Magical attachment: Children in magical relations with hospital clowns

The aim of the present study was to achieve a theoretical understanding of several different-age children's experiences of magic relations with hospital clowns in the context of medical care, and to do so using psychological theory and a child perspective. The method used was qualitative and focused on nine children. The results showed that age was important to consider in better understanding how the children experienced the relation with the hospital clowns, how they described the magical aspects of the encounter and how they viewed the importance of clown encounters to their own well-being. The present theoretical interpretation characterized the encounter with hospital clowns as a magical safe area, an intermediate area between fantasy and reality. The discussion presented a line of reasoning concerning a magical attachment between the child and the hospital clowns, stating that this attachment: a) comprised a temporary relation; b) gave anonymity; c) entailed reversed roles; and d) created an emotional experience of boundary-transcending opportunities

Exercise and Lifestyle Programme Improves Weight Maintenance in Young People with Psychosis: a Service Evaluation

Background: Young people with psychosis typically have higher rates of premature cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders compared to non-psychotic peers due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and higher rates of obesity. This study presents outcomes from a 12 wk exercise and lifestyle intervention entitled Supporting Health and Promoting Exercise (SHAPE) Programme for young people with psychosis. Methods: Participants (n=26) engaged in weekly 45’ healthy lifestyle education sessions (e.g. substance/smoking cessation, nutritional advice) followed by 45’ exercise session (e.g. group aerobic and resistance training, yoga). Anthropometric data were measured at baseline, 12 wks and 12 mos post-intervention. Lifestyle behaviours and clinical measurements (resting heart rate, blood pressure, blood lipids, HbA1c and prolactin) were assessed at baseline and 12 mos. Results: Mean baseline data suggests participants were at an increased health risk with elevated values in mean BMI (70% overweight/obese), waist circumference, resting heart rate, and triglycerides. Over 50% reported smoking daily and 52% of participants were prescribed highly obesogenic antipsychotic medications (Clozapine, Olanzepine). At 12 wks and 12 mos, no changes were observed in mean BMI, waist circumference or any other clinical variable (p > 0.05). Positive impacts on lifestyle behaviours included 7 participants eating ~400g of fruit/vegetables daily, 2 ceased substance use, 2 ceased alcohol use, 4 ceased smoking and 5 were less sedentary. Conclusions: SHAPE supported participants to attenuate their physical health risk following a 12 wk intervention which was sustained at 12 mos follow up. Participants also made positive lifestyle behaviour changes contributing to weight maintenance and physical health

The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study--VIA 7--a cohort study of 520 7-year-old children born of parents diagnosed with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or neither of these two mental disorders

BACKGROUND: Severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are known to be diseases that to some extent, but not entirely can be understood genetically. The dominating hypothesis is that these disorders should be understood in a neurodevelopmental perspective where genes and environment as well as gene-environment-interactions contribute to the risk of developing the disease. We aim to analyse the influences of genetic risk and environmental factors in a population of 520 7-year-old children with either 0, 1 or 2 parents diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis or bipolar disorder on mental health and level of functioning. We hypothesize that a larger proportion of children growing up with an ill parent will display abnormal or delayed development, behavioural problems or psychiatric symptoms compared to the healthy controls. METHODS/DESIGN: We are establishing a cohort of 520 7-year-old children and both their parents for a comprehensive investigation with main outcome measures being neurocognition, behaviour, psychopathology and neuromotor development of the child. Parents and children are examined with a comprehensive battery of instruments and are asked for genetic material (saliva or blood) for genetic analyses. The participants are recruited via Danish registers to ensure representativity. Data from registers concerning social status, birth complications, somatic illnesses and hospitalization are included in the database. Psychological and relational factors like emotional climate in the family, degree of stimulation and support in the home and attachment style are also investigated. DISCUSSION: Data collection started January 1, 2013, and is successfully ongoing. By Aug 2015 424 families are included. About 20 % of the invited families decline to participate, equal for all groups