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Community Mental Health Journal
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal 7/2016

01-10-2016 | Brief Report

Money and Mental Illness: A Study of the Relationship Between Poverty and Serious Psychological Problems

Authors: Ingemar Ljungqvist, Alain Topor, Henrik Forssell, Idor Svensson, Larry Davidson

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 7/2016

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Abstract

Several studies have indicated a co-occurrence between mental problems, a bad economy, and social isolation. Medical treatments focus on reducing the extent of psychiatric problems. Recent research, however, has highlighted the possible effects of social initiatives. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between severe mental illness, economic status, and social relations. Method: a financial contribution per month was granted to 100 individuals with severe mental illnesses for a 9-month period. Assessments of the subjects were made before the start of the intervention and after 7 months’ duration. A comparison group including treatment as usual only was followed using the same instruments. Significant improvements were found for depression and anxiety, social networks, and sense of self. No differences in functional level were found. Social initiatives may have treatment and other beneficial effects and should be integrated into working contextually with persons with severe mental illnesses.
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Metadata
Title
Money and Mental Illness: A Study of the Relationship Between Poverty and Serious Psychological Problems
Authors
Ingemar Ljungqvist
Alain Topor
Henrik Forssell
Idor Svensson
Larry Davidson
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9950-9

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