An Approach to Treating Depressive and Psychotic Illness in Indigenous Communities

Abstract

This study is one of the activities of a multi-site research program, the Australian Mental Health Initiative (AIMhi), funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. AIMhi in the Northern Territory collaborated with Aboriginal mental health workers and Northern Territory remote service providers in developing a range of resources and strategies to promote improved Indigenous mental health outcomes. A brief intervention that combines the principles of motivational interviewing, problem solving therapy and chronic disease self-management is described. The intervention has been integrated into a randomised controlled trial. Early findings suggest that the strategy and its components are well received by clients with chronic mental illness, and their carers, in remote communities.

Risk of antenatal psychosocial distress in indigenous women and its management at primary health care centres in Australia

“…It has been reported that depressed mothers want to know more about the facts and figures on depression management, not just 'glossy handouts' [42]. Previous research shows that application of culturally appropriate protocols that include AHWs has improved depression management services in remote communities in the Northern Territory of Australia [43][44][45]. Further research is needed to understand these issues in the setting of Aboriginal PHC centres.…”

High risk alcohol-related trauma among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Northern Territory

“…There has however been a recent study in the NT primary care setting. A brief structured psychological intervention, ‘Motivational Care Planning’ was tested, using a randomised controlled design, in the setting of comorbid alcohol dependence and mental illness and found to be effective [52-54]. The intervention (two 1 - hour sessions) was developed with Aboriginal Mental Health Workers in three remote communities through the Australian Integrated Mental health initiative (AIMhi) [55].…”

Ethnicity and Pathways of Fear in Endodontics

“…Current literature appears to indicate that fears and the pathways involved can differ among individuals (1,2). Although several studies have been conducted on the perception of dental fear and anxiety in different regions of the world (3)(4)(5)(6)(7), no study has analyzed the role of ethnicity in a multicultural society. Five pathways related to dental fear have been recognized: conditioning, parental, informative, verbal threat, and visual vicarious.…”