Mental health and casual sex. What sort of bedfellows?

I have no doubt there are those who would argue for the benefits of sex, sex and more sex. Loosening us up, chilling us out, opening us up to creativity - why, it's a surprise there are not more of us putting it about. Perhaps such lines of thinking can be traced back to Sigmund Freud, or perhaps less salubriously to good old sex addiction which, arguably, now exists in epidemic proportions in our culture.

Unfortunately, a recent piece of research rather puts paid to this notion - at least when it comes to teens and young adults. A new study conducted within the Department of Human Sciences at the Ohio State University shows a clear association between poor mental health and casual sex, with both variables having a causative effect. In other words, casual sex leads to poor mental health and poor mental health leads to casual sex - there's no way of cutting this one to make it work for the sex-obsessed.

The longitudinal study involved 1,000 participants, who were interviewed as adolescents (from about 12 to 16 years of age) and then again when 18 to 26. Each was asked about sexual relationship experiences, such as "just having sex" (i.e. casual sex) or "having sex with partner while dating" as well as mental health experiences, such as "depressive symptoms" and "serious thoughts of suicide".

The results showed that teens who reported depressive symptoms and serious thoughts of suicide were significantly more likely to report having casual sex encounters as young adults (between 18 and 26) and each additional casual encounter increased the chances of suicidal thoughts by 18%. Which begs the question, what happens inside the heads of those who have more than five casual encounters? (And let's face it, you wouldn't have to look to hard to find a few of those.)

Sara Sandberg-Thoma, lead author and doctoral student commented: "This study provides evidence that poor mental health can lead to casual sex, but also that casual sex leads to additional declines in mental health", which waves the red flag across both conditions.

How much more evidence do we need to believe that sex is a gift that can not be deployed outside a committed context without incurring serious consequences? For the sake of future generations, let's help support our young and depressed understand the meaning of love.

Written by Jacqui Hogan

Schizophrenia Awareness Week, November 11-17, 2013

R.D. Laing

And so it is upon us - Schizophrenia Awareness Week 2013, now with just two days to go until the closing gong. So here I am doing my bit, in the hope that my small action here will help to de-stigmatise what must be an incredibly difficult condition to live with.

I have not had much personal exposure to schizophrenia, though I do hold the view that diagnostic labels can often be more dangerous than the conditions which they describe. In that sense, I have some sympathy with the thoughts of R.D Laing (1927 -1981), a Scottish Psychiatrist and a controversial figure, who believed that schizophrenia was "a theory not a fact". He rejected that schizophrenia was genetically inherited - a prominent model of the time - which was also rejected by leading contemporary medical geneticists.

Laing's views were greatly informed by existential philosophy and he believed that the feelings and experiences expressed by the person with schizophrenia were valid descriptions of the lived experience, from which there was much of therapeutic value to be gleaned. In fact, he rejected the notion of an underlying biological model of mental illness more generally - according to Laing, diagnosis of mental illness did not follow a traditional medical model and this led him to question the use of medication, such as anti-psychotics, for those diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Rather, he saw 'schizophrenics' as somehow luminary, people who were expressing fundamental truths about their lives and the world around us, and whose difficulties were merely a reflection and expression of unresolved aspects of their lives. A passage from one of his books, The Politics of Experience, reads:

"If our human race survives, future men will, I suspect, look back on our enlightened epoch as a veritable age of Darkness. They will presumably be able to savour the irony of the situation with more amusement than we can extract from it. The laugh's on us. They will see that what we call 'schizophrenia' was one of the forms in which, often through quite ordinary people, the light began to break through the cracks in our all-too-closed minds."  

From this, we observe the respect he has for those who suffer from schizophrenia, whom he sees as shining beacons in the darkness of our 'enlightened epoch'. Frankly, I'm with Laing, who was effectively blowing wide open preconceptions and misconceptions about the condition.

A year ago, in November 2012, the independent Schizophrenia Commission published its report The Abandoned Illness which found that significant change is urgently required in the NHS (and beyond) to ensure that people affected by schizophrenia, and their families, get the support they need. Following its publication, Rethink Mental Illness Innovation Network has been working with the NHS and independent providers to turn the report's recommendations into nationwide change. The focus has been on providing therapeutic inpatient care, supporting people into employment and improving physical health outcomes.

Whether you hold with Laing's views or a more biological basis for the condition, it's clear that people with schizophrenia need understanding and they need help. Let's hope that awareness-raising, along with government-sponsored and private action, will deliver positive change.

Written by Jacqui Hogan

Good news for paedophiles

The computer generated image of ‘Sweetie’ (Picture: EPA/Terres des Hommes)

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has recently re-classified paedophilia in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, mark five (DSM-V).

In a move towards destigmatising the disorder, the organisation has changed their terminology to describe paedophilia as a 'sexual orientation', thereby opening the door to paedophiles arguing that their behaviour (as per the precedent set with homosexual declassification) is not only acceptable conduct, but a civil right. Paedophiles the world over will be rubbing their hands (and God knows what else) together with glee at this highly disturbing development.

