research topic for mental health nursing

📕 Studying HQ

35+ nursing research topics on mental health care, carla johnson.

• August 23, 2023
• Essay Topics and Ideas

Understanding and addressing mental health challenges is crucial to nursing education, equipping future nurses to provide comprehensive patient care. This article delves into nursing research topics on mental health care, offering nursing students insights into its significance, focused research questions, project ideas, and essay prompts.

What You'll Learn

Introduction to Mental Health Care

Mental health care is a cornerstone of holistic patient care, an essential concept for nursing students to grasp as they embark on their journey toward becoming competent healthcare professionals. In a world marked by increasing stressors, comprehending mental health challenges, their ramifications, and effective care strategies is paramount. This article explores the realm of mental health care, furnishing nursing students with a deeper understanding of its importance and implications for their future roles.

10 Targeted PICOT Questions on Mental Health Care

• Population: Adults in psychiatric care; Intervention: Daily RS questionnaire implementation; Comparison: Units without daily survey; Outcome: Reduced RS utilization; Timeframe: 6 months. Can the integration of a daily RS questionnaire for adults in psychiatric care lead to a significant decrease in restraint and seclusion utilization within 6 months, compared to units without this survey?
• Population: Adolescents with anxiety disorders ; Intervention: Mindfulness meditation; Comparison: Standard relaxation techniques; Outcome: Reduction in anxiety symptoms; Timeframe: 8 weeks. Does engaging in mindfulness meditation for 8 weeks result in a more substantial reduction in anxiety symptoms among adolescents with anxiety disorders, compared to utilizing standard relaxation techniques?
• Population: Elderly patients with depression; Intervention: Group music therapy ; Comparison: Individual counseling; Outcome: Improvement in depressive symptoms; Timeframe: 12 weeks. Is there a more pronounced improvement in depressive symptoms among elderly patients with depression exposed to group music therapy for 12 weeks, compared to those receiving individual counseling?
• Population: Inpatients with schizophrenia; Intervention: Family psychoeducation; Comparison: Standard treatment; Outcome: Decreased hospital readmissions; Timeframe: 1 year. Can family psychoeducation for inpatients with schizophrenia lead to a noteworthy reduction in hospital readmission rates within a year, compared to standard treatment alone?
• Population: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Intervention: Regular physical activity; Comparison: No structured exercise; Outcome: Improvement in ADHD symptoms; Timeframe: 3 months. Will regular physical activity over 3 months substantially improve ADHD symptoms among children compared to those lacking structured exercise?
• Population: Pregnant women with prenatal depression ; Intervention: Yoga therapy; Comparison: Support groups; Outcome: Reduction in depressive symptoms; Timeframe: Throughout pregnancy. Does integrating yoga therapy throughout pregnancy lead to a noteworthy reduction in prenatal depressive symptoms among pregnant women, compared to participation in support groups?
• Population: Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Intervention: Service dogs; Comparison: Medication and therapy; Outcome: Decreased PTSD severity; Timeframe: 6 months. Over a 6-month period, does the inclusion of service dogs in treatment result in a significant decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms among veterans, compared to medication and therapy alone?
• Population: Individuals with bipolar disorder ; Intervention: Smartphone app for mood tracking; Comparison: Traditional mood charting; Outcome: Enhanced mood management; Timeframe: 3 months. Can the use of a smartphone app for mood tracking over 3 months lead to more effective mood management among individuals with bipolar disorder, when compared to traditional mood charting?
• Population: Patients in substance abuse rehabilitation; Intervention: Art therapy; Comparison: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); Outcome: Improved emotional expression; Timeframe: 10 sessions. Does the incorporation of art therapy into substance abuse rehabilitation over 10 sessions facilitate improved emotional expression compared to traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
• Population: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Intervention: Animal-assisted therapy; Comparison: Standard interventions; Outcome: Increase in social interaction skills; Timeframe: 8 weeks. Within an 8-week period, does animal-assisted therapy result in a more significant increase in social interaction skills among children with ASD, compared to standard interventions?

EBP Project Ideas on Mental Health Care

• Assessing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for treating phobias.
• Establishing a peer support initiative for nurses managing workplace stress.
• Formulating guidelines for identifying and addressing self-harm behaviors in adolescents.
• Analyzing the impact of a relaxation space in reducing stress among healthcare staff.
• Developing a training module for nurses on de-escalation techniques during psychiatric crises.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas on Mental Health Care

• Investigating the perception of seeking mental health care among healthcare professionals.
• Designing a mental health first aid program for schools to detect early signs of mental distress in students.
• Examining the connection between childhood trauma and emerging mental health disorders in adulthood.
• Crafting a comprehensive care plan for elderly patients with coexisting physical and mental health conditions.
• Evaluating the role of family involvement in the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia.

5 Nursing Research Paper Topics on Mental Health Care

• The influence of social media on body image and its implications for adolescent mental health.
• Probing the correlation between sleep quality and mood disorders.
• Exploring cultural factors shaping the manifestation and management of depression.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in mitigating burnout among healthcare professionals.
• Investigating the psychological impact of extended isolation on astronauts during space missions.

Nursing Research Questions on Mental Health Care

• How does childhood trauma impact the development of borderline personality disorder in adulthood?
• What communication strategies are most effective for nurses interacting with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia?
• How do socioeconomic factors contribute to disparities in accessing mental health care services?
• What psychological effects arise from prolonged hospitalization among pediatric patients ?
• Which interventions yield the best results in preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth?

Essay Topics & Examples on Mental Health Care

• The Role of Nurses in Raising Mental Health Awareness in Educational Settings.
• Scrutinizing the Ethics of Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment: Balancing Patient Rights and Public Safety.
• Unpacking the Psychological Toll of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Personnel.
• Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness : A Nursing Perspective.
• Integrating Complementary Therapies in Psychiatric Nursing: Challenges and Benefits.

In their journey toward nursing professionalism, embracing the intricate realm of mental health care is vital. The PICOT questions, project concepts, research themes, and essay ideas shared here form a solid foundation for meaningful exploration and impactful contributions to the field. By immersing themselves in these avenues, nursing students can cultivate a profound understanding of mental health care, preparing them to offer holistic, patient-centered care that tends to both physical and psychological needs. Contact our writing services for those seeking additional guidance in crafting impactful academic work.

FAQs: Exploring Mental Health Care in Nursing

Q1: Why is mental health important in nursing?

A1: Mental health plays a pivotal role in nursing as it contributes to patients’ overall well-being. Addressing mental health challenges enables nurses to provide holistic care, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical and psychological health.

Q2: What are the 4 principles of mental health nursing?

A2: The four principles of mental health nursing encompass building therapeutic relationships, promoting autonomy and self-determination, providing evidence-based care, and fostering a safe and supportive patient environment.

Q3: What are the different types of mental health nurses?

A3: There are various types of mental health nurses, including psychiatric-mental health nurses, geriatric psychiatric nurses, child and adolescent psychiatric nurses, and forensic psychiatric nurses, each specializing in different patient populations and settings.

Q4: What are the 6 C’s of nursing?

A4: The 6 C’s of nursing are Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment, and Care. These principles guide nurses in providing patient-centered care that encompasses both physical and psychological well-being.

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Have a subject expert write for you now, have a subject expert finish your paper for you, edit my paper for me, have an expert write your dissertation's chapter, popular topics.

Business StudyingHq Essay Topics and Ideas How to Guides Nursing

• Nursing Solutions
• Study Guides
• Free College Essay Examples
• Privacy Policy
• Writing Service 
• Discounts / Offers 

Study Hub: 

• Studying Blog
• Topic Ideas 
• How to Guides
• Business Studying 
• Nursing Studying 
• Literature and English Studying

Writing Tools  

• Citation Generator
• Topic Generator
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Conclusion Maker
• Research Title Generator
• Thesis Statement Generator
• Summarizing Tool
• Terms and Conditions
• Confidentiality Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Refund and Revision Policy

Our samples and other types of content are meant for research and reference purposes only. We are strongly against plagiarism and academic dishonesty. 

Contact Us:

📧 [email protected]

📞 +15512677917

2012-2024 © studyinghq.com. All rights reserved

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics: Inspiring Ideas for Students

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Mental health nursing is an essential field that requires ongoing research to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care. As a student in this field, you can contribute to this important work by conducting research projects.

One of the biggest challenges you may face when starting a research project is deciding on a topic. This article has compiled a list of relevant and inspiring mental health nursing research topics to help you get started.

Examples of Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

The effectiveness of mindfulness practices on mental health outcomes.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Research has shown that these practices may also effectively treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. As a mental health nursing student, you could investigate the impact of mindfulness practices on mental health outcomes.

• The impact of mindfulness practices on depression symptoms
• The effect of mindfulness on anxiety and stress reduction
• Mindfulness as a tool for coping with chronic pain
• The benefits of mindfulness for people with substance abuse disorders
• Mindfulness-based interventions for PTSD
• The role of mindfulness in promoting better sleep
• Comparing the effectiveness of different types of mindfulness practices on reducing anxiety symptoms
• Exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the benefits of mindfulness meditation
• The impact of mindfulness practices on sleep quality and mental health
• Evaluating the long-term effects of regular mindfulness practices on emotional well-being
• Mindfulness interventions in schools and their effects on student mental health
• Mindfulness and eating disorders: effects on body image and eating behavior
• Mindfulness and anger management
• Mental health and gender inequality
• The effect of mindfulness on attention and focus
• Mindfulness as a strategy to enhance emotional intelligence
• Mindfulness and workplace stress
• Mindfulness and burnout in healthcare professionals
• The impact of mindfulness on cognitive function in older adults
• Mindfulness and self-compassion: effects on self-esteem and self-worth
• Mindfulness as a complement to medication for mental health treatment
• Mindfulness-based interventions for people with schizophrenia
• Mindfulness for children and adolescents with ADHD
• The effect of mindfulness on symptoms of bipolar disorder
• Mindfulness and social anxiety
• Mindfulness and parenting: effects on stress and well-being
• The impact of mindfulness on academic performance
• Mindfulness and addiction recovery: effects on relapse prevention
• Mindfulness and personality disorders
• Mindfulness and body image dissatisfaction
• Mindfulness and chronic illness: effects on quality of life
• Mindfulness for people with borderline personality disorder
• The impact of mindfulness on self-harm and suicidal ideation
• Mindfulness for people with eating disorders in recovery
• Mindfulness and resilience: effects on coping with adversity
• The drug abuse and associated disorders: an overview of the anti-drug policy and the need for policy change
• Mindfulness and self-compassion in cancer patients
• The effect of mindfulness on symptoms of OCD
• Mindfulness-based interventions for people with anxiety disorders
• Mindfulness and creativity: effects on artistic expression and well-being
• Mindfulness for people with chronic fatigue syndrome
• Mindfulness and pain management: effects on chronic pain
• Mindfulness and emotional regulation in people with autism
• Mindfulness for people with borderline intellectual functioning
• The effect of mindfulness on symptoms of postpartum depression
• Mindfulness and social connectedness: effects on loneliness and isolation
• Mindfulness and spirituality: effects on well-being and connection to something larger

Medical Studies Overwhelming?

