Research & Presentations

On this page

Asian; Carers; Deaf; Discrimination; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Maori; Mental Health General; Nutrition; Older Persons; Pacific Island; Personality Disorder; Rights; Schizophrenia; Suicide; Youth; Links

Access Issues for Chinese People in New Zealand (NZ) - Prepared for Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

 

Asian Mental Health and Addiction Research Agenda For NZ 2008-2012 (NZ)  - Two major government policy documents, namely, Te Tahuhu - Improving Mental Health 2005-2015 and Te Kokiri: The Mental Health and Addiction Action Plan 2006-2015 have identified the need to develop a research agenda for mental health and addiction in Asian communities. Te Pou was commissioned by the Ministry of Health to develop a national research agenda that would identify targets or priorities for mental health and addiction research for New Zealand's Asian population in the next three to five years. A separate agenda has been developed by Te Pou to identify priorities for New Zealand's refugee and migrant populations1. However, a number of areas in the classification and needs of Asian, refugee and migrant communities overlap.

 

Mental Health Issues for Asians in New Zealand: A Literature Review (NZ) - This review of the literature represents the Mental Health Commission's first Asian-focused document. It emerged in response to the fast-changing shape of the New Zealand population over the last 15 years. To date, Asian people and their mental health concerns have not received much attention, yet this population comprises a significant and growing proportion of New Zealand society. Asian people are not merely 'immigrants', sojourners or refugees, but New Zealanders making significant contributions, with the same wants, needs and desires as everyone else.

 

Recommended Reading On Asian Mental Health (NZ) - Bibliography List.

 

Return to top

A research study of Young Carers - The development of a recording tool for agencies to identify young carers. Report for the Ministry of Health.

 

Carers Of People With Mental Illness Project (AUS) - The Carers of People with Mental Illness project is an innovative partnership project funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and jointly conducted by the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) and the Carers Association of Australia (CAA). The primary goal of the project was to identify priority actions to better support and recognise the roles of carers of people with mental illness across Australia.

 

Evaluation Of A Model Of Best Practice For Families Who Have A Parent With A Mental Illness (AU) - A model of best practice for families affected by parental mental illness is documented in this report. Such information is expected to provide direction to the Government of Victoria and various agencies within the mental health and welfare sectors. It is also hoped that the report will contribute useful information to a larger evidence base, thereby improving future programs for children and families.

 

Family Carers And Mental Illness - SANE Research (AUS) - Families play a major role in providing day-to-day care for people with a mental illness, but improved support is urgently needed, especially in education for this role.

 

Impact Of Schizophrenia On Carers In NZ - The Cost Of Caring (NZ) - The New Zealand questionnaire contained seven main sections; demographics, time spent caring for someone with schizophrenia, costs associated with caring, questions regarding employment while caring, caring and unpaid activities, information about the person with schizophrenia being cared for and additional questions regarding caring.

 

Keeping Care Complete Survey - Keeping Care Complete is the first international survey to shed light on experiences and insights of family caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Caregivers from Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States participated in the survey, which was developed by the World Federation for Mental Health and Eli Lilly and Company.

 

Return to top

Cultural and Linguistic Barriers to Mental Health Service Access: The Deaf Consumer's Perspective (NZ) - The authors investigated knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about mental illness and providers held by a group of deaf adults. The American Sign Language interviews of 54 deaf adults were analyzed. Recurrent themes included mistrust of providers, communication difficulty as a primary cause of mental health problems, profound concern with communication in therapy, and widespread ignorance about how to obtain services. Deaf consumers' views need due consideration in service delivery planning. Outreach regarding existing programs is essential.

 

Deaf Mental Health Research Project - (NZ) -Geoff Bridgman PhD, Brent Macpherson BA, Marjorie Rako, Janine Campbell BEd, Victoria Manning MA, Tamina Norman-Kelly. This paper reports on the findings of a national epidemiological survey of 200 randomly selected. Deaf people in New Zealand and on models for the development of national mental health services for Deaf. The survey examined the extent of mental health problems, the use of mental health services and the need for specific mental health services for people of Deaf culture.

