Maternal Depression and Anxiety among Children with Mental Health Problems

Objective: The investigation sought to examine depression and anxiety levels in mothers of children with mental health problems. Method: A case control design was employed and self-reports of depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured in a group of women whose children were receiving mental health care; as well as a community control group and a group of women receiving outpatient psychiatric care. Results: No significant differences were noted in depressive and anxiety symptoms between the mothers of children with mental health problems and the community controls; although both of these groups showed significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety than the psychiatric patient group. These findings were not influenced by demographic variables. Conclusions: The findings are contrary to those of high income countries where mothers of children with mental health problems show higher levels of depression and anxiety. This disparity may be due to the sampling and mental health service usage patterns in low-income countries where mothers who seek mental health care for their children probably constitute a specific group of people who have awareness of mental health problems and available services. As a result their own mental health is likely to be better

Psycho-Legal Issues Surrounding the Rape of Children and Adolescents with Mental Retardation

The rape of individuals with mental retardation poses challenges for the judicial system as well as for the survivors themselves. As a result; the courts tend to refer these individuals for forensic mental health examination to assist them in proceeding with criminal trials. This sequence of events may appear unusual; considering that these individuals have already suffered significant trauma; and yet have to undergo mental health evaluation before the trial can begin. The questions posed by the courts to mental health experts deal with the cognitive assessment of the rape survivor; the survivor's ability to testify; and her/his capacity to consent to sexual intercourse. The paper provides an outline of this situation within the authors' work context in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands; and also engages in a critical discussion of the issues involved in such forensic examinations; taking into consideration the implications for the expert witness and her/his approach to such examinations

Secondary School Learners' Essays on Suicide Prevention

Objectives: Considering the extent of the problem of suicidal behaviour among young people; the need for prevention programmes is paramount. The KwaZulu-Natal based 'Love to Live' campaign is a programme aimed at the prevention of suicidal behaviour among children and adolescents. Methods: The present study is an analysis of 63 essays written by secondary school learners on the subject of suicide prevention. Results: Just over two-thirds of the essays revealed reasonable knowledge without serious inaccuracies; with over half the sample citing conflict with parents as precipitants to suicidal behaviour. Over one-third of the essays blamed suicidal persons for being ineffective in dealing with their life problems; and over one-third identified mental health workers and parents as sources of help. Conclusions: The results are discussed in terms of adolescents' views of suicidal behaviour; as well as within the context of the limitations of the study methodology

Secondary School Learners' Essays on Suicide Prevention

Objectives: Considering the extent of the problem of suicidal behaviour among young people; the need for prevention programmes is paramount. The KwaZulu-Natal based 'Love to Live' campaign is a programme aimed at the prevention of suicidal behaviour among children and adolescents.Methods: The present study is an analysis of 63 essays written by secondary school learners on the subject of suicide prevention.Results: Just over two-thirds of the essays revealed reasonable knowledge without serious inaccuracies; with over half the sample citing conflict with parents as precipitants to suicidal behaviour. Over one-third of the essays blamed suicidal persons for being ineffective in dealing with their life problems; and over one-third identified mental health workers and parents as sources of help.Conclusions: The results are discussed in terms of adolescents' views of suicidal behaviour; as well as within the context of the limitations of the study methodology

Secondary School Learners' Essays on Suicide Prevention

Objectives: Considering the extent of the problem of suicidal behaviour among young people; the need for prevention programmes is paramount. The KwaZulu-Natal based 'Love to Live' campaign is a programme aimed at the prevention of suicidal behaviour among children and adolescents.Methods: The present study is an analysis of 63 essays written by secondary school learners on the subject of suicide prevention.Results: Just over two-thirds of the essays revealed reasonable knowledge without serious inaccuracies; with over half the sample citing conflict with parents as precipitants to suicidal behaviour. Over one-third of the essays blamed suicidal persons for being ineffective in dealing with their life problems; and over one-third identified mental health workers and parents as sources of help.Conclusions: The results are discussed in terms of adolescents' views of suicidal behaviour; as well as within the context of the limitations of the study methodology

Criminal capacity in children accused of murder: challenges in the forensic mental health assessment

Around the world there appears to have been an increase in child-perpetrated crimes; with South Africa being no exception. Of particular concern is the involvement of children in the perpetration of violent crimes; such as murder. This phenomenon is resulting in greater focus on the role of psychiatric and psychological testimony in the trials of accused youths. While mental health professionals have long been involved in the forensic assessment of adults; their role in the assessment of child accused is less well documented. As a result there is still a great deal of development and refinement needed in this area; in order that the task can be executed with more clarity and precision. Currently; South African law contains the presumption that a child under the age of seven years is doli incapax (i.e. he or she cannot be held criminally responsible); while there is a rebuttable doli incapax presumption in the case of children between the ages of seven and 14 years. The age of the accused; together with developmental and social competence indices; are crucial variables that influence the acceptance or rebuttal of the doli incapax presumption. The paper discusses the challenges in the forensic mental health assessment of children accused of murder

Criminal Capacity in Children Accused of Murder: Challenges in the Forensic Mental Health Assessment

Around the world there appears to have been an increase in child-perpetrated crimes; with South Africa being no exception. Of particular concern is the involvement of children in the perpetration of violent crimes; such as murder. This phenomenon is resulting in greater focus on the role of psychiatric and psychological testimony in the trials of accused youths. While mental health professionals have long been involved in the forensic assessment of adults; their role in the assessment of child accused is less well documented. As a result there is still a great deal of development and refinement needed in this area; in order that the task can be executed with more clarity and precision. Currently; South African law contains the presumption that a child under the age of seven years is doli incapax i.e. he or she cannot be held criminally responsible); while there is a rebuttable doli incapax presumption in the case of children between the ages of seven and 14 years. The age of the accused; together with developmental and social competence indices; are crucial variables that influence the acceptance or rebuttal of the doli incapax presumption. The paper discusses the challenges in the forensic mental health assessment of children accused of murder

Criminal Capacity in Children Accused of Murder: Challenges in the Forensic Mental Health Assessment

Around the world there appears to have been an increase in child-perpetrated crimes; with South Africa being no exception. Of particular concern is the involvement of children in the perpetration of violent crimes; such as murder. This phenomenon is resulting in greater focus on the role of psychiatric and psychological testimony in the trials of accused youths. While mental health professionals have long been involved in the forensic assessment of adults; their role in the assessment of child accused is less well documented. As a result there is still a great deal of development and refinement needed in this area; in order that the task can be executed with more clarity and precision. Currently; South African law contains the presumption that a child under the age of seven years is doli incapax i.e. he or she cannot be held criminally responsible); while there is a rebuttable doli incapax presumption in the case of children between the ages of seven and 14 years. The age of the accused; together with developmental and social competence indices; are crucial variables that influence the acceptance or rebuttal of the doli incapax presumption. The paper discusses the challenges in the forensic mental health assessment of children accused of murder