Delegate Your Nursing Papers to the Pros!

Get 15% Discount

+ Plagiarism Report for FREE

The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health

Research has shown that diet and nutrition can significantly affect mental health outcomes. For example, certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, have been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. As a mental health nursing student, you could explore the impact of nutrition on mental health outcomes and investigate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in managing mental health conditions.

• The impact of nutrient deficiencies on mental health
• The role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain function and mental health
• The effect of vitamin D on mood and anxiety
• The connection between gut health and mental health
• The influence of caffeine on anxiety and sleep
• The effects of sugar on mental health and cognitive function
• The relationship between gut health, diet, and mood disorders
• Evaluating the effects of probiotics on mental health outcomes
• Impact of vitamin D deficiency on depressive symptoms
• Dietary interventions for managing ADHD symptoms in children
• The link between sugar intake and anxiety: a closer look
• The impact of nutrition on ADHD symptoms
• The role of antioxidants in protecting against oxidative stress and improving mental health
• The effects of probiotics on mental health and mood
• The connection between iron deficiency and depression
• The role of magnesium in anxiety and depression
• The impact of food allergies and intolerances on mental health
• The effect of B vitamins on cognitive function and mental health
• The influence of alcohol on mental health and well-being
• The role of nutrition in the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline
• The effects of caffeine withdrawal on mental health
• The connection between nutrition and schizophrenia symptoms
• The role of amino acids in brain function and mental health
• The effect of carbohydrates on mood and energy levels
• The impact of diet on sleep quality and quantity
• The influence of processed foods on mental health
• The role of nutrition in the treatment of eating disorders
• The connection between nutrition and bipolar disorder symptoms
• The effect of zinc on mental health and cognitive function
• The impact of phytochemicals on brain health and mental well-being
• The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders
• The effects of dehydration on cognitive function and mood
• The connection between nutrition and ADHD medication effectiveness
• The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of depression
• The effect of amino acid supplementation on depression and anxiety
• The impact of low-carbohydrate diets on mental health and mood
• The influence of social and cultural factors on nutrition and mental health
• The role of nutrition in the management of stress and cortisol levels
• The effects of specific diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, on mental health outcomes
• The connection between nutrition and substance abuse recovery
• The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression
• The effect of omega-3 supplementation on cognitive function and memory
• The impact of vegetarian and vegan diets on mental health and well-being
• The connection between nutrition and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media has become integral to our daily lives, but research has also shown that it can hurt mental health. For example, excessive social media use has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. As a mental health nursing student, you could investigate the impact of social media on mental health outcomes and explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the harmful effects of social media.

• The connection between social media use and depression
• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem
• The effect of social media on sleep quality and quantity
• The relationship between social media addiction and mental health
• The influence of cyberbullying on mental health outcomes
• The role of social media in the development of anxiety disorders
• The effects of social media on interpersonal relationships and social skills
• The connection between social media use and suicide risk
• The correlation between social media usage patterns and self-esteem levels
• Effects of social media detox on mental health outcomes
• Evaluating the role of social media in the rise of body dysmorphia among teenagers
• The relationship between cyberbullying on social media platforms and depression
• Influence of social comparison on social media and its impact on mental health
• The impact of social media on attention span and focus
• The effect of social media on academic performance and stress
• The relationship between social media use and eating disorders
• The influence of social media on body dysmorphia
• The role of social media in the development of addiction and substance abuse disorders
• The effects of social media on the brain and cognition
• The connection between social media use and stress levels
• The impact of social media on political beliefs and mental health outcomes
• The effect of social media on self-compassion and self-care
• The relationship between social media use and personality disorders
• The influence of social media on social comparison and envy
• The role of social media in the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• The effects of social media on creativity and mental health
• The connection between social media use and addiction to video games
• The impact of social media on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• The effect of social media on decision-making and impulsivity
• The relationship between social media use and loneliness
• The influence of social media on phobias and anxieties
• The role of social media in the development of trauma-related disorders
• The effects of social media on emotional regulation and mental health
• The connection between social media use and paranoia
• The impact of social media on cultural and societal attitudes toward mental health
• The effect of social media on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The relationship between social media use and narcissistic personality disorder
• The influence of social media on obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• The role of social media in the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• The effects of social media on body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)
• The connection between social media use and self-harm behaviors
• The impact of social media on emotional contagion and mental health outcomes
• The effect of social media on emotional intelligence and empathy
• The relationship between social media use and phubbing (phone snubbing)
• The influence of social media on identity formation and mental health

The Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Treating Mental Health Conditions

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression to improve mental health outcomes. As a mental health nursing student, you could investigate the effectiveness of art therapy in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

• The role of art therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The effectiveness of art therapy in managing depression
• Art therapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Art therapy for improving social skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders
• The anatomy and physiology of anxiety disorder: hereditary factors and statistical facts
• The benefits of art therapy in treating addiction and substance abuse disorders
• Art therapy for promoting self-expression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD
• Art therapy as a tool for managing PTSD symptoms in veterans
• The role of music therapy in improving mental health outcomes in dementia patients
• Exploring the benefits of dance therapy for individuals with mood disorders
• Evaluating the therapeutic effects of visual arts on children with behavioral disorders
• The impact of group art therapy sessions on building social skills in autistic individuals
• The effectiveness of art therapy in managing chronic pain and illness-related stress
• Art therapy for enhancing communication and reducing aggression in individuals with dementia
• The benefits of art therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia
• Art therapy as a treatment for borderline personality disorder
• The effectiveness of art therapy in improving body image and self-esteem
• The delicate dance: balancing art and science in the nursing profession
• Art therapy for reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• The role of art therapy in managing anger and aggression in individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Art therapy for promoting mindfulness and reducing stress in cancer patients
• The effectiveness of art therapy in managing symptoms of eating disorders
• Art therapy for improving cognitive functioning in individuals with traumatic brain injuries
• The benefits of art therapy in reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
• Art therapy as a treatment for individuals with chronic pain and fibromyalgia
• The effectiveness of art therapy in improving sleep quality and quantity
• Art therapy for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in individuals with hypertension
• The role of art therapy in treating individuals with dissociative identity disorder
• Art therapy for enhancing creativity and promoting personal growth
• The benefits of art therapy in improving the overall quality of life in individuals with mental health conditions
• Art therapy as a treatment for individuals with multiple sclerosis
• The effectiveness of art therapy in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder
• Art therapy for improving social functioning and reducing isolation in individuals with schizophrenia
• The role of art therapy in promoting spirituality and reducing existential anxiety
• Nursing: a beautiful blend of art and science
• Art therapy for promoting self-compassion and self-care in individuals with chronic illness
• The benefits of art therapy in managing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Art therapy as a treatment for individuals with personality disorders
• The effectiveness of art therapy in reducing symptoms of agoraphobia
• Art therapy for promoting emotional resilience and coping skills in individuals with chronic pain
• The role of art therapy in managing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Art therapy for improving communication and reducing aggression in individuals with traumatic brain injuries
• The benefits of art therapy in promoting self-awareness and personal insight
• Art therapy as a treatment for individuals with gender identity disorder
• The effectiveness of art therapy in reducing symptoms of borderline intellectual functioning
• Art therapy for promoting emotional expression and reducing anxiety in individuals with speech disorders
• The role of art therapy in promoting cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills
• Art therapy for improving body awareness and reducing symptoms of somatic disorders

The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health Outcomes

Trauma can profoundly impact mental health outcomes, and understanding the relationship between trauma and mental illness is essential for effective care. As a mental health nursing student, you could investigate the impact of trauma on mental health outcomes and explore the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the negative effects of trauma.

• The effects of childhood trauma on mental health in adulthood
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health outcomes
• The role of resilience in mitigating the effects of trauma on mental health
• The prevalence of trauma in marginalized populations and its impact on mental health
• The effects of trauma on brain development and mental health outcomes
• The impact of trauma on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The relationship between trauma and substance use disorders
• The role of social support in mitigating the effects of trauma on mental health
• The effects of trauma on attachment and interpersonal relationships
• The impact of trauma on physical health outcomes
• Exploring the physiological changes in the brain after experiencing trauma
• Evaluating the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for trauma survivors
• The long-term mental health outcomes of childhood trauma
• Comparing the effects of single incident trauma vs. prolonged trauma on mental health
• The role of support groups in aiding trauma recovery
• The effects of trauma on cognitive functioning and memory
• The relationship between trauma and depression
• The impact of trauma on anxiety and anxiety disorders
• The role of trauma in the development of personality disorders
• The effects of trauma on sleep quality and quantity
• The relationship between trauma and self-esteem
• The impact of trauma on emotion regulation and impulsivity
• The effects of trauma on suicidal ideation and behavior
• The role of trauma in the development of dissociative disorders
• The impact of trauma on parenting and child-rearing practices
• The effects of trauma on sexual health and relationships
• The relationship between trauma and eating disorders
• The impact of trauma on social functioning and integration
• The effects of trauma on work productivity and employment outcomes
• The role of cultural factors in the experience and impact of trauma on mental health
• The effects of trauma on spirituality and faith-based coping mechanisms
• The relationship between trauma and anger management
• The impact of trauma on sexual and gender identity development
• The effects of trauma on executive functioning and decision-making abilities
• The role of trauma in the development of the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• The impact of trauma on aging and geriatric mental health
• The effects of trauma on identity development and self-concept
• The relationship between trauma and borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• The impact of trauma on coping strategies and resilience
• The effects of trauma on healthcare utilization and healthcare outcomes
• The role of trauma in the development of anxiety and stress-related disorders
• The impact of trauma on social and emotional intelligence
• The effects of trauma on emotion recognition and empathy
• The relationship between trauma and bipolar disorder
• The role of trauma in the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

The Interdisciplinary Approach in Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nursing is not an isolated field. It thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, where professionals from various disciplines come together to offer holistic care to patients. As the understanding of mental health broadens, it’s imperative for nursing students to recognize the value of interdisciplinary approaches in optimizing patient outcomes.

Benefits of an Interdisciplinary Approach:

• Holistic Care

Drawing expertise from fields like psychology, nutrition, social work, and even art therapy ensures a well-rounded approach to patient care.

• Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Collaborative efforts often lead to better patient outcomes as they address various facets of a patient’s well-being.

• Continued Learning

Interacting with professionals from diverse backgrounds provides an excellent opportunity for learning and professional growth.

Key Areas of Collaboration:

• Psychology and Psychiatry

Understanding the psychological underpinnings of mental disorders and collaborating with psychologists and psychiatrists is fundamental. It ensures that therapeutic interventions are complemented by appropriate medical treatments.

• Social Work

Social workers play a crucial role in patient rehabilitation, ensuring they have the necessary support systems in place, be it family counseling or community reintegration.

As the link between nutrition and mental health becomes increasingly evident, collaboration with nutritionists can guide dietary interventions to complement therapeutic strategies.

• Alternative Therapies

Fields like art therapy, music therapy, and even physical therapy offer alternative avenues for patient recovery. Understanding and collaborating with professionals from these fields can enhance patient care.