 

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Persons Who Are Deaf (USA) - This report summarizes the relevant research and writing in the fields of deafness and mental illness, identifies problems and barriers in the public mental health service delivery system, and recommends specific interventions and systemic alterations to improve mental health services and programs for persons who are deaf and also have behavioral health problems.

 

Return to top

Through The Looking Glass - VIBE Research Project (NZ) - Young people talk about young people with experience of mental illness and implications for anti-discrimination initiatives.

 

Return to top

A review of the literature, the Acts of Parliament and relevant current practices on regulation of the use of ECT in New Zealand and in other like nations. (NZ) - The aim of the review was to produce a review of the literature, the Acts of Parliament and relevant current practices on regulation of the use of ECT in New Zealand and other like nations.

 

Brains Appear to Emerge From ECT Unscathed (US) - Despite widespread clinical evidence of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the view persists that cognitive side effects such as amnesia indicate structural brain damage, although the literature fails to substantiate this. Now a small but rigorously designed study contradicts this view.

 

Continuation Pharmacotherapy in the Prevention of Relapse Following Electroconvulsive Therapy (US) - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective for treatment of major depression, but naturalistic studies show a high rate of relapse after discontinuation of ECT.

 

Retrospective controlled study of inpatient ECT: does it prevent suicide? (US) - This study examined the use of ECT among inpatients who committed suicide at a provincial psychiatric hospital. Methods: A total of 45 psychiatric in-patients who committed suicide at a provincial psychiatric hospital were compared with a gender, age and admission diagnosis matched group of 45 hospitalized patients to examine the use of electroconvulsive therapy during the last 3 months of hospitalization.

 

Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) In New Zealand (NZ) - A review of efficacy, safety and regulatory controls.

 

Return to top

Maori Mental Health (NZ) - Bibliography list of Maori mental health research 2004-2009.

 

Maori Perspectives On Kaupapa Maori And Psychology (NZ) - A Discussion Document. This report presents an exploration of the views of Maori informants around the country. The exploration covers Maori informants' views on the nature of psychology and the state of the current relationship between psychological theory and practice, tikanga Maori and Maori visions and aspirations. Participants in this process were all involved in kaupapa Maori initiatives and tikanga Maori in daily life. In considering the possibilities presented by the HPCA Bill, they drew on their experiences in a variety of arenas, including health, education, justice, welfare, whanau, hapu, iwi, marae and papakainga work and involvements with psychology training and practice.

 

Return to top

Consumer Participation In Mental Health Research (NZ) - This paper explores the movement of consumer participation in mental health research, and presents the argument that active consumer participation can produce better and more ethical research. The implications of this for social research and possible models of consumer participation in research are discussed. The paper then highlights the impacts of this type of research on policy: that policymakers need to build the requirement for inclusive research practices into new policy, and that policy development needs to be informed by research that is conducted with a substantial degree of consumer participation.

 

Provision Of Mental Health Care By Primary Health Organisations In The Northern Region (NZ) - Aim: To identify barriers and enablers to the provision of mental health care by Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in the northern region. Methods: Information was generated from structured interviews with 22 of the 25 PHOs and the four District Health Boards (DHBs) in the northern region.

 

Blueprint For Mental Health Services In NZ - How Things Need To Be (NZ) -This document builds on the initial Blueprint and includes changes as a result of feedback received from many people and organisations. It sets out our translation of the levels of services and the changes required to fully implement the Government's National Mental Health Strategy.

 

Return to top

Nutrition and Psychiatry (US) - In this issue, Jacka et al. (5) present data regarding the association of dietary patterns with depression and anxiety. Jacka and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study in Australia in which adult women were randomly selected. A comprehensive food frequency questionnaire was developed to reflect 12-month eating habits, and it was administered to each subject. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR was utilized to assess psychiatric disorders, with particular focus on major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and anxiety disorders. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was also used to quantify psychiatric symptoms.

