The author introduces a new hypnotherapeutic technique termed “Mental Access/Somatosensory Access” (MASSA). MASSA is designed to utilize an external somatosensory stimulus in the context of hypnotherapy, based on a ...The author introduces a new hypnotherapeutic technique termed “Mental Access/Somatosensory Access” (MASSA). MASSA is designed to utilize an external somatosensory stimulus in the context of hypnotherapy, based on a Bottom-Up/Top-Down Paradigm, which complements and mutually reinforces hypnotic inductions by using imbedded suggestions. The intervention’s algorithm includes a combination of real-time stimulation through one of the following somatosensory modalities: sensorimotor activation of the palms, visual, auditory, vibration, thermal, olfaction or oropharyngeal. These modalities are accompanied by guided hypnotic dissociation and suggestions. Somatosensory stimulation amplifies patients’ engagement in the procedure, focusing their attention on a stimulus and on the hypnotic experience during the intervention. A stream of closed questions with imbedded suggestions, presented by the therapist, is designed using suggestive presuppositions, termed by the author “The Create and Verify Principle” (CVP). This principle facilitates effective pacing and helps transform patients’ sensory and mental experiences. Imbedded suggestions followed by real-time stimulation, maintain a focus on the somatosensory content, boost the hypnotic experience, and gradually combine awareness of the somatosensory stimulation experience (Bottom-Up regulation) with memory, imagination, emotions and meanings, for mental access of resources and adaptive coping (Top-Down regulation). In the first part of this article, the author briefly introduces the neurophysiological mechanism behind the suggestive, somatosensory, attention-management intervention and provides an example of a basic algorithm of the MASSA technique. The second part includes clinical samples with scripts of successfully treated patients, who experienced tension headache, psychogenic balance disorder, tinnitus. .展开更多
While mental health issues are increasingly gaining attention in Ghana, little is known about the situation among deaf people. This study assessed the mental health care needs of deaf people in Ghana. A descriptive de...While mental health issues are increasingly gaining attention in Ghana, little is known about the situation among deaf people. This study assessed the mental health care needs of deaf people in Ghana. A descriptive design, consisting of interviews and focus group discussions, was used to collect data from 97 participants. Findings indicated that participants had limited knowledge on mental health issues. Mental health stigma, inaccessible mental health information and exclusion from mental health programmes were the major barriers hindering access to mental health care services. This study bridges the knowledge gap and provides evidence for the implementation of deaf-friendly services.展开更多
Background: Globally, mental health is recognized as one of the major public health issues, and mental health stigma is one of the main barriers to mental healthcare. While several studies have been conducted on the s...Background: Globally, mental health is recognized as one of the major public health issues, and mental health stigma is one of the main barriers to mental healthcare. While several studies have been conducted on the stigma associated with mental health, very little is known about the mental health stigma experienced by deaf persons with mental health conditions in Ghana. This study examines the experiences of double stigmatization by deaf people with mental health conditions in Ghana. Methodology: A descriptive, mixed method data collection was used for seventy-nine (79) participants. The paper presents findings from the only qualitative component of the study. Results: The findings from the study showed that deaf people with mental illness experienced double stigma, namely being stigmatized for being deaf and for having mental illness. This hindered access to mental health services for deaf people with mental health condition. Conclusion: Deaf people with mental health conditions experience double stigmatization which discourages them from seeking professional psychiatric care. This implies that efforts to reduce mental health stigma and create awareness on deafness should be improved upon. It is recommended that, in view of the impact of stigma on the provision and use of mental health care services, strategies to improve access to mental health care, should seriously consider concerns about stigma.展开更多
Introduction: Tuberculosis is a global health problem. Improving medication adherence is an important attribute concerning the outcome of tuberculosis treatment. This study investigates illness experience of patients ...Introduction: Tuberculosis is a global health problem. Improving medication adherence is an important attribute concerning the outcome of tuberculosis treatment. This study investigates illness experience of patients belonging to a low-income district within Manguinhos catchment area. Narrative studies are able to unfold features concerning patient adherence and co-occurrence of depressive symptoms. Methods: Twenty-three patients under treatment were interviewed using McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI-McGILL), besides depression screening with “Self-Report Questionnaire-20” (SRQ-20) and “Beck Depression Inventory” (BDI). Results: Explanatory models disregarded airborne microorganism contagion, known but not considered relevant while bohemian or deviant lifestyle was rather perceived as a causal model. Patients mentioned contiguous events suggesting pneumonia or influenza misdiagnosis before final tuberculosis diagnosis (testing or suspicion). Therapeutic pathways were erratic, suggesting low literacy level and postponed or inadequate diagnosis accuracy. Emergency units or private services usually stood for primary care units considered first choice by planners. Expressions such as “dreadful/shameful disease” or “very heavy illness” acknowledged stigma. Research data detected the importance of social network role, highlighting the family through financial and affective support. Hopelessness and depression were closely related to illness suffering and adversities. The percentage of patients for positive common mental disorder and depression approaches 30%. Conclusion: Tuberculosis remains a stigmatizing disease. Building effective health services networks, comprising treatment facilities, community and family resources are very important to improve medication adherence. Effective tuberculosis management through health teams training seems necessary. Incorporating simple screening instruments for depression assessment might promote well-being and patient adherence.展开更多