For nursing students, embracing the interdisciplinary approach is not just about improving patient care but also about enhancing their professional expertise. By understanding the broader landscape of mental health care, students prepare themselves for the diverse challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their careers.

Choosing a research topic can be challenging, but with the right inspiration and guidance, you can find a relevant and inspiring topic with the right inspiration and guidance. These mental health nursing research topic ideas are just a starting point – there are countless other areas of research in this field that you can explore. With dedication and hard work, you can make a valuable contribution to the field of mental health nursing and help improve the lives of those struggling with mental illness.

📎 Related Articles

1. Top Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics: Engage in Thought-Provoking Debates 2. Top Nursing Topics for Discussion: Engaging Conversations for Healthcare Professionals 3. Key EBP Nursing Topics: Enhancing Patient Results through Evidence-Based Practice 4. Top Nursing Research Topics for Students and Professionals 5. Nursing Debate Topics: The Importance of Discussing and Debating Nursing Issues 6. Mental Health – Health Topics | Healthy Schools 7. NIMH » Health Topics 8. Mental Health Topics and Resources for Patients and Families 9. Exploring Controversial Issues in Nursing: Key Topics and Examples 10. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of content

Crafted with Care:

Nursing Essays!

Precision, Passion, & Professionalism in Every Page.

• Research article
• Open access
• Published: 26 April 2019

Mental health nurses’ attitudes, experience, and knowledge regarding routine physical healthcare: systematic, integrative review of studies involving 7,549 nurses working in mental health settings

• Geoffrey L. Dickens   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8862-1527 1 , 2 ,
• Robin Ion 3 ,
• Cheryl Waters 1 ,
• Evan Atlantis 1 &
• Bronwyn Everett 1  

BMC Nursing volume  18 , Article number:  16 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

57k Accesses

14 Citations

20 Altmetric

Metrics details

There has been a recent growth in research addressing mental health nurses’ routine physical healthcare knowledge and attitudes. We aimed to systematically review the empirical evidence about i) mental health nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of physical healthcare for mental health patients, and ii) the effectiveness of any interventions to improve these aspects of their work.

Systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Multiple electronic databases were searched using comprehensive terms. Inclusion criteria: English language papers recounting empirical studies about: i) mental health nurses’ routine physical healthcare-related knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes, or training needs; and ii) the effectiveness of interventions to improve any outcome related to mental health nurses’ delivery of routine physical health care for mental health patients. Effect sizes from intervention studies were extracted or calculated where there was sufficient information. An integrative, narrative synthesis of study findings was conducted.

Fifty-one papers covering studies from 41 unique samples including 7549 mental health nurses in 14 countries met inclusion criteria. Forty-two (82.4%) papers were published since 2010. Eleven were intervention studies; 40 were cross-sectional. Observational and qualitative studies were generally of good quality and establish a baseline picture of the issue. Intervention studies were prone to bias due to lack of randomisation and control groups but produced some large effect sizes for targeted education innovations. Comparisons of international data from studies using the Physical Health Attitudes Scale for Mental Health Nursing revealed differences across the world which may have implications for different models of student nurse preparation.

Conclusions

Mental health nurses’ ability and increasing enthusiasm for routine physical healthcare has been highlighted in recent years. Contemporary literature provides a base for future research which must now concentrate on determining the effectiveness of nurse preparation for providing physical health care for people with mental disorder, determining the appropriate content for such preparation, and evaluating the effectiveness both in terms of nurse and patient- related outcomes. At the same time, developments are needed which are congruent with the needs and wants of patients.

Peer Review reports

People with a mental disorder diagnosis are at more than double the risk of all-cause mortality than the general population. Most at risk are those with psychosis, mood disorder and anxiety diagnoses. Median length of life lost by this group is 10.1 years greater for people with a diagnosis of mental disorder than for general population controls, but mortality rates are significantly higher in studies which include inpatients [ 1 ]. While risk of unnatural causes of death, notably suicide, are greatly increased in this group, it is death from natural causes that remains responsible for the vast majority of mortality. In people with schizophrenia, for example, cardiovascular disease accounts for about one third of all deaths and cancer for one in six, while other common causes are diabetes mellitus, COPD, influenza, and pneumonia [ 2 ]. A relatively high rate of tobacco smoking in this group is implicated in significant increased mortality [ 3 ], as is obesity [ 4 ], exposure to high levels of antipsychotic pharmacological treatment [ 5 ], and mental disorder itself [ 1 ].

Accordingly, the physical health of patients with mental disorder has been prioritised, becoming the focus of guidelines for practitioners in general [ 6 ] and for mental health nurses and other clinical professionals specifically [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. However, while policies and guidelines are necessary prerequisites of change they must also be implemented in practice if they are to have a positive effect; one of the key barriers to change implementation for mental health nurses has been identified as lack of confidence, skills, and knowledge [ 10 ]. Robson and Haddad ([ 11 ]: p.74) identified that surprisingly ‘modest attention’ had been paid to the issue of such attitudes and knowledge among nurses related to their role in physical health care provision, and developed the Physical Health Assessment Scale for mental health nurses (PHASe) in order to further investigate the phenomenon. Since then, there has been a tangible and growing response among mental health nursing academics and practitioners. In recent years, published literature reviews have covered a decade of UK-only research on the role of mental health nurses in physical health care [ 12 ], patients’ and professionals’ perceptions of barriers to physical health care for people with serious mental illness [ 13 ], the focus and content of nurse-provided physical healthcare for mental health patients [ 14 ], and the physical health of people with severe mental illness [ 15 ]. There has also been an upsurge in the amount of related empirical research. However, to date, no one has systematically reviewed this growing literature about mental health nurses’ attitudes towards, or their related knowledge and experience about providing routine physical healthcare. Further, studies about the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve their delivery of or attitudes to routine physical healthcare have not been systematically appraised. This is surprising given the known links between nurses’ attitudes and their implementation of evidence-based practice [ 16 , 17 , 18 ] and the centrality of measuring nurses’ attitudes to physical health care delivery in recent mental health nursing research on the topic [ 11 , 19 , 20 ].

In this context we have conducted a systematic review to identify, appraise, and synthesise existing evidence from empirical research literature about i) mental health nurses’ experience of providing physical healthcare for patients and about their related knowledge, skills, educational preparation, and attitudes; ii) the effectiveness of any interventions aimed at improving or changing mental health nurse-related outcomes; and iii) to identify implications for the future provision of relevant training and education, for policy, research, and practice. The specific review question being addressed therefore is: what is known from the international, English language, empirical literature about mental health nurses’ skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding provision of physical healthcare.

A systematic review of the literature following the relevant points of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses [ 21 ].

Search strategy

Since the review scope encompassed questions about experience and effectiveness a dual literature search strategy was developed. For studies about mental health nurses’ experience of delivering physical healthcare a Population Exposure Outcome (PEO) format review question was developed (Population: mental health nurses; Exposure: physical healthcare provision for patients or related training; Outcomes: experiential, social, educational, knowledge, or attitudinal terms, see Additional file  1 : Table S1). For studies of the effectiveness of interventions to improve or change mental health nurse-related outcomes a Population Intervention Comparator Outcome (PICO) structure was implemented (Population: mental health nurses; Intervention: any intervention including physical health-related education, policy or guideline change; Comparator: any or none; Outcome: any) [ 22 ]. We searched five electronic databases: i) CINAHL, ii) PubMed, iii) MedLine, iv) Scopus, and v) ProQuest Dissertations and Theses using text words and MeSH terms. The references list of all included studies, together with those of relevant literature reviews, and the tables of contents of selected mental health nursing journals were hand searched. The search terms were informed by previous literature reviews on the subject of physical healthcare in mental health. The initial search was conducted in April 2018 and re-run in September 2018.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria for studies were English language accounts of empirical research which investigated mental health nurses’ experience of providing physical health care or examined the effectiveness of any intervention that aimed to improve outcomes related to the provision of physical healthcare. Thus, studies of interventions aimed at changing nursing practice, behaviour, knowledge, attitudes, or experiences were eligible, but not those which solely attempted to determine the effect of an intervention on nurses in terms of patient outcomes. While improvement in patient care and outcomes is clearly the desirable endpoint of any intervention on nurses, previous reviews have indicated that no good quality studies exist [ 23 ]. Additionally, studies were only eligible for inclusion where the practitioners involved comprised or included mental health or psychiatric nurses or mental health nursing students, or registered nurses whose practice was within mental health services. Included studies could have used any design or methodological approach. As in previous reviews, studies solely about mental health nurses providing care for people with alcohol/ drug misuse, or mental disorder/substance misuse dual diagnosis were not eligible. Studies about mental health nurses and the provision of emergency physical care or of their experience of providing care for the seriously deteriorating physical health of a patient were omitted as this is the subject of a separate review (Dickens et al. submitted).

Data extraction

Information about the study title, author, publication year, data collection years, location (country), research objectives, aims or hypotheses, design, population, sample details and size, data sources, study variables (i.e. details of intervention) or other exposure, unit of analysis, and study findings were extracted from full text papers. Corresponding authors of included studies were contacted regarding any issues where clarification or additional data could aid the review.

Studies were categorised as interventional or observational. Intervention studies investigated the impact of an educational, policy, or practice intervention in terms of any mental health nurse- or nursing- related outcome, e.g., knowledge, attitudes, behaviour. Intervention studies were further sub-classified as simulation studies (as defined by Bland et al. ([ 24 ]: p.668) “a dynamic process involving the creation of a hypothetical opportunity that incorporates an authentic representation of reality, facilitates active student engagement and integrates the complexities of practical and theoretical learning with opportunity for repetition, feedback, evaluation and reflection”), traditional educational interventions (e.g., lectures, workshops, workbooks), or policy-level interventions (e.g., requiring nurses to follow some new policy or implement some new practice). Observational studies either described mental health nurse- or nursing- related outcomes and/or utilised case control designs to compare them with those of other occupational or professional groups and/or used qualitative methods.

Study quality appraisal

The likelihood of bias in intervention studies was assessed against criteria described by Thomas et al. [ 25 ] and encompassed assessment of the likelihood of selection bias in the obtained sample, study design, potential confounders, blinding, potential for bias in data collection from invalid instrumentation, and participant retention (see Additional file  2 : Table S2). Relevant items from the US Department of Health & Human Sciences NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies [ 26 ] were used to assess cross-sectional observational studies (see Additional file  3 : Table S3). Qualitative descriptive studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme [ 27 ] tool (See Additional file  4 : Table S4). Multiple papers arising from single studies were quality assessed as a single entity. Study quality was initially undertaken independently by at least two of the team. A good level of inter-rater agreement was achieved (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.742 between pairs of raters). Disputed items were discussed by GD and CW and consensus achieved.