 

Return to top

CMDHB Health of Older People (NZ) - This plan is closely linked with CMDHB’s Workforce Development Plan. It clarifies what additional actions it will take to ensure adequate numbers of people with appropriate skills are available for supporting older people.

 

Mental Health Services For Older People (NZ) - A critical appraisal of the literature. NZHTA Report. There are limitations in the available research base and the evaluation of geriatric psychiatry services. What is published, despite being the best currently available, is at times difficult material to draw strong conclusions about service effectiveness. Studies in primary care, rural settings and also with minority or ethnic groups are lacking. These limitations do not necessarily indicate lack of effectiveness, but rather highlight the lack of research in these areas especially research specific to the New Zealand context.

 

Older Adult Mental Health & Addiction Research (NZ) - Bibliography List.

 

Older Persons - Kaumatua Mental Health Report (NZ) - This report provides an understanding of the prevalence of older persons/kaumatua mental health in Nelson Marlborough DHB1, identification of primary and secondary services currently available, a high level best practice summary and finally the report identifies several recommendations that synergise with the proposed Nelson Marlborough Health of Older People Strategy.

 

Return to top

A Samoan Perspective On Infant Mental Health (NZ) - This paper describes background to the development of the relatively new field of infant mental health and why this may be important for Pacific communities in Aotearoa/New Zealand(NZ) and elsewhere. There is a discussion of Samoan concepts and research that could inform infant mental health theory and practice.

 

Development of a child, adolescent and family mental health service for Pacific young people in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) - This paper describes the development of a dedicated Pacific child, adolescent and family mental health service based in Porirua, Aotearoa/New Zealand(NZ). Particular reference is made to, firstly, the social and demographic characteristics of the population we serve, and referrals to our service, and secondly, to key Samoan research findings which emphasize the Samoan relational concept of self as a fundamental concept underpinning Samoan notions of mental wellbeing.

 

Development of a Mental Health and Addiction Pacific Cultural Practice Framework for the Auckland Region: Promoting expertise that is "visible, valued and understood." (NZ) - The overall goal of the project was to develop a Pacific Cultural Worker Practice Framework for the Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Sector in the Auckland metropolitan region. This discussion paper outlines the processes and findings of the project, presenting a draft Mental Healthand Addiction Pacific Cultural Practice Framework for the Auckland metropolitan area that is supported by Pacific stakeholders.

 

Exploration of Pacific perspectives of Pacific models of mental health service delivery in New Zealand (NZ) - The aim of this study was to provide indepth qualitative data that explored Pacific perceptions and experience of the theory, practice, and utilisation of Pacific mental health services in New Zealand. This paper documents: (i) the different models of care practiced in the Pacific mental health sector, and (ii) the specific components that: (a) make these models uniquely Pacific, and (b) that consumers and families identified as integral to the recovery process.

 

Pacific Models of Mental Health Service Delivery in New Zealand ("PMMHSD") Project (NZ) - This study provides rich insights into the different perceptions of its various focus group and individual interview participants. These participant perceptions when placed alongside relevant literature findings and overseas indigenous and ethnic minority health programmes, policies and consumer perspectives make for some interesting and informative discussion of the research aims of this study.

 

Recommended Reading On Pacific Peoples Mental Health  (NZ) - Bibliography

 

The interface between cultural understandings: Negotiating new spaces for Pacific mental health (NZ) - This theoretical paper introduces the concept of the "negotiated space", a model developed by Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Maui Hudson and colleagues describing the interface between different worldviews and knowledge systems. This is primarily a conceptual space of intersection in-between different ways of knowing and meaning making, such as, the Pacific indigenous reference and the dominant Western mental health paradigm of the bio-psycho-social.

 

Twelve-month prevalence, severity, and treatment contact of mental disorders in New Zealand born and migrant Pacific participants in Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey (NZ) - The social and cultural fabric of Pacific peoples in New Zealand society is diverse, complex and heterogenous. There are differences between cultural groups and also within cultural groups in terms of norms, customs, language, cultural values and behaviours.