文摘The author introduces a new hypnotherapeutic technique termed “Mental Access/Somatosensory Access” (MASSA). MASSA is designed to utilize an external somatosensory stimulus in the context of hypnotherapy, based on a Bottom-Up/Top-Down Paradigm, which complements and mutually reinforces hypnotic inductions by using imbedded suggestions. The intervention’s algorithm includes a combination of real-time stimulation through one of the following somatosensory modalities: sensorimotor activation of the palms, visual, auditory, vibration, thermal, olfaction or oropharyngeal. These modalities are accompanied by guided hypnotic dissociation and suggestions. Somatosensory stimulation amplifies patients’ engagement in the procedure, focusing their attention on a stimulus and on the hypnotic experience during the intervention. A stream of closed questions with imbedded suggestions, presented by the therapist, is designed using suggestive presuppositions, termed by the author “The Create and Verify Principle” (CVP). This principle facilitates effective pacing and helps transform patients’ sensory and mental experiences. Imbedded suggestions followed by real-time stimulation, maintain a focus on the somatosensory content, boost the hypnotic experience, and gradually combine awareness of the somatosensory stimulation experience (Bottom-Up regulation) with memory, imagination, emotions and meanings, for mental access of resources and adaptive coping (Top-Down regulation). In the first part of this article, the author briefly introduces the neurophysiological mechanism behind the suggestive, somatosensory, attention-management intervention and provides an example of a basic algorithm of the MASSA technique. The second part includes clinical samples with scripts of successfully treated patients, who experienced tension headache, psychogenic balance disorder, tinnitus. .
文摘While mental health issues are increasingly gaining attention in Ghana, little is known about the situation among deaf people. This study assessed the mental health care needs of deaf people in Ghana. A descriptive design, consisting of interviews and focus group discussions, was used to collect data from 97 participants. Findings indicated that participants had limited knowledge on mental health issues. Mental health stigma, inaccessible mental health information and exclusion from mental health programmes were the major barriers hindering access to mental health care services. This study bridges the knowledge gap and provides evidence for the implementation of deaf-friendly services.
文摘Background: Globally, mental health is recognized as one of the major public health issues, and mental health stigma is one of the main barriers to mental healthcare. While several studies have been conducted on the stigma associated with mental health, very little is known about the mental health stigma experienced by deaf persons with mental health conditions in Ghana. This study examines the experiences of double stigmatization by deaf people with mental health conditions in Ghana. Methodology: A descriptive, mixed method data collection was used for seventy-nine (79) participants. The paper presents findings from the only qualitative component of the study. Results: The findings from the study showed that deaf people with mental illness experienced double stigma, namely being stigmatized for being deaf and for having mental illness. This hindered access to mental health services for deaf people with mental health condition. Conclusion: Deaf people with mental health conditions experience double stigmatization which discourages them from seeking professional psychiatric care. This implies that efforts to reduce mental health stigma and create awareness on deafness should be improved upon. It is recommended that, in view of the impact of stigma on the provision and use of mental health care services, strategies to improve access to mental health care, should seriously consider concerns about stigma.
文摘Introduction: Tuberculosis is a global health problem. Improving medication adherence is an important attribute concerning the outcome of tuberculosis treatment. This study investigates illness experience of patients belonging to a low-income district within Manguinhos catchment area. Narrative studies are able to unfold features concerning patient adherence and co-occurrence of depressive symptoms. Methods: Twenty-three patients under treatment were interviewed using McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI-McGILL), besides depression screening with “Self-Report Questionnaire-20” (SRQ-20) and “Beck Depression Inventory” (BDI). Results: Explanatory models disregarded airborne microorganism contagion, known but not considered relevant while bohemian or deviant lifestyle was rather perceived as a causal model. Patients mentioned contiguous events suggesting pneumonia or influenza misdiagnosis before final tuberculosis diagnosis (testing or suspicion). Therapeutic pathways were erratic, suggesting low literacy level and postponed or inadequate diagnosis accuracy. Emergency units or private services usually stood for primary care units considered first choice by planners. Expressions such as “dreadful/shameful disease” or “very heavy illness” acknowledged stigma. Research data detected the importance of social network role, highlighting the family through financial and affective support. Hopelessness and depression were closely related to illness suffering and adversities. The percentage of patients for positive common mental disorder and depression approaches 30%. Conclusion: Tuberculosis remains a stigmatizing disease. Building effective health services networks, comprising treatment facilities, community and family resources are very important to improve medication adherence. Effective tuberculosis management through health teams training seems necessary. Incorporating simple screening instruments for depression assessment might promote well-being and patient adherence.