Study synthesis

The available total and subscale data from those studies that conducted data collection via the Physical Healthcare Attitude Scale for mental health nurses (PHASe [ 11 ]), the only scale used across more than two studies, was tabulated and compared across studies using unpaired t-tests in QuickCalcs GraphPad software. Where individual item mean and dispersion scores were unavailable estimates were calculated as follows: the mean mean (i.e., Σ means / n means) and the estimated standard deviation (the square root of the average of the variances [ 28 ]). Also, and where available, dichotomised data (‘Strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ responses versus all other responses) from the multiple studies using the 14-item PHASe scale investigating self-reported current involvement in aspects of physical healthcare was tabulated and subjected to Chi-squared analysis. Significant cross-study differences of means and proportions involved all subscale or item data for each study being compared with the corresponding subscale or item from the original study development sample, ‘the reference group’ [ 11 ].

Where available, effect sizes for correlational, interventional, or difference-related outcomes from studies were extracted or, where sufficient information presented, calculated. Where sufficient information was not presented we attempted to contact the corresponding author for clarification. Appropriate effect size statistics were calculated using an online resource [ 29 ]. All other information from study results was subject to a qualitative synthesis conducted by author 1 and subsequently refined and agreed by all of the authors.

Study settings and participants

The search strategy resulted in the inclusion of 41 study samples published in 51 papers (see Fig.  1 ) involving 7549 ( M [ SD ] = 200.5[374.1], Mdn =  47, range 2 to 1899) mental health nurses and n  = 213 mental health nursing students ( Mdn  = 33). Thirty-three samples included only nurses, of which 20 drew specifically on mental health nurses or nurses working in mental health settings only; eight samples were multidisciplinary. Four papers drew on two samples (i.e., two papers per study) while one sample featured in nine separate papers [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Studies were conducted in the UK ( k  = 17), Australia ( k  = 9), US ( k  = 4), Canada ( k  = 2), Qatar, Hong Kong, Japan, Jordan, Belgium, Norway, Israel, Turkey, India, and Taiwan (all k  = 1); two studies were conducted internationally; first, in Qatar, Hong Kong, and Japan [ 19 ], and the US and Canada [ 39 ]. Studies were published between 1994 and 2018 ( Mdn year of publication 2016, only n  = 9 before 2010 and n  = 1 before 2000).

PRISMA study inclusion flowchart

Study design

Eleven studies evaluated an intervention; of these, 10 utilised pre- post AB designs and one adopted a randomised controlled trial design. Other studies used cross-sectional survey or qualitative designs. Intervention studies sometimes incorporated additional qualitative or descriptive elements.

Outcome measures

The most commonly used measure employed was the PHASe or some adaptation of it [ 11 ] in seven studies reported across eight papers [ 11 , 19 , 20 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. The PHASe comprises four factors: 1. Nurses’ attitudes to physical health care; 2. Nurses’ confidence to provide physical health care; 3. Nurses’ perceived barriers in providing physical health care; and 4. Nurses’ attitude towards smoking. Contact with study corresponding authors (Bressington, Chee, Haddad) resulted in acquisition of additional PHASe total and subscale information that was not included in the respective published study papers. Two other outcomes tools were used in two studies each, these being the purpose-designed survey measure of Howard and Gamble [ 45 ] subsequently used by Terry and Cutter [ 46 ], and Happell’s [ 33 ] own questionnaire adapted for use by Clancy et al. [ 40 ]. Most studies used purpose-designed tools. Many reported sufficient information to allow confidence about their internal reliability and face/content validity but there was little information about their measurement reliability, criterion validity, or sensitivity to change (see Additional file  5 : Table S5). A small number of papers used existing validated measures [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ] and these were generally the most robust tools (see Additional file  6 : Table S6).

Study quality

All K  = 7 qualitative studies were rated very highly in terms of their quality on a 10-point assessment ( Mdn  = 9, range 9–10). Cross-sectional observational studies met a median of four of seven quality criteria (range two to six; mean[SD] 4.43[1.33]). Four of these provided an a priori sample size calculation and there was a lack of valid outcome measures in nine of the 21 studies. Overall risk of bias for cross-sectional studies was judged to be low for nine studies, unclear for six and high for six. The quality of interventional studies was generally the poorest ( Mdn  = 5, range 2 to 7 of 10 indicators). Only two were judged to be at low risk of bias (see Additional file 2 : Tables S2, Additional file 3 : Table S3, Additional file 4 : Table S4, Additional file 5 : Table S5 and Additional file 6 : Table S6 for further details). Common omissions were, again, sample size justification, lack of repeat pre-baseline and follow up measures, and information about the representativeness of included samples.

Non-intervention studies

Studies examined physical healthcare in general ( k  = 24), sexual health ( k  = 4), smoking ( k  = 6), physical activity and healthy eating, nutrition - in particular the role of Omega-3 in diet, mild brain injury, and breastfeeding (all k  = 1; see Table  1 ).

With regards to studies using the PHASe, of all possible comparisons across studies (see Tables 2 and 3 ), the mean score of the study sample differed significantly from the reference sample [ 11 ] on 13 out of 21 (61.9%) subscale and three of four total score combinations (75.0%). Analysis revealed poorer attitudes compared to the reference sample on all three of the significantly poorer attitude scores on 10/17 (58.9%) subscale comparisons, and better attitudes on three (14.3%). However, the reference group only outperformed the other studies on two of the eight possible comparisons on the subscales ‘Physical Healthcare’ and ‘Confidence in Providing Physical Healthcare’ and was poorer for three comparisons. The PHASe total score difference was greatest (large effect size) between the reference sample and Chee et al’s [ 41 ] Australian sample (Cohens d  = 1.13) followed by Bressington et al’s [ 19 ] Japanese mental health nurse sub-sample ( d  = 0.72). For subscale scores, effect sizes for differences were also largest between the reference sample and that of Chee et al. [ 41 ]. Effect sizes were in favour of the reference sample on the attitudes to smoking and barriers to physical healthcare subscales ( d  = 1.48 and 1.78 respectively). Next largest were differences between Haddad et al’s [ 43 ] sample also on the barriers to healthcare ( d  = 0.93) and attitudes to smoking subscales ( d  = 1.01). On this occasion differences were in favour of Haddad et al’s [ 43 ] sample. Attitudes to smoking were more favourable than the reference sample in two studies, comparable in one and poorer in two.

Regarding the level of self-reported involvement in aspects of physical healthcare the proportion of respondents in PHASe-studies answering ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ to 14 items revealed considerable cross-sample differences. Of 95 possible comparisons between the reference study and others, 70 (73.7%) differed significantly. Of these, 86.7% compared unfavourably with the UK reference study, 13.3% favourably). The number of items per sample differing from the reference sample ranged from 7 to 13 ( Mdn =  10). Japan [ 19 ] provided the only sample of mental health nurses whose responses compared favourably with the reference sample (7/10 significantly differing responses being more favourable in the Japanese sub-sample), while Ganiah et al’s [ 42 ] sample (0/11 favourable comparisons among significantly differing responses), Happell et al’s [ 30 ] (0/14 favourable comparisons), Chee et al’s [ 41 ] Australian sample (1/11 favourable comparisons), Haddad et al’s [ 43 ] UK sample (1/10 favourable comparisons) and Bressington et al’s [ 19 ] Hong Kong sample (2/12 favourable comparisons) all fared poorly. Items relating to checking GP-status, advising on exercise, weight management, healthy eating, contraception, and eyesight checks were all rated less favourably by at least two other samples (range 2 to 6, Mdn  = 4) and more favourably by none compared with the reference sample. Only the item about ensuring patients have had their general physical health assessed on first contact with mental health services was rated more favourably by two samples and less favourably by none compared with the reference sample. For all other items there were item-level variations with no clear pattern.

The remaining non-intervention studies provide a mixed and sometimes contradictory picture. First, in terms of reported use of physical health care skills, Osborn et al’s [ 47 ] study revealed that nurses working in mental health settings in one large hospital were less likely to use physical healthcare skills than colleagues in medical, oncology, maternity and surgical settings. Further, they reported using a smaller range of relevant skills. In Howard and Gamble’s [ 45 ] survey, nurses’ responses indicated a gap between their perceived responsibilities for physical healthcare and their practice. Elsewhere, compared with those responding on behalf of healthcare and educational organisations, nurses were less likely to endorse their role in physical healthcare provision [ 53 ] and they reported very low levels of endorsement of related skills training need [ 54 ]. However, for others in more recent studies, they displayed a clear commitment to the physical healthcare role [ 55 ], and said they want more training [ 31 , 56 ]. Further, nurses strongly endorsed their own role in physical health, sexual health, and substance abuse related care and were supported strongly by other healthcare professionals [ 40 ]. Across a series of linked surveys and qualitative studies, Happell et al. [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 57 ] reported associations between nurses’ positive evaluation of the physical healthcare role and practicing aspects of it more commonly. In studies of nurses and specific physical healthcare-related activities there was a suggestion that respondents’ own values or beliefs might be more influential in determining their health-giving or advising behaviour in relation to smoking cessation [ 50 , 58 ]. In relation to sexual health, both Dorsay and Forchuk [ 59 ] and Quinn et al. [ 60 ] have reported that nurses cite patient embarrassment as a reason for not asking patients about sexual side effects of antipsychotic medications. Lack of time, resources and knowledge were reported as barriers to providing advice and interventions regarding exercise and physical activity [ 61 ], Omega-3 [ 62 ]. Knowledge and attitudes to HIV/AIDS were generally good [ 63 ]. Finally, smoking-cessation training was associated with more smoking-cessation helping behaviour [ 64 ] though, counter-inuitively, training was negatively associated with attitudes to smoking cessation in a single study [ 65 ]. Further, Sharma et al’s [ 64 ] study compared the attitudes of mental health trained nurses and comprehensive/ generalist trained nurses working in mental health services: the most marked differences between the groups were on the smoking-related items with the former group expressing significantly more liberal views about smoking restrictions, more worrying attitudes about the benefits and utility of cigarette use as a therapeutic tool, and less confidence in the ability of mental health patients to quit smoking. This was particularly concerning in the study context which was about attitudes to physical healthcare with younger, first episode psychosis patients.

Intervention studies

Five studies focused on physical healthcare in general and six on specific issues (diabetes n =  3; sexual health, cardiometabolic health, obesity all n =  1). Ten evaluated an educational innovation, the exception being Happell et al. [ 35 ], who examined attitudes among nurses to the introduction of a specialist cardiometabolic health nurse role. Haddad et al. [ 43 ] examined the impact of the introduction of personal physical health care plans for patients on nurses’ physical healthcare attitudes alongside the delivery of a single educational session on physical healthcare assessment. The remaining nine studies evaluated educational interventions including three involving simulation and six involving didactic teaching, workshop-format or blended-learning approaches.

Simulation studies

Duration of interventions was 30 min [ 49 ] and1-day [ 66 ], while information was not provided by Wynn [ 52 ]. The mode of simulation delivery involved manikins [ 66 ], human actor as patient [ 66 ], software-based Human Person Simulator [ 52 ], and participant as ‘patient’ in which student participants wore a 15 kg bariatric empathy suit while undertaking everyday tasks in order to help them appreciate the experience of obesity [ 49 ]. Other simulations involved diabetes care [ 52 ], fractured leg in the context of a jump or fall in a patient with first episode psychosis, medical deterioration in the same patient following transfer to a psychiatric ward, and delirium [ 66 ]. Results indicated improved clinical judgement and reduced diabetes-related medical emergency reports [ 52 ], improved knowledge, attitudes, and confidence about physical healthcare [ 66 ], improved response to obese patients, characteristics of obese patients and supportive roles in caring for obese patients [ 49 ].