 

Return to top

Experiencing Personality Disorder: A Participative Approach (UK) - As Personality Disorder continues to be a subject of intense public and professional debate, this study has explored by means of an in-depth interview the views of fifty people to whom this diagnosis has been attributed, to include: demographic data, type of personality disorder and other diagnoses; its meaning for them; how they found out about the diagnosis; its impact; related life events, and value of different types of support.

 

Return to top

Perspectives on access to personal health information in New Zealand/Aotearoa (NZ) - This study used group interviews to explore Maori and European New Zealander (Pakeha) perspectives on access to personal health information. Two predominant themes emerged: the tension between the individual and society, and differences inherent in the use of formal and informal moral codes.

Return to top

Family Psychoeducation For Schizophrenia ((ITY) - Lorenza Magliano, M.D., Ph.D.; Andrea Fiorillo, M.D., Ph.D.; Claudio Malangone, M.D., Ph.D.; Corrado De Rosa, M.D.; Mario Maj, M.D., Ph.D. and the Family Intervention Working Group This study explored the effectiveness of a psychoeducational family intervention for schizophrenia on patients' personal and social functioning as well as on relatives' burden and perceived support.

 

Health and Self-Care Practices of Persons With Schizophrenia (US) - Data on the self-care and healthrelated practices and health status of 22 outpatients with schizophrenia were collected from interviews using a series of health survey instruments and a review of patient records.

 

Recent Advances In Understanding Mental Illness And Psychotic Experiences (UK) - A report by The British Psychological Society Division of Clinical Psychology.

 

Robert Miller and Octospan (NZ) - The Otago Centre for Theoretical Studies in Psychiatry and Neuroscience brings together the various threads of Robert Miller's scientific work including basic neuroscience, theory of psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia, and educational and other related writings.

 

After several periods of postdoctoral study at British universities, Robert Miller emigrated to New Zealand in 1977, as lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago. Since then he has developed the idea, which was just a dream when he was an undergraduate, of creating a library-based approach to the theory of the mammalian brain. The philosophy underlying this approach was outlined in the Preface to his first book (“Meaning and purpose in the intact brain”; Clarendon press, 1981). Since then he has produced many journal articles and three more scientific monographs.

 

Return to top

Factors Associated with Reduced Depression and Suicide Risk among Mäori high school students New Zealand (NZ) - Doctoral dissertation. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, U.S.A.

 

Reporting of Suicide In NZ Media - A Content Analysis (NZ) - This study investigated media reporting of suicide behaviour in New Zealand. The researchers have produced a description of the type, content and quality of reporting in newspaper, broadcasting, television and internet excerpts published in a 12 month period. Five case studies were examined in further depth to explore aspects of media content that may lead audiences to draw specific conclusions about the suicide event. The information collected can be used to support the implementation of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 (Ministry of Health, 2008) and the effectiveness of the Ministry of Health guidelines on suicide reporting.

 

Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour Amongst Maori Youth (NZ) - Beautrais (2003) notes that although Maori youth are over-represented in suicide statistics, older Maori males and females seem to be protected against suicide; suicide is rare in Maori adults aged over 45, and is virtually non-existent in Maori aged 60 years and over. Beautrais and Fergusson suggest that older Maori may be more valued and have more meaningful roles and status, compared to older non-Maori people, and these factors may protect older Maori against suicide.

 

Support for Maori, Pacific and Asian Family, Whanau, and Significant Others who have been bereaved by suicide (NZ) - The Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) is the lead agency in the implementation of the National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy and the development of a national all ages suicide prevention strategy. MYD commissioned this report as one element of the work being carried out to inform the establishment of enhanced support services and/or resources for families, wh�nau and significant others bereaved by suicide and serious suicide attempts.

 

Whakamomori: He whakaaro, he korero noa: A collection of contemporary views on Maori and suicide (NZ) - This paper is one of a suite of six reports that the Ministry of Health commissioned from the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Services between 2001 and 2004. The suite of reports, explore a range of possible social and epidemiological explanations, analyses and evidence about New Zealand's suicide trends. Due to a three-year time lag in coroner statistics being available, most of the reports address suicide trends up to 1999.

