which he called önkoi, seamless masses in perpetual motion. In consequence, Yapijakis describes Asclepiades as ‘the father of molecular medicine’. Asclepiades held that good health was maintained by free, balanced motion of önkoi through theoretical pores, while disease resulted from blockage or impaction of önkoi passing through pores in various body parts (e.g. brain). Based on this idea, Asclepiades recommended releasing people with apparent mental illness from confinement and using judicious combinations of diet, exercise, massage, bathing, and music to treat ‘phrenitis’ (delirium) and melancholia. He suggested that the physician act ‘safely, swiftly and pleasantly’ (‘cito, tutu, jucunde’) for both physical and mental illness.

Asclepiades belongs to the historical tradition of progressive medical approaches to mental illness, not least because he applied his principles for the treatment of physical illness to mental illness. His ideas about psychiatry set the scene for further evolution of attitudes to mental illness and its treatment over subsequent centuries.

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on first-episode psychosis (FEP) presentations across two Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services in Ireland, by comparing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic cohorts.

A cross-sectional observational design with retrospective medical record review was employed. The study population comprised 187 FEP patients (77 in pre-pandemic and 110 in post-pandemic cohort). Outcomes measured included duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), FEP presentation numbers, referral sources, global assessment of functioning scores, inpatient admissions, substance misuse and service delivery methods. Statistical analyses utilised chi-square tests to assess categorical variables, Mann–Whitney U tests to compare non-normally distributed continuous variables and Kruskal–Wallis tests to examine interactions between categorical and continuous variables.

A significant increase in FEP presentations was observed in the post-pandemic cohort (p = 0.003), with an increase in all urban areas and a decrease in the study’s only rural area. The difference in DUP between cohorts was not significant. However, significant interaction between gender, cohort and DUP was shown (p = 0.008), with women in the post-pandemic cohort experiencing longer DUP (p = 0.01). A significant rise in telephone (p = 0.05) and video consultations (p = 0.001) offered was observed, in the post-pandemic cohort. A similar number of in-person appointments were attended across both cohorts.

This study highlights the impact of the pandemic on FEP presentations, particularly rurally and regarding increased DUP among women. These findings underscore the need for flexible EIP services to respond to public health crises. Despite increased presentations, services adapted, maintaining service continuity through telehealth and modified in-person contact.

Recovery-oriented approaches are gaining increased attention in the mental health sector, including from the World Health Organization and the United Nations, for their potential to support people in recovering and building meaningful lives through strengths-based, person-centered principles. Kyrie Therapeutic Farm (KTF) is a new initiative in Ireland that seeks to develop recovery-oriented model of adult mental health care. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of recovery-oriented models of practice in a small number of therapeutic farm settings across the world in order to inform service design at KTF whilst also addressing a gap in research on this topic.

Three semi-structured focus-group interviews were conducted online via MS Teams with ten staff members in different roles and years of experience from three existing therapeutic community farms. reflexive thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.

Four themes emerged that illustrate how therapeutic farm communities operate in general and specifically in relation to recovery: 1. common humanity, 2. freedom and responsibility, 3. interdependence and community living, and 4. learning organisations.

This study demonstrates the viability of recovery-oriented practices in community therapeutic farms, including KTF, thereby contributing to the broader trend toward more person-centered mental health services. The values inherent in the recovery-oriented approach – such as community, empowerment, and close, equitable, non-hierarchical relationships – act as facilitators. However, embedding these values in practice can generate tensions for staff which warrant attention. Implications for the integration into service design of KTF and further research are offered.

Suicide accounts for a proportion of the early mortality in people affected by psychotic disorders. The early phase of illness can represent a particularly high-risk time for suicide. Therefore, in a cohort of young people presenting with first-episode psychosis, this study aimed to determine: (i) the prevalence of suicidal ideation, intent with plan and self-harm and any associated demographic or clinical factors and (ii) the prevalence of depressive symptoms and any associated demographic or clinical factors.

Young people with a first episode of psychosis attending the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre in Melbourne were included. Suicidal behaviours were recorded using a structured risk assessment – ‘Clinical Risk Assessment and Management in the Community’, and depressive symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9.

A total of 355 young people were included in the study. 57.2% were male, 95.4% were single and over one quarter were migrants. At the time of presentation, 34.6% had suicidal ideation, 6.2% had suicidal intent with a plan, and 21.4% had engaged in self-harm before their presentation. Combined, 39.7% (n = 141) presented with suicidal ideation, intent with plan or self-harm. A total of 71.5% (n = 118) had moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms, which was strongly associated with suicidal ideation or behaviours at the time of presentation (OR = 4.21, 95% C.I. 2.10–8.44).

Depressive symptoms, self-harm and suicidal behaviours are commonly present in the early phases of a psychotic disorder, which has important clinical implications for assessment and management.

This study explores the perspectives of Irish Travellers, an ethnic minority group in Ireland, on the service improvements needed to implement culturally appropriate recovery approaches in mental health services.