Non-simulation studie

Study duration ranged from a 2.5-h workshop on physical health [ 67 ] to a 20-credit bachelor’s degree level (equivalent to 200-h of taught and self-directed study and assessment completion) module on physical healthcare in mental health [ 46 ]. Non-simulation studies evaluated the introduction of personal health plans for patients in a low secure forensic unit together with a single educational session on physical health care for nursing staff [ 43 ]. Specific topics addressed included diabetes [ 68 , 69 ], health assessment [ 46 , 67 ], oral health, IM injectables [ 68 ], vital signs, blood readings, BMI measurement [ 46 ], and cardio-metabolic health [ 35 , 57 ].

In Sung et al’s [ 51 ] RCT, nurses were allocated in a random stratified design to attend 8 × 2-h session about sexual healthcare over a period of 4-w or no intervention. Significant effects were detected in the experimental group relative to the control group for improvements in related knowledge and in attitudes, but not in self-efficacy. The study involved nurses employed both in medical and psychiatric wards (stratified allocation from both) and there was no reported effect of ward-type on outcomes. Pretest- posttest design intervention studies targeted at diabetes found greatly improved clinical judgment in relation to diabetes care and reduced diabetes-related emergency referrals [ 52 ] and similarly impressive improved diabetes-related knowledge [ 69 , 70 ]. Improved attitudes to obesity, obese patients, and supportive roles in caring for obese individuals have been reported across a mixed group of participants and did not differ between mental health and other nurses [ 49 ]. and physical healthcare in general. Happell et al. [ 57 ] reported improved support for a specialist cardiometabolic nurse role following its introduction, however we find this conclusion is unwarranted since it is derived from statistical testing of 14-questionnaire items only one of which was found significant. Interventions aimed at physical healthcare in general found some impressive post- group improvements in knowledge [ 66 , 67 , 68 ], attitudes [ 66 ], and confidence [ 46 , 66 ].

We have conducted a systematic review of the empirical literature about mental health nurses and their attitudes towards, knowledge about, and experiences of physical health care for patients. We took a broad approach to searching the literature and included interventional and observational studies involving real or simulated situations. We included studies involving mental health nursing students and multidisciplinary professional groups in addition to those including only mental health nurses. We contacted study authors to gain additional information and, for the studies using the PHASe [ 11 ] and this elicited significant, previously unpublished information. While we applied no time limits to our comprehensive search we found studies only from as early as 1994, only nine from before 2000, and the median year of publication was 2016. This means that there has been a welcome increase, which we described as a ‘mini-explosion’ in the Introduction, in related empirical work in recent years. The total number of nurses involved in studies, 7549, makes this to our knowledge one of the largest amalgamations of evidence gathered directly from mental health nurses.

However, the overall methodological quality of studies was somewhat limited, particularly interventional studies to improve mental health nurses’ physical healthcare assessment practices and skills. Nevertheless, while many of the included studies examine mental health nurses, and nurses working in mental health settings, this group comprises a heterogeneous collection of individuals of vastly differing experience, preparation, knowledge, and roles. As a result, it is not too surprising that some less well-researched areas have thrown up starkly different results. However, there is consistent evidence that there is a strong association between mental health nurses’ reported attitudes and their reported involvement in physical health care [ 19 , 20 , 42 ]. Similarly, that the nurses who value physical health care also report that they deliver more of it [ 30 ] and those who talk to at least one other discipline about their patients’ physical health do so with multiple professional groups [ 33 ]. Accordingly, fewer resources could be expended on answering these sorts of associational questions in the future.

Our conclusion is that it is now time for a new phase for mental health nursing research related to physical healthcare: efforts must be redoubled to focus on developing and testing interventions to improve nurses’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills. We must ensure that new studies are well-designed and rigorously conducted. More specifically, further research is required to build knowledge about whether the supposed benefits arising from this relationship translate into objectively better practice and indeed better patient outcomes. This would strengthen the case for training to improve attitudes and provide some urgency to better understand what interventions might deliver that outcome. Further, it appears that mental health nurses well-recognise that they require further skills and knowledge related to physical health care across a wide range of areas [ 19 , 30 , 31 , 57 , 71 ]. However, ambivalence and reluctance remains about embracing the change needed to achieve this [ 61 ].

The PHASe was used across multiple studies which allowed for some international and setting-specific comparison of nurses’ attitudes. We found that nurses’ self-perceived practices and attitudes differed significantly between samples from across the world. This, of course, may well reflect different approaches to mental health nurse preparation; for example, in Australia, all pre-registration nurses undergo the same core programme whereas in the UK mental health nursing is a specialist branch of pre-registration training. Therefore, results from Chee et al’s [ 41 ] recent study are enlightening since they reveal equivalent attitudes to physical healthcare specifically, more confidence in delivering physical healthcare but poorer scores in relation to barriers to physical healthcare delivery and smoking cessation. Given the non-equivalence of results on the attitudes to smoking subscale between Chee et al. [ 41 ] and Wynaden et al. [ 44 ], both conducted in Western Australia by related research teams, there are questions about the extent to which results are sample specific. Larger scale, representative data collection in Australia and New Zealand could therefore add significantly to the debate about nurses’ preparation for physical healthcare skills under different preparation regimes. As the PHASe authors’ note, the tool has not been subjected to tests of its stability or criterion validity and improvements in evidence for this would add significantly to the ability to draw sound conclusions from research using the tool. Findings from Osborne et al’s [ 47 ] large hospital-wide survey indicate that the gap in the physical health-related skills addressed by the PHASe is real and of concern.

Apart from the PHASe the literature is peppered with outcomes tools designed for single studies and with little evidence of anything other than face validity and internal consistency. Is it possible, we must ask, that this reflects that researchers are asking the wrong questions i.e., focusing overly on mental health nurses’ attitudes and self-proclaimed knowledge and efficacy when what is now required is a more robust approach to examining their actual knowledge and performance and, crucially, their impact on patient outcomes. Little seems to have been added to the literature on this since Hardy et al. [ 23 ] found no studies to include in their systematic review. Further, Haddad et al’s [ 43 ] study in a low secure forensic setting found nurses scoring favourably on PHASe subscales about attitudes to physical healthcare and to smoking compared with non-forensic nurses in the reference sample, suggesting perhaps that in a setting where length of stay is considerably longer then nurses have more opportunity to engage with patients in this aspect of care. Notably, however, nurses in the same sample compared unfavourably with the reference sample in terms of perceived involvement in actual physical healthcare, a somewhat contradictory finding.

For intervention studies, effect sizes were generally largest, and were in fact sometimes startlingly large, where interventions were targeted and outcomes were knowledge based (e.g., educational studies). This is unsurprising since educational interventions are generally evaluated against criteria that are specifically and directly addressed in the intervention. Outcomes tended to be measured immediately following the training [ 46 , 52 ], but their long term retention is generally not known and neither is any practical beneficial change to practice. The apparent potency of these interventions requires further testing in randomized designs with appropriate follow-up periods.

Some study samples in the current review included non-nursing staff; though their occurrence and representativeness was too limited to allow robust conclusions to be drawn about the relative state of nurses’ knowledge and attitudes within the multidisciplinary team context. Given the current review explicitly focused on mental health nurses then further research exploring the multidisciplinary aspects of physical health care provision is warranted.

Mental health nurses’ ability to provide routine physical healthcare has been highlighted in recent years. Recent literature provides a starting point for future research which must now concentrate on determining the effectiveness of nurse preparation for providing physical health care for people with mental disorder, determining the appropriate content for such preparation, and evaluating the effectiveness both in terms of nurse and patient- related outcomes. At the same time, developments are needed which are congruent with the needs and wants of patients. Perhaps what the included studies best demonstrate is that mental health nurses seem to realise that physical health care is part of their role.

Abbreviations

Medical Subject Headings

Physical Health Attitudes Scale for mental health nurses

Population Intervention Comparator Outcome

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses

Walker ER, McGee E, Druss BG. Mortality in mental disorders and global disease burden implications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiat. 2015;72(4):334–41. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.2502 .

Article   Google Scholar  

Olfson M, Gerhard T, Huang C. Premature mortality among adults with schizophrenia in the United States. JAMA Psychiat. 2015;72(12):1172–81. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1737 .

Drope J, Liber AC, Cahn Z, Stoklosa M, Kennedy R, Douglas CE, Henson R, Drope J. Who's still smoking? Disparities in adult cigarette smoking prevalence in the United States. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(2):106–15. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21444 .

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Annamalai A, Kosir U, Tek C. Prevalence of obesity and diabetes in patients with schizophrenia. World J Diabetes. 2017;8(8):390–6. https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v8.i8.390 .

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Tomiainen M, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Bjӧrkenstam C, Suvisaari J, Alexanderson K, Tiihonen J. Antipsychotic treatment and mortality in schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull. 2016;41(3):656–63. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbu164 .

World Health Organisation. Guidelines for the management of physical health conditions in adults with severe mental disorders. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

Google Scholar  

New South Wales Government. Physical Health Care of Mental Health Consumers. North Sydney: NSW Ministry of Health; 2017. Accessed 29 Jan 2019: https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/GL2017_019.pdf

Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Policy Unit. Improving the physical health of people with mental health problems: Actions for mental health nurses. London: Department of Health; 2016. Accessed 4 Jan 2019 at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/532253/JRA_Physical_Health_revised.pdf

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Keeping Body and Mind Together: Improving the physical health and life expectancy of people with serious mental illness. Melbourne: Victoria; 2015. Accessed 29 Jan 2019 at: https://www.ranzcp.org/files/resources/reports/ranzcp-keeping-body-and-mind-together.aspx

Department of Health. From values to action: the chief nursing Officer’s review of mental health nursing. London: DOH; 2006.

Robson D, Haddad M. Mental health nurses' attitudes towards the physical health care of people with severe and enduring mental illness: the development of a measurement tool. Int J Nurs Stud. 2012;49(1):72–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2011.07.011 .

Blythe J, White J. Role of the mental health nurse towards physical health care in serious mental illness: an integrative review of 10 years of UK literature. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2012;21(3):193–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00792.x .

Happell B, Scott D, Platania-Phung C. Perceptions of barriers to physical health care for people with serious mental illness: a review of the international literature. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2012;33(11):752–61. https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2012.708099 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D. A systematic review of nurse physical healthcare for consumers utilizing mental health services. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2014;21(1):11–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12041 .

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Collins E, Tranter S, Irvine F. The physical health of the seriously mentally ill: an overview of the literature. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2012;19(7):638–46. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2011.01831.x .

Estabrooks CA, Floyd JA, Scott-Findlay S, O’Leary KA, Gushta M. Individual determinants of research utilization: a systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 2003;43(5):506–20. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02748.x .