And if you're in any doubt as to a hidden agenda, let's just take a look at the way the APA has made changes to the diagnostic category of paedophilia (or pedophilia in the American spelling) over the years:

• In DSM-III, the APA said that one who acted upon one's sexual attraction to children was a 'pedophile'
• In DSM-IV, the APA changed its criteria, stating that 'pedophilia' was only a disorder if it caused 'clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning' (how's that for woolly?)
• In DSM-V now, 'pedophilia' has been changed to a 'sexual orientation', leading to public outcry for the reasons outlined above. In reply, the APA has stated that this 'error' will be corrected in the next printing of the manual and - get this - that 'sexual orientation' will be changed to 'sexual interest'

Am I reading right here? Because if I am, then paedophilia is set to become, at best, simply an orientation (like being gay, which of course is now enshrined in law) and at worst, an interest, much like stamp collecting or go-cart racing. To say we are on a slippery slope is to understate the utter desperation of the situation and to be putting our childen in terrible danger.

This is how chilling laws are born - a so-called authoritative body justifies what is clearly indefensible behaviour and then people argue that the behaviour is, not only acceptable conduct, but a civil right. The next step, of course, is for those with a vested interest to claim that anyone who speaks out against their behaviour is in breach of their human rights. That's when the party begins.

Oh yes, people, we are sleep-walking here if we sit back and let this continue. All it takes is for a few good men to remain silent.

All this comes in the same week that more than 20,000 paedophiles were caught red-handed when an anti-child-abuse group in Holland (Terre des Hommes) created a computer-generated 10 year-old Fillipina girl called Sweetie and floated her in the chatrooms. She was bombarded with offers to perform sex acts on a web-cam from (predominantly) men from all over the world. Project Director Hans Guyt commented:

"If we don't intervene soon, this sinister phenomenon will totally run out of control. The child predators doing this now feel that the law doesn't apply to them."

UN figures suggest that up to 750,000 paedophiles (or should I say people with 'sexual interest' in children) are online at any one time - you know, just a regular bunch of guys who share a common interest and just want to have a little fun. "No harm done. It's all remote anyway, so what's the problem? You gonna tell me theres something wrong with me, just because I happen to enjoy the company of children?" According to the APA, this is exactly what we can expect - now that paedophilia has ceased to exist as a disorder.

I don't know where we take this, but if this story disturbs you as much as it does me, try Liberty News, whose tagline 'Report Truth. Take action.' seems like a sensible imperative here. And maybe spread the word by tweeting this article.

Written by Jacqui Hogan

A therapy that makes good horse sense

Just lately, I've been hearing reports from a friend about her experience of equine psychotherapy. Once a week, she boards a train and heads for the hills, so to speak, to meet with her four-legged chestnut therapist (who, for the purposes of this post, is just out of view munching on turf in the scene above!).

By all accounts, she's galloping ahead with this form of therapy, learning from her (increasingly less tentative) interactions with the  horse, whose behavioural responses often reflect the dynamics she uses with friends and family. As someone in treatment for  childhood trauma, her weekly sessions seem to yield strong, bodily-felt awarenesses about how she initiates and responds in relationship, which is doing her the power of good.

Equine psychotherapy, also known as 'hippotherapy' (from the Greek word hippos, meaning horse) involves using horses to engender growth and emotional healing in people suffering from all sorts of psychological conditions and wounding. The basic principle stems from the fact that horses, by and large, are natural co-operators and conciliators who demonstrate similar social behaviours to humans, just without all the complications.

Collaboration in a herd of horses happens as a matter of course, with members instinctively looking out for each other. Unlike the typical dog-eat-dog mentality that dominates human society, horses are natural peacemakers and when people (such as my friend) start to operate in an environment in which they are being worked with, rather than against, remarkable healing can happen. Horses don't lie or cheat or manipulate - they simply respond authentically, with a natural predisposition towards fostering relational harmony. Horses are basically honest and kind.

Working with horses and equine therapists, people discover new ways of dealing with their problems, often ingrained over a lifetime. A relationship with a horse can help build confidence, compassion and trust, and flag up ways of being which run counter to the natural flow of life. Of course, the therapist's role in the process is specialised and crucial, with horse whispering credentials being every bit as important as those accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Pychotherapy..

If my friend's experience is anything to go by, hippotherapy is well worth exploring. At the very worst, it's a session out in the soft earth and fresh air, with a majestically appointed creature, whose main interest is in getting to know you simply for who you are.

Written by Jacqui Hogan

Who's got OCD? Obsessive treatment of OCD on TV screens this week

People seem to be returning to the subject of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) rather a lot lately (boom-boom). And is it any wonder. Almost half of the UK adult population believe themselves to be suffering from mild to severe OCD, a recent study reveals.

The study, conducted by Benenden Health in partnership with OCD UK, was released to mark the start of OCD Awareness week on 14 November 2013. Problematic behaviours include obsessive checking of locks, frequent hand-washing, hoarding, frequent checking of appliances, excessive cleanliness, preoccupation with symmetry and intrusive repeating thoughts.

This week promises to be a bumper week on the OCD calendar with an almost obsessive treatment of the subject on our television screens - no less than three programmes dedicated to its exposition and exploration in as many days.

