Two psychiatric presentations linked with ‘head shop’ products.

We report two cases of acute onset and rapid resolution of psychotic symptoms, the first following oral ingestion and the second following intravenous injection of some head shop products (HSPs). Both were associated with autonomic instability and negative results on urine toxicology screening using standard techniques. They highlight the potential dangers of managing such cases in acute stand-alone psychiatric units. Recent advance in characterising some HSPs by toxicology screening is also discussed

Promoting Reflective Writing among Psychiatry Students

ED-MEDIA 2011: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Lisbon, Portugal, 27 June - 1 July 2011This paper reports on a study on the use of online learning to teach reflective writing to psychiatry students. The students learnt about reflection and reflective writing using an interactive learning unit and a discussion forum. They posted responses to an article at three levels of reflection. Their learning was assessed using a reflective essay. The majority of students engaged with the discussion forum though some had difficulty in distinguishing the levels of reflection. The students rarely commented on each other’s posts. Modifications will be made for future use based on ongoing research

Promoting Reflective Writing among Psychiatry Students

ED-MEDIA 2011: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Lisbon, Portugal, 27 June - 1 July 2011This paper reports on a study on the use of online learning to teach reflective writing to psychiatry students. The students learnt about reflection and reflective writing using an interactive learning unit and a discussion forum. They posted responses to an article at three levels of reflection. Their learning was assessed using a reflective essay. The majority of students engaged with the discussion forum though some had difficulty in distinguishing the levels of reflection. The students rarely commented on each other’s posts. Modifications will be made for future use based on ongoing research

Worried, weary and worn out: mixed-method study of stress and well-being in final-year medical students

Objective Although there is much focus on burnout and psychological distress among doctors, studies about stress and well-being in medical students are limited but could inform early intervention and prevention strategies.Design The primary aim of this mixed-method, cross-sectional survey was to compare objective and subjective levels of stress in final-year medical students (2017) and to explore their perspectives on the factors they considered relevant to their well-being.Setting University College Dublin, the largest university in Ireland.Participants 161 of 235 medical students participated in this study (response rate 69%).Results 65.2% of students scored over accepted norms for the Perceived Stress Scale (34.8% low, 55.9% moderate and 9.3% high). 35% scored low, 28.7% moderate and 36.3% high on the Subjective Stress Scale. Thematic analysis identified worry about exams, relationships, concern about the future, work–life balance and finance; one in three students reported worry, irritability and hostility; many felt worn out. Cognitive impacts included overthinking, poor concentration, sense of failure, hopelessness and procrastination. Almost a third reported sleep and appetite disturbance, fatigue and weariness. A quarter reported a ‘positive reaction’ to stress. Positive strategies to manage stress included connection and talking, exercise, non-study activity and meditation. Unhelpful strategies included isolation and substance use. No student reported using the college support services or sought professional help.Conclusion Medical students experience high levels of psychological distress, similar to their more senior doctor colleagues. They are disinclined to avail of traditional college help services. Toxic effects of stress may impact their cognition, learning, engagement and empathy and may increase patient risk and adverse outcomes. The focus of well-being in doctors should be extended upstream and embedded in the curriculum where it could prevent future burnout, improve retention to the profession and deliver better outcomes for patients

Pharmacological management of diabetes in severe mental illness:a comprehensive clinical review of efficacy, safety and tolerability

INTRODUCTION: The increased prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in severe mental illness (SMI) contributes to increased cardiovascular morbidity and reduced life expectancy for people with SMI. Areas covered: In the present clinical review, we summarize the efficacy, safety and tolerability of selected diabetic pharmacotherapy options in SMI and discuss the quality and strength of evidence. Expert commentary: General principles for treating T2DM in SMI involve identifying treatments which promote weight loss and which have low or no risk of hypoglycemia. Patient engagement in decision making about treatment choices is an important factor to ensure adherence and successful use of the chosen therapy. The first line therapeutic option for T2DM in SMI for which there is most evidence is metformin. Based on general population data, second line treatment options in combination with metformin to achieve glycated haemoglobin treatment goals include GLP-1R agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, sulphonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, pioglitazone and insulin, with most evidence for the use of GLP-1R agonists in SMI. Alongside efficacy and tolerability, treatment for T2DM in SMI should be considered on a patient-tailored basis.</p

Enhancing GP care of mental health disorders post-Covid 19: A scoping review of interventions

Student Summer Research Awards, University College Dublin, Ireland, 28 September 2021An abundance of literature is being published reporting the negative mental health sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in mental health problems will likely present to primary care over the coming months. Initiatives are being proposed nationally and internationally to tackle this problem. It is of utmost importance for general practitioners to have interventions in place which can improve care of these mental illnesses. This research aims to undertake a scoping review of the literature to examine interventions which could be implemented in general practice post COVID-19 to improve care of mental health disorders arising from the pandemic

Interventions to Optimise Mental Health Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Adverse mental health has been a major consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines interventions to enhance mental health outcomes and well-being of populations during COVID-19. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL) were searched following Arskey and O’Malley’s six-staged scoping review process. Twenty studies were included in the review. Various study populations were included to ensure greater generalisability of results. Interventions informing treatment of mental health concerns during COVID-19 were included and classified into (a) prevention of poor mental health, (b) therapeutic interventions, and (c) other interventions. Preventative strategies (n = 16) included public health education, modified social media use, technology-based interventions, physical activity, policy adaptations, and therapeutic interventions. Treatment strategies (n = 7) included adapting existing treatment and the creation new treatment programmes and platforms. While current evidence is promising, future research should focus on novel effective interventions to address mental health issues during the pandemic.Health Research BoardOpen Access funding provided by the IReL ConsortiumUpdate citation details during checkdate report - A