Melnyk BM, Fineout-Overholt E, Feinstein NF, Li H, Wilcox L, Kraus R. Nurses’ perceived knowledge, beliefs, skills and needs regarding evidence-based practice: implications for accelerating the paradigm shift. Worldviews Evid-Based Nurs. 2004;1(4):185193. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-475X.2004.04024.x .

Varnell G, Haas B, Duke G, Hudson K. Effect of an educational intervention on attitudes toward and implementation of evidence-based practice. Worldviews Evid-Based Nurs. 2008;5(4):172–81. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6787.2008.00124.x .

Bressington D, Badnapurkar A, Inoue S, Ma HY, Chien WT, Nelson D, Gray R. Physical health care for people with severe mental illness. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(343). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020343 .

Robson D, Haddad M, Gray R, Gournay K. Mental health nursing and physical health care: a cross-sectional study of nurses' attitudes, practice, and perceived training needs for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2013;22(5):409–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2012.00883.x .

Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med. 2009;6(7):e1000097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097 .

Munn Z, Srtern C, Aromataris E, Lockwood C, Jordan Z. What kind of systematic review should I conduct? A proposed typology and guidance for systematic reviewers in the medical and health sciences. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2018;18(5):1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-017-0468-4 .

Hardy S, White J, Deane K, Gray R. Educating healthcare professionals to act on the physical health needs of people with serious mental illness: a systematic search for evidence. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2011;18(8):721–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.13652850.2011.01722.x .

Bland AJ, Topping A, Wood B. A concept analysis of simulation as a learning strategy in the education of undergraduate nursing students. Nurse Educ Today. 2011;31:664–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2010.10.013 .

Thomas BH, Ciliska D, Dobbins M, Micucci S. A process for systematically reviewing the literature: providing the research evidence for public health nursing interventions. Worldviews Evid-Based Nurs. 2004;1(3):176–84. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-475X.2004.04006.x .

NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (n.d.). Study Quality Assessment Tools: Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross Sectional Studies. Accessed 28 Apr 2018: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-pro/guidelines/in-develop/cardiovascular-risk-reduction/tools

Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (n.d.). CASP checklist: 10 questions to help you make sense of qualitative research. Oxford: CASP. Available at: https://casp-uk.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CASP-Qualitative-Checklist-2018.pdf . Accessed 16 Apr 2019.

Campbell MJ. Statistics at square one (9th edition) T.D.V. Swinscow [revised by M.J. Campbell]: University of Southampton: BMJ publishing group; 1997. Accessed 14 Jun 2018: https://www.bmj.com/about-bmj/resources-readers/publications/statistics-square-one/

Wilson, D.B. (n.d.). Practical meta-analysis effect size calculator. Accessed 11 Mar 2019 https://campbellcollaboration.org/escalc/html/EffectSizeCalculator-SMD-main.php .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D. Are nurses in mental health services providing physical health care for people with serious mental illness? An Australian perspective. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2013;34(3):198–207. https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2012.733907 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D. Physical health care for people with mental illness: training needs for nurses. Nurse Educ Today. 2013;33:396–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2013.01.015 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D. Proposed nurse-led initiatives in improving physical health of people with serious mental illness: a survey of nurses in mental health. J Clin Nurs. 2013;23:1018–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12371 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D, Nankivell J. Communication with colleagues: frequency of collaboration regarding physical health of consumers with mental illness. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2014;50(1):33–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12021 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D. What determines whether nurses provide physical health care to consumers with serious mental illness? Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2014;28:87–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2013.11.001 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D, Stanton R. Predictors of nurse support for the introduction of the cardiometabolic health nurse in the Australian mental health sector. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2015;51(3):162–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12077 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C. Cardiovascular health promotion and consumers with mental illness in Australia. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2015;36:286–93. https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2014.981770 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Stanton R, Millar F. Exploring the views of nurses on the cardiometabolic health nurse in mental health services in Australia. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2015;36:135–44. https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2014.901449 .

Happell B, Platania-Phung C, Scott D, Hanley C. Access to dental care and dental ill-health of people with serious mental illness: views of nurses working in mental health settings in Australia. Aust J Prim Health. 2015;21(1):32–7. https://doi.org/10.1071/PY13044 .

Klein TA, Graves JM. A comparison of psychiatric and non-psychiatric nurse practitioner knowledge and management recommendations regarding adolescent mild traumatic brain injury. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2017;23(1):37–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390316668992 .

Clancy R, Lewin TJ, Bowman JA, Kelly BJ, Mullen AD, Flanagan K, Hazelton MJ. Providing physical health care for people accessing mental health services: clinicians’ perceptions of their role. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2018;28(1):256–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12529 .

Chee G, Wynaden D, Heslop K. The provision of physical health care by nurses to young people with first episode psychosis: a cross-sectional study. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2018;25(7):411–22.

Ganiah AN, Al-Hussami M, Alhadidi M. Mental health nurses’ attitudes and practice toward physical health care in Jordan. Community Ment Health J. 2017;53(6):725–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0143-6 .

Haddad M, Llewellyn-Jones S, Yarnold S, Simpson A. Improving the physical health of people with severe mental illness in a low secure forensic unit: an uncontrolled evaluation study of staff training and physical health care plans. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2016;25(6):554–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12246 .

Wynaden D, Heslop B, Heslop K, Barr L, Lim E, Chee GL, Murdock J. The chasm of care: where does the mental health nursing responsibility lie for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness? Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2016;25(6):516–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12242 .

Howard L, Gamble C. Supporting mental health nurses to address the physical health needs of people with serious mental illness in acute inpatient care settings. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2010;18(2):105112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01642.x .

Terry J, Cutter J. Does education improve mental health practitioners' confidence in meeting the physical health needs of mental health service users? A mixed methods pilot study. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2013;34(4):249–55. https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2012.740768 .

Osborn S, Douglas C, Reid C, Jones L, Gardner G. The primacy of vital signs – acute care nurses’ and midwives’ use of physical assessment skills: a cross sectional study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2015;52:952–62 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.01.014 .

Artzi-Medvedik R, Chertok IRA, Romem Y. Nurses' attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia in southern Israel. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 19(8):702–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2011.01846.x .

Hunter J, Rawlings-Anderson K, Lindsay T, Bowden T, Aitken LM. Exploring student nurses' attitudes towards those who are obese and whether these attitudes change following a simulated activity. Nurse Educ Today. 2018;65:225–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.03.013 .

Magor-Blatch LE, Rugendyke AR. Going smoke-free: attitudes of mental health professionals to policy change. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2016;23(5):290–302. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12309 .

Sung SC, Jiang HH, Chen RR, Chao JK. Bridging the gap in sexual healthcare in nursing practice: implementing a sexual healthcare training programme to improve outcomes. J Clin Nurs. 2016;25:19–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13441 2989-3000.

Wynn SD. Improving the quality of care of veterans with diabetes: a simulation intervention for psychiatric nurses. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2011;49(2):38–45. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20110111-01 .

Brimblecombe N, Tingle A, Tunmore R, Murrells T. Implementing holistic practices in mental health nursing: a national consultation. Int J Nurs Stud. 2007;44(3):339–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.07.021 .

Delaney KR, Hamera E, Drew BL. Health advanced practice nursing: the adequacy of educational preparation: voices of our graduates. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2009;15(6):383–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390309353070 .

Mwebe H. Physical health monitoring in mental health settings: a study exploring mental health nurses' views of their role. J Clin Nurs. 2017;26(19/20):3067–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13653 .

Çelik Ince S, Partlak Günüşen N, Serçe Ö. The opinions of Turkish mental health nurses on physical health care for individuals with mental illness: a qualitative study. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2018;25(4):245–57.

Happell B, Stanton R, Hoey W, Scott D. Reduced ambivalence to the role of the cardiometabolic health nurse following a 6-month trial. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2015;51(2):80–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12066 .

Sharp DL, Blaakman SW, Cole RE, Evinger JS. Report from a national tobacco dependence survey of psychiatric nurses. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2009;15(3):172–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390309336746 .

Dorsay JP, Forchuk C. Assessment of the sexuality needs of individuals with psychiatric disability. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2009;1(2):93–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.1994.tb00025.x .

Quinn C, Platania-Phung C, Bale C, Happell B, Hughes E. Understanding the current sexual health service provision for mental health consumers by nurses in mental health settings: findings from a survey in Australia and England. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2018;27(5):1522–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12452 .

Verhaege N, De Maeseneer J, Maes L, Van Heeringen C, Annemans L. Health promotion in mental health care: perceptions from patients and mental health nurses. J Clin Nurs. 2013;22(11–12):1569–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12076 .

Johannessen B, Skagestad I, Bergkaasa AM. Food as medicine in psychiatric care: which profession should be responsible for imparting knowledge and use of omega-3 fatty acids in psychiatry. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011;17(2):107–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.08.001 .

Hughes E, Gray R. HIV prevention for people with serious mental illness: a survey of mental health workers' attitudes, knowledge and practice. J Clin Nurs. 2009;18(4):591–600. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02227.x .

Sharma R, Meurk C, Bell S, Ford P, Gartner C. Australian mental health care practitioners’ practices and attitudes for encouraging smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction in smokers with severe mental illness. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2018;27:247–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12314 .

Parel JT, Khakha DC, Balhara YPS. Do psychiatric nurses have favourable knowledge and attitude towards tobacco prevention among their patients? A cross-sectional study from national capital of India. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2018;8(1):01–4. https://doi.org/10.5958/2349-2996.2018.00001.0 .

Fernando A, Attoe C, Jaye P, Cross S, Pathan J, Wessely S. Improving interprofessional approaches to physical and psychiatric comorbidities through simulation. Clin Simul Nurs. 2017;13(4):186193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2016.12.004 .

White J, Hemingway S, Stephenson J. Training mental health nurses to assess the physical health needs of mental health service users: a pre- and post-test analysis. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2014;50(4):243–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12048 .

Hemingway S, Clifton A, Stephenson J, Edward KL. Facilitating knowledge of mental health nurses to undertake physical health interventions: a pre-test/post-test evaluation. J Nurs Manag. 2014;22(3):383–93. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12220 .

Hemingway S, Stephenson J, Trotter F, Clifton A, Holdich P. Increasing the health literacy of learning disability and mental health nurses in physical care skills: a pre and post-test evaluation of a workshop on diabetes care. Nurse Educ Pract. 2015;15(1):30–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2014.08.003 .

Hemingway S, Trotter F, Stephenson J, Holdich P. Diabetes: Increasing the knowledge base of mental health nurses. Br J Nurs. 2013;22(17):991–5. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2013.22.17.991 .

Nash M. Physical care skills: a training needs analysis of inpatient and community mental health nurses. Ment Health Pract. 2005;9(4):20–3. https://doi.org/10.7748/mhp2005.12.9.4.20.c1896 .

Happell B, Scott D, Nankivell J, Platania-Phung C. Nurses’ views on training needs to increase provision of primary care for consumers with serious mental illness. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2013;49:210–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6163.2012.00351.x .

Happell B, Scott D, Nankivell J, Platania-Phung C. Screening physical health? Yes! But…: nurses’ views on physical health screening in mental health care. J Clin Nurs. 2013;22:2286–97. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04325.x .