A community-based participatory research approach was employed. Seventeen Traveller peer researchers conducted thirteen qualitative participatory workshops and five individual interviews across Ireland. Eighty-seven adult members of the Traveller community (83% female, mean age = 33, 56.3% not in education or employment) were recruited through convenience sampling. Participatory thematic analysis was employed.

Travellers’ ideas about improvements in mental healthcare involve practitioners in creating a trusting environment, increasing representation of Travellers within mental healthcare staff and working in partnership with Traveller service users to co-produce strategies that are owned by the community. Study participants emphasised the importance of Traveller cultural awareness, strengthening trauma-informed care, and embedding an ethos of cultural humility within mainstream services. The findings indicate the need for increased collaboration between mental health service providers and non-mental health agencies, and a reorientation of care towards empowering Traveller service users to achieve their social aspirations and building a positive self-identity.

This study demonstrates that implementing a recovery approach for Travellers requires a reorientation of services, in line with Travellers’ definition of culturally appropriate mental healthcare. This study calls for an expanded mandate for mental health services beyond individual care and towards intersectoral action in addressing the social determinants of Travellers’ mental health. This will help to shape an equitable and inclusive healthcare setting that promotes Travellers’ mental health and recovery.

Perinatal stress and anxiety from conception to two years postpartum have important adverse outcomes for women and infants. This study examined (i) women’s perception of sources and experiences of perinatal stress and anxiety, (ii) women’s attitudes to and experiences of available supports, and (iii) women’s preferences for perinatal stress and anxiety supports in Ireland.

An online mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted with 700 women in Ireland. Participants were pregnant women (n = 214) or mothers of children ≤ 2 years old (n = 486). Participants completed closed-ended questionnaires on sociodemographic, birth and child factors, and on stress, anxiety, perceived social support, and resilience. Participants completed open-ended questions about experiences of stress and anxiety and the supports available for stress and anxiety during pregnancy and/or postpartum. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using correlations; qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Quantitative data indicated significant relationships between perinatal stress and/or anxiety and women’s perceived social support, resilience, having a previous mental health disorder diagnosis (both p < 0.001), and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or pregnancy complications (p < 0.01). Themes developed in qualitative analyses included: ‘perceived responsibilities’; ‘self-care’; ‘care for maternal health and well-being’; ‘social support’; and ‘access to support and information’.

Women’s stress and anxiety are impacted by multiple diverse factors related to the individual, to interpersonal relationships, to perinatal health and mental health outcomes, and to available services and supports. Development of support-based individual-level interventions and increased peer support, coupled with improvements to service provision is needed to provide better perinatal care for women in Ireland.

Youth self-harm (SH) is viewed as a public health concern and one of the main reasons for urgent psychiatry assessment. This systematic review sought to establish prevalence of SH among youth in Ireland.

A systematic review using pre-defined search terms was conducted (Jan 1980–March 2024).

From a total of 204 papers identified, 18 were included. Significant variation in rates of SH was found. Limiting data to adolescent years (15–18), best estimates for overall lifetime rates of SH ranged from 1.5% (when rates of SH were reported based on a two-stage study design), to 23% (where SH was limited to non-suicidal SH). SH was typically higher in females, impulsive in nature, and occurred in the home setting. Whilst almost half of youth sought help before (43.7%) or after (49.8%) the SH episode, this was most often to a friend or family member. Overall rates of professional help seeking were low.

Robust studies using clear definitions of terms, separately capturing SH with and without suicidal intent, and distinguishing SH in the context of a mental illness, are required to inform service developments. Given the frequent occurrence of SH among youth accompanied by predominance of help seeking via friends and family, it is imperative that psychoeducation is delivered to families and peers. Out of hours community and specialist mental health services are essential to address this important issue.

Understanding variations in knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists to psilocybin therapy is important for the collective discourse about the potential impact on clinical practice and public health in Ireland.

A 28-item questionnaire was designed based on previous studies and distributed to psychiatrists in Ireland via online mailing lists and at in-person academic events.

151 psychiatrists completed the questionnaire (73.3% were under 40 years of age, 76.0% were trainees, and 49.0% were female). In the total sample, 81.5% agreed that psilocybin therapy shows promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and 86.8% supported funding research, 86.8% would be willing to refer a patient if it was licensed and indicated, and 78.1% would consider the treatment for themselves, if indicated. Conversely, 6.6% agreed that psilocybin therapy was unsafe even under medical supervision, and 21.9% thought it was potentially addictive. 15.9% of the total sample reported at least one concern including, lack of robust evidence, long-term effectiveness, superiority to current interventions, potential harmful effects, cost and accessibility, and impartiality. Less than half of respondents felt knowledgeable (40.0%) and 9.9% felt adequately prepared to participate in psilocybin therapy. Consultant psychiatrists trended towards less optimism for a potential role in bipolar depression and emotionally unstable personality disorder compared to trainee psychiatrists.

