RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic with systemic anti-Black racism in the form of police violence and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement has created an especially critical juncture to examine the mental health of Black youth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the intersecting impacts of anti-Black racism and the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Black youth. METHODS: A youth-engaged research approach and intersectionality framework were utilized. Semi-structured interviews with Black youth across Canada (ages 16 to 30, n = 48) were conducted online via Zoom and analyzed using thematic analysis. Fourteen Black youth were hired to form a Black youth advisory committee, who guided the research process. RESULTS: The "dual pandemics" of the COVID-19 pandemic alongside highly publicized incidents of racism and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement negatively impacted participants' mental health. Four main themes emerged: (1) ongoing exposure to acts of anti-Black racism (2) compounding effect of racism on mental health; (3) high stress levels and fear; and (4) anger and emotional fatigue from lack of shared, long-term solutions. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and instances of systemic anti-Black racism in the form of police violence presented "dual pandemics" for the Black community, profoundly impacting the mental health of Black youth and adding urgency and impetus to its prioritization. Results of this study indicate that it is critical to explore each event individually as well as the combined impact on the mental health of Black youth, particularly from a racial perspective.
RESUMO
Detecting substance use as a predictor of bipolar disorder (BD) is important for clinicians to perform accurate and early diagnosis, as well as better manage the treatment of individuals with BD. The aim of this systematic review was to describe whether substance use is a predictor of BD. A literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase. All eligible studies published up to February 9, 2021 were included. This systematic review included 22 studies. We found that 66.7% of the studies assessing overall substance use found that overall substance use was a risk factor for BD. Regarding the specific substances assessed, cannabis use was described as a risk factor for BD in 55.6% of the studies, nonmedical use of prescription medications was a risk factor for BD in 50% of the studies, nicotine was found as a risk factor for BD in 50% of the studies, and alcohol use was described as a risk factor for BD in 42.9% of the studies assessing it. Only one study assessed whether cocaine use was a risk factor for BD and found a significant association. Interestingly, some studies suggested that the greater frequency of cannabis use was associated with greater risk to develop BD or hypomanic/manic symptoms. In conclusion, there is evidence supporting that substance use is a risk factor for BD. Importantly, when assessing the risk factors for BD related to psychoactive substance use, special attention should be given for the frequency of cannabis use.