Birks M, Cant R, James A, Chung C, Davis J. The use of physical assessment skills by registered nurses in Australia: issues for nursing education. Collegian. 2012;20:27–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2012.02.004 .

Giddens JF. A survey of physical assessment techniques performed by RNs: lessons for nursing education. J Nurs Educ. 2007;46:83–7.

PubMed   Google Scholar  

Douglas C, Osborne S, Reid C, Batch M, Hollingdrake O, Gardner G. What factors influence nurses’ assessment practices? Development of the barriers to nurses’ use of physical assessment scale. J Adv Nurs. 2014;70:2683–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12408 .

Phelan M, Stradins L, Amin D, Isadore R, Hitrov C, Doyle A, Inglis R. The physical health check: a tool for mental health workers. J Ment Health. 2004;13(3):277–85. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230410001700907 .

Shuel F, White J, Jones M, Gray R. Using the serious mental illness health improvement profile [HIP] to identify physical problems in a cohort of community patients: a pragmatic case series evaluation. Int J Nurs Stud. 2010;47(2):136–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.06.003 .

Freed GL, Clark SJ, Sorensen J, Lohr JA, Cefalo R, Curtis P. National assessment of physicians’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, training, and experience. JAMA. 1995;273:472–6.

Corrigan P, Markowitz FE, Watson A, Rowan D, Kubiak MA. An attribution model of public discrimination towards persons with mental illness. J Health Soc Behav. 2003;44(2):162–79.

Shore TH, Tashchian A, Adams JS. Development and validation of a scale measuring attitudes toward smoking. J Soc Psychol. 2000;140(5):615–23.

Nash M. Mental health nurses' diabetes care skills - a training needs analysis. Br J Nurs. 2009;18(10):626–30. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2009.18.10.42472 .

Quinn C, Happell B, Browne G. Opportunity lost? Psychiatric medications and problems with sexual function: a role for nurses in mental health. J Clin Nurs. 2011;21:415–23. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03908.x .

Ford P, Tran P, Keen B, Gartner C. Survey of Australian oral health practitioners and their smoking cessation practices. Aust Dent J. 2015;60:43–51.

Morris C, Waxmonsky J, May M, Giese A, Martin L. Smoking cessation for persons with mental illness: a toolkit for mental health providers: University pf Colorado Denver, CO; 2009. Accessed 19 Mar 2019: https://www.integration.samhsa.gov/Smoking_Cessation_for_Persons_with_MI.pdf

Watson L, Oberle K, Deutscher D. Development and psychometric testing of the Nurses' attitudes toward obesity and obese patients scale (NATOOPS). Res Nurs Health. 2008;31(6):586–93. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20292 .

Lasater K. Clinical judgment development: using simulation to create an assessment rubric. J Nurs Educ. 2007;46(11):496–503. https://doi.org/10.1097/NND.0000000000000209 .

Download references

Acknowledgements

The study was partly funded as part of the CUBIC Capability, Capacity and Cultural Change project funded by Nursing and Midwifery Office (NaMO) New South Wales

‘The funding body played no part in the in the design of the study, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, and in writing the manuscript.’

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files] and, where applicable data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Professor Mental Health Nursing, Centre for Applied Nursing Research (CANR), Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia

Geoffrey L. Dickens, Cheryl Waters, Evan Atlantis & Bronwyn Everett

South West Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia

Geoffrey L. Dickens

Division of Mental Health Nursing and Counselling, Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

GLD conceived of and designed the study. GLD, RI, CW, EA, BE contributed to acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data. GLD, RI, CW, EA, BE contributed to drafting the manuscript or revising it critically for important intellectual content. GLD, RI, CW, EA, BE gave final approval of the version to be published. GLD, RI, CW, EA, BE agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Geoffrey L. Dickens .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Competing interests.

The authors declare they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Additional files

Additional file 1:.

Table S1. Example PICO-style electronic literature search. Example literature search (DOCX 13 kb)

Additional file 2:

Table S2. Controlled intervention evaluation study quality assessment. Study Quality Assessment (controlled intervention study) (DOCX 13 kb)

Additional file 3:

Table S3. Cross-sectional, observational studies quality assessment (adapted from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [ 26 ]. Study Quality Assessment (Cross-sectional and observational studies) (DOCX 16 kb)

Additional file 4:

Table S4. Longitudinal uncontrolled intervention study quality assessment. Study Quality Assessment (uncontrolled intervention studies) (DOCX 14 kb)

Additional file 5:

Table S5. Qualitative study quality assessment. Study Quality Assessment. (Qualitative studies) (DOCX 14 kb)

Additional file 6:

Table S6. Outcome measure content and quality assessment. Quality assessment of outcomes measures used in studies. (DOCX 25 kb)

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ ) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Dickens, G.L., Ion, R., Waters, C. et al. Mental health nurses’ attitudes, experience, and knowledge regarding routine physical healthcare: systematic, integrative review of studies involving 7,549 nurses working in mental health settings. BMC Nurs 18 , 16 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-019-0339-x

Download citation

Received : 30 October 2018

Accepted : 01 April 2019

Published : 26 April 2019

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-019-0339-x

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Mental health nurses
• Emergency medicine
• Deteriorating patient
• Educational interventions

BMC Nursing

ISSN: 1472-6955

• General enquiries: [email protected]

Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

• What They Include
• Choosing a Topic
• Best Nursing Research Topics
• Research Paper Writing Tips

Writing a research paper is a massive task that involves careful organization, critical analysis, and a lot of time. Some nursing students are natural writers, while others struggle to select a nursing research topic, let alone write about it.

If you're a nursing student who dreads writing research papers, this article may help ease your anxiety. We'll cover everything you need to know about writing nursing school research papers and the top topics for nursing research.  

Continue reading to make your paper-writing jitters a thing of the past.

A nursing research paper is a work of academic writing composed by a nurse or nursing student. The paper may present information on a specific topic or answer a question.

During LPN/LVN and RN programs, most papers you write focus on learning to use research databases, evaluate appropriate resources, and format your writing with APA style. You'll then synthesize your research information to answer a question or analyze a topic.

BSN , MSN , Ph.D., and DNP programs also write nursing research papers. Students in these programs may also participate in conducting original research studies.

Writing papers during your academic program improves and develops many skills, including the ability to:

• Select nursing topics for research
• Conduct effective research
• Analyze published academic literature
• Format and cite sources
• Synthesize data
• Organize and articulate findings

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

You may need to write a research paper for any of the nursing courses you take. Research papers help develop critical thinking and communication skills. They allow you to learn how to conduct research and critically review publications.

That said, not every class will require in-depth, 10-20-page papers. The more advanced your degree path, the more you can expect to write and conduct research. If you're in an associate or bachelor's program, you'll probably write a few papers each semester or term.

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

Most of the time, you won't be designing, conducting, and evaluating new research. Instead, your projects will focus on learning the research process and the scientific method. You'll achieve these objectives by evaluating existing nursing literature and sources and defending a thesis.

However, many nursing faculty members do conduct original research. So, you may get opportunities to participate in, and publish, research articles.

Example Research Project Scenario:

In your maternal child nursing class, the professor assigns the class a research paper regarding developmentally appropriate nursing interventions for the pediatric population. While that may sound specific, you have almost endless opportunities to narrow down the focus of your writing. 

You could choose pain intervention measures in toddlers. Conversely, you can research the effects of prolonged hospitalization on adolescents' social-emotional development.

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

Your professor should provide a thorough guideline of the scope of the paper. In general, an undergraduate nursing research paper will consist of:

Introduction : A brief overview of the research question/thesis statement your paper will discuss. You can include why the topic is relevant.

Body : This section presents your research findings and allows you to synthesize the information and data you collected. You'll have a chance to articulate your evaluation and answer your research question. The length of this section depends on your assignment.

Conclusion : A brief review of the information and analysis you presented throughout the body of the paper. This section is a recap of your paper and another chance to reassert your thesis.

The best advice is to follow your instructor's rubric and guidelines. Remember to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid overcomplicating the assignment!

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

The sheer volume of prospective nursing research topics can become overwhelming for students. Additionally, you may get the misconception that all the 'good' research ideas are exhausted. However, a personal approach may help you narrow down a research topic and find a unique angle.

Writing your research paper about a topic you value or connect with makes the task easier. Additionally, you should consider the material's breadth. Topics with plenty of existing literature will make developing a research question and thesis smoother.

Finally, feel free to shift gears if necessary, especially if you're still early in the research process. If you start down one path and have trouble finding published information, ask your professor if you can choose another topic.

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

You have endless subject choices for nursing research papers. This non-exhaustive list just scratches the surface of some of the best nursing research topics.

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

• Analyze the use of telehealth/virtual nursing to reduce inpatient nurse duties.
• Discuss the impact of evidence-based respiratory interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• Explore the effectiveness of pain management protocols in pediatric patients.

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of nurse-led diabetes education in Type II Diabetics.
• Analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

• Review the effectiveness of simulation-based learning to improve nursing students' clinical skills.
• Identify methods that best prepare pre-licensure students for clinical practice.
• Investigate factors that influence nurses to pursue advanced degrees.
• Evaluate education methods that enhance cultural competence among nurses.
• Describe the role of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and burnout among nurses.

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

• Explore patient outcomes related to nurse staffing levels in acute behavioral health settings.
• Assess the effectiveness of mental health education among emergency room nurses .
• Explore de-escalation techniques that result in improved patient outcomes.
• Review the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in improving patient outcomes.

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of parental involvement in pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
• Explore challenges related to chronic illness management in pediatric patients.
• Review the role of play therapy and other therapeutic interventions that alleviate anxiety among hospitalized children.

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

• Analyze the effects of short staffing on nurse burnout .
• Evaluate factors that facilitate resiliency among nursing professionals.
• Examine predictors of nurse dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Posit how nursing theories influence modern nursing practice.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

The best nursing research advice we can provide is to follow your professor's rubric and instructions. However, here are a few study tips for nursing students to make paper writing less painful:

Avoid procrastination: Everyone says it, but few follow this advice. You can significantly lower your stress levels if you avoid procrastinating and start working on your project immediately.

Plan Ahead: Break down the writing process into smaller sections, especially if it seems overwhelming. Give yourself time for each step in the process.

Research: Use your resources and ask for help from the librarian or instructor. The rest should come together quickly once you find high-quality studies to analyze.

Outline: Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts. Then, you can plug in information throughout the research process. 

Clear Language: Use plain language as much as possible to get your point across. Jargon is inevitable when writing academic nursing papers, but keep it to a minimum.

Cite Properly: Accurately cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Nursing research papers will almost always implement APA style. Check out the resources below for some excellent reference management options.

Revise and Edit: Once you finish your first draft, put it away for one to two hours or, preferably, a whole day. Once you've placed some space between you and your paper, read through and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Reading your essay out loud is an excellent way to check for the 'flow' of the paper.

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

Purdue OWL (Online writing lab) has a robust APA guide covering everything you need about APA style and rules.