Overall psychiatrists in Ireland held positive attitudes towards psilocybin therapy. However, there was a lack of knowledge evident. Addressing the knowledge gap and aligning with the best available evidence will be key if psychedelic therapy is to prevail in a clinical setting.

Legislation is a powerful tool for facilitating mental healthcare. Gender is an important social determinant of physical and mental health. Many jurisdictions are in the process of revising their mental health law, to align with human rights commitments. Consideration of gender in these revisions could enhance the mental healthcare received by women, transgender and non-binary individuals.

This paper examines gender-based provisions in mental health law published in English.

Countries that use English as an official language were identified. Jurisdictions in these countries with stand-alone mental health laws were included. Legislation was reviewed for gender-specific provisions.

Seventy-five countries were evaluated; 71 jurisdictions were included. Thirty-eight jurisdictions had 88 gender-specific provisions. These addressed ten key areas, including: general gender-based protections, female representation on boards and review panels, protections during searching and restraint, gender separated facilities, protections in relation to parenting, fertility, sterilisation and termination. Fiji, Ghana, India, and the Australian jurisdictions had the highest number of gender-specific laws. However, gender-specific provisions are highly heterogeneous and are drafted from a cisnormative perspective and fail to adequately address the specific needs of individuals outside of that framework.

Gender-specific provisions can enhance the protections afforded by mental health law. However, as legislation can be a blunt instrument, careful consideration must be given to potential unintended consequences. During revisions of mental health law consideration should be given to gender-specific provisions and legislation must be inclusive of individuals identifying as transgender, non-binary and other genders.

The aim of this study is to assess General Practitioner (GP) trainees’ training experience, and confidence in assessing and managing children and adolescents with common mental health conditions in primary care in Ireland.

An online anonymous questionnaire was distributed to third and fourth year GP registrars enrolled in the Irish College of General Practitioners training schemes. The online questionnaire evaluated participants’ training experiences and confidence levels in key areas of child and adolescent mental health in primary care.

Sixty participants completed the survey out of 406, yielding a response rate of 14.8%. The majority (88%) reported no formal training or experience working in Child and Adolescent Mental Healthcare Services (CAMHS) during their GP training scheme. Responses indicated that many participants rated their competency, skills, and knowledge in essential areas of Child and Adolescent Mental Health as needing improvement. Similarly, their awareness of referral pathways and specialty services was below expectations, with poor perceived access to services. A large proportion (91.7%) expressed a definite need for further training in child and adolescent mental health disorders.

The results highlight the need for enhanced training and support for GP trainees in the field of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, ensuring their ability to effectively and confidently address these common issues in primary care.

To evaluate the rates of use of restrictive practices (RPs), such as seclusion and physical restraint, in approved mental health centres (ACs) in Ireland.

Examination of data reported to the regulator of mental health in Ireland, the Mental Health Commission (MHC), and the Health Research Board (HRB).

There has been a substantial reduction in RP use in Irish ACs between 2018 and 2022.

The MHC welcomes this reduction in RP use and considers several possible reasons for this data.

The rights of mental health service users are a subject of profound debate. In this article, we aim to examine mental health professionals’ perspectives, opinions, and attitudes on the state of service users’ rights.

We conducted a thematic analysis of eleven focus groups involving mental health professionals.

Through this process, we identified two main meta-themes that shed light on the challenges faced by mental health service users: ‘Transforming the therapeutic relationship’ and ‘Societal determinants of service users’ rights’. Within the former meta-theme, we identified the following themes: ‘Diversifying mental health knowledge’, ‘Risk-protection tensions’, and ‘Being (ir)responsible’. Within the latter meta-theme we identified ‘Determinants inside the clinics’ and ‘Determinants outside the clinics.’

Reflecting on these themes could potentially encourage new strategies to support professionals in overcoming the subjective barriers that prevent their adherence to rights-based mental health care models.

To explore the lived experience of informal dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed. Eight primary informal caregivers were recruited from a community mental health service for older people when attending in their role as caregiver of a service-user. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at home or in the clinic based on the participants’ convenience and preference. IPA was completed following Smith and colleagues framework for analysis.

Six group experiential themes, each with a number of subthemes, emerged from the cross-case interpretative analysis: the ambivalent experience of caregiving (subtheme: those complex emotional experiences); navigating lockdown: lived challenges and opportunities (subthemes: the pervasive fear, intensification of existing struggles, being prevented from caring for a loved one, and lockdown as a time for opportunity); transitioning out of lockdown (subthemes: regaining freedom, but restricted freedom after all and being in a lockdown of one’s own); the present with COVID-19, but mostly with dementia (subthemes: dementia, a disease that does not pause, and ‘takeaways’ from the journey); looking into the future (subthemes: embracing COVID-19 and the true needs); and a word on coping (subtheme: managing it all as best one can).

Findings demonstrate the significance of the meaning caregivers ascribed to their experiences on their wellbeing and ability to cope in times of COVID-19 and thereafter. Gaining an understanding of the caregivers’ unique experiences is crucial to appreciate how to best support them.