Tonight (28 October) we start with OCD Ward (9:00pm, ITV1), which focuses the treatment of OCD at the Springfield University Hospital in South London. OCD Ward will address the impact of  the condition on patients and their family relationships, as well as the difficulties involved in treating it.

Then, tomorrow night on Channel 4, stay tuned for Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners which starts at 8:00pm and, as the name suggests, focuses obsessive behaviour around cleanliness. As much as some of us may feel that a small dose of this particular malaise wouldn't go astray in our lives, this is a serious illness with painful consequences.

Bedlam, on Channel 4, constitutes an OCD triple-whammy. This new four-part series challenges misconceptions about mental illness through unprecedented access to the patients and staff of the South London and Maudsley (SLaM), the world's first and oldest psychiatric hospital, it promises to make absorbing, if somewhat heartbreaking viewing. The first episode starts this Thursday (31 October) at 9:00pm and will feature OCD and other anxiety-related conditions being treated at the Anxiety Disorders Residential Unit.

So if there's any week to discover the facts about OCD this is it - just go easy on the replays.

Written by Jacqui Hogan

It's standing room only in English mental health facilities

In this post-modern era (and I never have been entirely sure what that means) it's difficult to know, at least from the outside, what's going on with mental health services in the NHS. In recent weeks I've written about a friend of mine who has lately been confined to a secure unit in North London and is having a lovely time by all accounts, reporting that "it's just like being in a hotel". Then, on the other hand, we hear in the media this week that mental health services are in a state of crisis - what's one to believe?

Just to give you the heads up on this week's report in The Guardian, an investigation has revealed that over 1700 mental health beds in England have been closed since April 2011 (representing a 9% reduction). Care minister Norman Lamb has described the situation as "unacceptable" - provision must improve, he says (earnestly).

The investigation protocol involved BBC News and Community Care magazine sending out 'freedom of information' reports to 53 out of England's 58 mental health Trusts. A substantial 87% of those to whom the report was sent (and that's a very high proportion so they were obviously motivated) replied.

The findings reveal that 75% of bed closures were in acute adult and geriatric wards and psychiatric intensive care units. Average ward occupancy levels were running at 100% and total (as opposed to average) occupancy levels were over the 85% limit recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, with some at over 100%. Which begs the question - where were all those patients being stashed?

Whichever way you look at it, this can't be good, particularly considering the demographic of ward closures. Adult, geriatric and psychiatric patients in intensive care - not exactly the thick end of the wedge, shall we say.

"We're certainly feeling it on the front line, it's very pressured and we spend a lot of our time struggling to find beds, sending people across the country which is really not what I want to do" said Dr Martin Baggaly, Medical Director of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. He said that he had recently directed 50 patients in need to beds outside the Trust, all to facilities outside of London and some as far away as Somerset.

Let's face it folks, if you or a member of your family were in need of an acute bed for a mental health admission, the last thing you'd want is to be removed from your geographical support network or worse still, be given no bed at all. What becomes of the non-admissions?

Not to worry though. Norman Lamb, further to his observations on the state of play with bed closures, has said "There is an institutional bias in the NHS against mental health and I am determined to end this." Fine words, but can he deliver?

You can hold him to account by attending the New Savoy Partnership conference at the end of next month where the success of the government's massively increased funding to mental health services over the last few years will be examined. Are we getting value for money, do you think? If not, where is the slack? Where is all that money going?

Written by Jacqui Hogan

Conference alert: Psychological Therapies in the NHS

In 2007, the government issued its first ever commitment to enable universal access for anyone with depression and anxiety to NHS-funded psychological therapies. The then Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, announced funding for a national programme, which has since been well underway.

So how has the government investment in the mental health of our nation fared? Have we seen improved access? To whom and for what conditions? What have been the measurable outcomes?

Such questions will set the agenda for the annual New Savoy Partnership Conference, entitled Psychological Therapies in the NHS: Re-thinking Psychological Therapies in the new NHS.to be held at the Mermaid Conference Centre in London on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November.

British Psychological Society Fellow, Professor Michael Barkham, will present the results of the Second National Audit of Psychological Therapies with Professor Mike Crawford and Dr Lorna Farquharson in the conference's opening keynote. Other speakers will include Norman Lamb, the Health Minister and the NHS England's National Clinical Director for Mental Health, Dr Geraldine Strathdee.

The New Savoy Partnership is a group of organisations whose aim is to bring psychological therapies to the NHS and improve access to those who need them in a timely and appropriate manner. Its annual conference aims to break new ground in policy development and present the latest findings and ongoing developments in evidence-based mental health practice.

This year's presentation of top line results from the Second National Audit promises to provide an invaluable insight into the health of NHS service provision and shed further light on the positive trends seen in the First National Audit. An excerpt from the conference promotional programme reads:

"If this event has gained a reputation for anything, it is for giving delegates the opportunity to challenge and engage with ministers, policy makers and decision-makers so they know directly from the people on the front line what doesn't work."

Fighting words then. If you'd like to have your say or find out more about the event, you can book your place and/or download the programme here.

Written by Jacqui Hogan