 

Return to top

Effectiveness Of Early Interventions For Preventing Mental Illness In Young People (NZ) - The systematic literature search and critical appraisal were performed to provide an evidence-based review of the effectiveness of early intervention programmes for youth mental health. Studies were considered if they aimed either (a) to prevent the development of mental health conditions relating to substance abuse, conduct disorder, mood, eating disorders and/or anxiety, or (b) to intervene in the early stages of a mental health condition to alter its development or pathway.

 

Milwaukee Wrap Around Service Workshop (USA) - The Werry Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Workforce Development in NZ was pleased to host the Milwaukee Wrap Around Service Workshop with Bruce Kamradt.

 

Wraparound Milwaukee is a unique system of care annually serving over 1,300 children with serious emotional and mental health needs and their families. See more background info.

 

Return to top

Mental Health Commission (NZ) - The Mental Health Commission facilitates the implementation of the Blueprint For Mental Health Services In NZ. This is a national mental health service development plan, setting out the Commission's view of the changes needed to realise the objectives of the Government's national mental health strategy. The Blueprint provides a plan for a mental heath system that ensures good treatment and support for those affected by mental illness.
 

Mental Health Foundation Resource & Information Service (NZ) - One of the ways we support individuals and communities is through providing access to quality information and resources on mental health and wellbeing. We encourage people to make informed choices and decisions about their mental health in ways that enhance their quality of life. We have a range of tool kits and educational resources focussing on enhancing mental wellbeing, community awareness & destigmatisation, for use in schools and community settings. A file of our services. There is also a searchable library database where anyone who becomes a registered member can borrow a range of mental health, wellbeing and mental health promotion material including books and DVDs. If you are based outside of Auckland, you can borrow our books by Interloan through your public library.

 

MindNet (NZ) - MindNet, a resource to help keep you informed about the latest developments in mental health promotion and prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

New Zealand Guidelines Group (NZ) - The New Zealand Guidelines Group leads a movement towards the delivery of high quality health and disability services throughout New Zealand through a change in culture based on evidence and effectiveness. Here you can access all NZGG's evidence-based publications, as well as those developed by other New Zealand organisations. For each guideline, supporting resources and information, where relevant, is available. These include summaries, search strategies and consumer resources. Consumer resources can also be downloaded.

 

Report of the Confidential Forum For Former In-patients of Psychiatric Hospitals (NZ) - The Confidential Forum for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals was announced by the Government in 2004 and established in 2005. Its main purpose was to provide an accessible, confidential environment in which former in-patients, family members of in-patients, or former staff members could describe their experiences of psychiatric institutions in New Zealand in the years before November 1992 (at which date the current mental health legislation came into effect).

 

Schizophrenia.com (US) - Schizophrenia biology and genetics. Latest research, reports and links to schizophrenia research and development.

 

Schizophrenia Research Forum (US) - The Schizophrenia Research Forum holds online discussions periodically on selected topics. Working with one or more researchers who are experts in the topic, we arrange access to published papers or prepare background text as a basis for reader commentary.

 

Schizophrenia Trials Promising (GB) - The first human trial of a new schizophrenia drug has yielded promising results, report scientists. What sets apart the experimental drug from all other antipsychotics is its target in the brain - glutamate receptors rather than dopamine.
 

Te Pou (NZ) - New Zealand's National Centre of Mental Health Research and Workforce Development. Our key objectives are: to build a strong and enduring workforce to deliver mental health services to all people; and to develop a culture of continuous quality improvement in which information and knowledge is welcomed and used to enhance recovery and service development.

 

The Werry Centre  (NZ) - The Werry Centre incorporates Workforce Development for the child and adolescent mental health sector workforce, teaching in child and adolescent mental health, research in the child and adolescent mental health field and workforce development in this field.

 

Return to top