Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 7 July 2008
Helping Partnerships that Facilitate Recovery from Severe Mental Illness
Kathleen Hope Anthony, EdD, APRN
ABSTRACT
The intent of this study was to learn how consumers experience helping partnerships that assist them in recovery to inform families, professionals, and peers about meaningful actions and strategies that promote the healing process. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 10 individuals who had a self-reported diagnosis of severe mental illness. Using the phenomenological research process, helping partnerships and how they develop were described. Six key themes emerged from the data and included Networks of Helping Partnerships, Teaching-Learning, Spirituality, Creative Drive, Time, and Medication Adherence. Characteristics and behaviors of helping partners were identified, as well as structures that promoted their development. Educating the public, consumers, and mental health professionals about how to promote recovery, the role of spirituality and creativity, the benefits of medication and therapy, and the impact of learning on progressing through recovery can go a long way toward eliminating the mystery and fear associated with mental illness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Anthony is Associate Nursing Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare-Toledo Campus, Toledo, Ohio.
The author acknowledges the fine guidance and counsel provided by her dissertation committee during the intense, insightful research process that was the basis for this article: Judy Alston, PhD (Chair), Joan Lawrence, PhD, Mark Earley, PhD, and Mary Kay Smith, MD.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Kathleen Hope Anthony, EdD, APRN, Associate Nursing Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare-Toledo Campus, 930 South Detroit Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614; e-mail: anthonyk@mh.state.oh.us.
The Effect of Exercise on Psychological and Physical Health Outcomes: Preliminary Results from a Norwegian Forensic Hospital
Trine Tetlie; Norgils Eik-Nes, MD; Tom Palmstierna, MD, PhD; Patrick Callaghan, PhD; and Jim A. Nøttestad, PhD
ABSTRACT
People with mental illness are more likely to experience physical health problems and die prematurely than are comparable populations. This study evaluated whether exercise, when offered as part of routine treatment, affects the psychological and physical health of patients in a high-secure forensic unit in Norway. Thirteen patients completed a structured exercise program lasting 8 to 12 weeks. After completion of the program, resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure after treadmill testing were significantly improved. In addition, patients’ subjective feelings of well-being and safety improved significantly. This study shows that structured exercise is possible to perform with noticeable improvements and low attrition among patients with complex conditions. Implications for future studies and practice are discussed.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ms. Tetlie is Occupational Therapist, Dr. Eik-Nes is Vicarious Attending Psychiatrist, Dr. Palmstierna is Senior Physician and Associate Professor, and Dr. Nøttestad is Head of Research Department, St. Olavs University Hospital, Department Brøset, Center for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Trondheim, Norway. Dr. Callaghan is Professor of Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Dr. Nøttestad is also Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Trine Tetlie, Occupational Therapist, St. Olavs University Hospital, Forensic Department, Gildheimsvegen 27 B, 7044 Trondheim, Norway; e-mail: trine.tetlie@gmail.com.
Pharmacotherapy for Psychotropic Drug-Related Weight Gain
Robert H. Howland, MD
ABSTRACT
Weight gain is a significant problem for many patients taking various psychotropic medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for the treatment of obesity. Other medications known to be associated with weight loss could be used for treating obesity, although they are not FDA approved for this indication. This article briefly describes the sympathomimetic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, histamine-modulating, antidiabetic, and gastrointestinal drugs that have been found to cause weight loss and might be considered for adjunctive use in the overall management of psychotropic drug-related weight gain. However, even if such drugs are effective, all patients should receive ongoing dietary and physical activity counseling.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Howland is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The author discloses that he has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Robert H. Howland, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; e-mail: HowlandRH@upmc.edu.