Grammarly helps you edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Upgrading to a paid plan will get you plagiarism detection, formatting, and engagement suggestions. This tool is excellent to help you simplify complicated sentences.

Mendeley is a free reference management software. It stores, organizes, and cites references. It has a Microsoft plug-in that inserts and correctly formats APA citations.

Don't let nursing research papers scare you away from starting nursing school or furthering your education. Their purpose is to develop skills you'll need to be an effective nurse: critical thinking, communication, and the ability to review published information critically.

Choose a great topic and follow your teacher's instructions; you'll finish that paper in no time.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party, and you may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics , which serves as a crucial resource for nursing students assigned to write research papers. The field of psychiatric-mental health nursing is vast, encompassing a wide variety of topics related to mental health care. This extensive list has been carefully curated to include a diverse range of topics divided into ten distinct categories, making it easier for students to find a subject of interest and relevance to their studies. In addition to the list of topics, the page also includes a detailed article discussing the significance of psychiatric-mental health nursing and the various aspects it covers. Additionally, the page offers information on iResearchNet’s writing services, providing an opportunity for students to order custom-written research papers if needed. Ultimately, this page serves as a one-stop resource for students, aiding them in selecting a topic, understanding the importance of psychiatric-mental health nursing, and, if necessary, ordering a custom research paper.

100 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

The field of psychiatric-mental health nursing is incredibly diverse, providing a wide range of research opportunities. Understanding the various aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing is crucial for providing comprehensive care to patients with mental health issues. This section provides a comprehensive list of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics, categorized into ten different areas of focus. These topics are carefully selected to cover the most pertinent issues and trends in the field, encouraging students to explore and contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Understanding Mental Health Disorders

• The role of genetic factors in the development of schizophrenia.
• The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
• The relationship between anxiety disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
• The link between depression and chronic pain.
• The effect of sleep disorders on mental health.
• The role of nutrition in managing mental health disorders.
• The impact of substance abuse on mental health.
• The relationship between personality disorders and criminal behavior.
• The role of social support in managing bipolar disorder.
• The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on quality of life.

Psychopharmacology in Mental Health Nursing

• The effectiveness of antidepressants in managing major depressive disorder.
• The side effects of antipsychotic medications.
• The role of mood stabilizers in managing bipolar disorder.
• The impact of benzodiazepines on cognitive function.
• The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in managing anxiety disorders.
• The role of psychostimulants in managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The impact of medication adherence on treatment outcomes in schizophrenia.
• The role of pharmacogenomics in personalized treatment of mental health disorders.
• The effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression.
• The impact of polypharmacy on treatment outcomes in elderly patients with mental health disorders.

Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of therapeutic communication on patient outcomes in mental health care.
• The role of non-verbal communication in building therapeutic relationships with patients.
• The effectiveness of motivational interviewing in substance abuse treatment.
• The impact of active listening on patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.
• The role of empathy in mental health nursing.
• The effectiveness of group therapy in managing social anxiety disorder.
• The impact of family therapy on the mental health of adolescents.
• The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing depression.
• The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in managing borderline personality disorder.
• The impact of psychoeducation on the management of schizophrenia.

Mental Health Promotion and Prevention

• The role of school-based mental health programs in preventing adolescent depression.
• The effectiveness of community-based mental health promotion programs.
• The impact of workplace mental health promotion programs on employee well-being.
• The role of physical activity in preventing mental health disorders.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in preventing anxiety and depression.
• The impact of social support on the prevention of mental health disorders.
• The role of early intervention programs in preventing the development of psychosis.
• The effectiveness of suicide prevention programs in reducing suicide rates.
• The impact of anti-stigma campaigns on public attitudes towards mental health.
• The role of primary care providers in mental health promotion and prevention.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of involuntary hospitalization on the mental health of patients.
• The role of advanced directives in mental health care.
• The effectiveness of mental health courts in reducing recidivism rates.
• The impact of confidentiality breaches on the therapeutic relationship.
• The role of informed consent in mental health care.
• The effectiveness of restraint and seclusion in managing aggressive behavior.
• The impact of medication refusal on treatment outcomes.
• The role of ethics committees in resolving ethical dilemmas in mental health care.
• The effectiveness of de-escalation techniques in managing aggressive behavior.
• The impact of legal and ethical issues on the role of the mental health nurse.

Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan

• The impact of developmental stages on the mental health of individuals.
• The role of mental health nursing in the care of children and adolescents.
• The effectiveness of mental health interventions for older adults.
• The impact of life transitions on mental health.
• The role of mental health nursing in the care of pregnant and postpartum women.
• The effectiveness of mental health interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• The impact of aging on mental health.
• The role of mental health nursing in the care of individuals with dementia.
• The effectiveness of mental health interventions for adolescents with eating disorders.
• The impact of end-of-life care on the mental health of patients and their families.

Cultural Competence in Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of cultural competence on patient satisfaction and outcomes in mental health care.
• The role of cultural competence in building therapeutic relationships with patients from diverse backgrounds.
• The effectiveness of culturally tailored interventions in managing mental health disorders.
• The impact of language barriers on access to mental health care.
• The role of cultural competence in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders.
• The effectiveness of cultural competence training for mental health professionals.
• The impact of cultural beliefs and practices on mental health.
• The role of cultural competence in the prevention of mental health disorders.
• The effectiveness of culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing depression.
• The impact of cultural competence on the delivery of mental health services to immigrant and refugee populations.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing in Various Settings

• The role of mental health nursing in primary care settings.
• The effectiveness of mental health nursing interventions in acute care settings.
• The impact of mental health nursing on patient outcomes in long-term care settings.
• The role of mental health nursing in community mental health services.
• The effectiveness of mental health nursing interventions in correctional facilities.
• The impact of mental health nursing on patient outcomes in home health care.
• The role of mental health nursing in school-based mental health services.
• The effectiveness of mental health nursing interventions in emergency departments.
• The impact of mental health nursing on patient outcomes in psychiatric hospitals.
• The role of mental health nursing in substance abuse treatment centers.

Technological Advances in Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of telepsychiatry on access to mental health care in rural areas.
• The role of electronic health records in improving the quality of mental health care.
• The effectiveness of online support groups in managing mental health disorders.
• The impact of mobile applications on medication adherence in patients with mental health disorders.
• The role of virtual reality in the treatment of phobias.
• The effectiveness of online cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing anxiety disorders.
• The impact of teletherapy on patient satisfaction and outcomes in mental health care.
• The role of technology in enhancing communication between mental health professionals and patients.
• The effectiveness of online psychoeducation in the management of bipolar disorder.
• The impact of technology on the role of the mental health nurse.

Emerging Trends in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers.
• The role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in addressing the opioid crisis.
• The effectiveness of trauma-informed care in managing post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The impact of the integration of mental health and primary care services on patient outcomes.
• The role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ populations.
• The effectiveness of peer support in the management of mental health disorders.
• The impact of climate change on mental health.
• The role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in addressing the mental health needs of immigrant and refugee populations.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in managing stress and burnout among mental health professionals.
• The impact of social media on mental health.

The psychiatric-mental health nursing field offers a vast array of research opportunities, as evident from the extensive list of topics provided above. These topics encompass various aspects of mental health care, from understanding mental health disorders to exploring the ethical and legal considerations in psychiatric-mental health nursing. It is crucial for students and professionals in the field to engage in research to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of mental health care. This list of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics serves as a starting point for students to explore and contribute to this vital field of nursing.

The Range of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

Psychiatric-mental health nursing is a specialized field of nursing that is dedicated to promoting mental health through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders and conditions. This field of nursing is incredibly important, as mental health disorders are prevalent and can have a significant impact on individuals’ overall health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. This staggering statistic underscores the critical need for skilled psychiatric-mental health nurses who can provide comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals with mental health needs.

The significance of psychiatric-mental health nursing is multifaceted. First and foremost, psychiatric-mental health nurses play a crucial role in providing care and support to individuals with mental health disorders. They are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help for mental health issues and play a key role in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurses also develop and implement treatment plans, provide psychoeducation to patients and their families, and offer support and counseling. Additionally, they play a vital role in crisis intervention and the management of acute mental health episodes.

Furthermore, psychiatric-mental health nurses also play a critical role in promoting mental health and preventing mental health disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, schools, and primary care clinics, where they provide mental health education and promote strategies for maintaining good mental health. Additionally, psychiatric-mental health nurses often work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health needs.

Various aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing offer a wide range of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics. One critical area of focus is mental health assessment. This involves the evaluation of an individual’s mental health status through the use of various assessment tools and techniques. Research in this area might explore the validity and reliability of different mental health assessment tools, the impact of cultural differences on mental health assessment, or the development of new assessment tools and techniques.

Another important aspect of psychiatric-mental health nursing is treatment and intervention strategies. This encompasses a wide range of approaches, from psychopharmacology to psychotherapy to lifestyle interventions. Psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics in this area might include the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for specific mental health disorders, the impact of treatment adherence on treatment outcomes, or the development of new intervention strategies.

The role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse is another crucial aspect of this field. Psychiatric-mental health nurses have a unique set of skills and competencies that enable them to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health needs. Research topics in this area might explore the impact of nurse-patient relationships on treatment outcomes, the role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in interdisciplinary teams, or the development of new competencies and skills for psychiatric-mental health nurses.

In addition to these areas, there are many other aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing that offer a wealth of research opportunities. For example, legal and ethical issues in psychiatric-mental health nursing, the role of technology in mental health care, and the mental health needs of specific populations, such as the elderly, children, or individuals with co-occurring disorders, are all important areas of focus.

Overall, the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing offers a wide range of research opportunities. From mental health assessment to treatment and intervention strategies to the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse, there are numerous psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics to explore. Engaging in research in this field is crucial for the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of mental health care for individuals around the world.

In conclusion, psychiatric-mental health nursing is a vital field that plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and providing care and support to individuals with mental health needs. The various aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing offer a wide range of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics, from mental health assessment to treatment and intervention strategies to the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse. Engaging in research in this field is essential for advancing knowledge and improving mental health care worldwide.

iResearchNet’s Custom Writing Services

iResearchNet is a leading provider of custom writing services, designed to assist students in achieving academic excellence. Our team of expert writers is committed to providing top-quality academic papers, tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need help with a research paper, essay, dissertation, or any other academic assignment, iResearchNet is here to provide you with the support you need.

Features of iResearchNet’s Writing Services

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers: Our team consists of highly qualified writers, each holding a minimum of a Master’s degree in their respective fields. This ensures that your paper is written by an expert with a deep understanding of your subject matter.
• Custom Written Works: Each paper is crafted from scratch, according to your specific instructions. This ensures that your paper is unique, original, and tailored to your requirements.
• In-depth Research: Our writers conduct thorough research on each topic, using a variety of reliable sources. This ensures that your paper is well-researched, accurate, and comprehensive.
• Custom Formatting: Your paper will be formatted according to your preferred style guide, whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard. This ensures that your paper meets the specific formatting requirements of your institution.
• Top Quality: We are committed to providing top-quality work. Each paper is carefully reviewed by our quality assurance team to ensure that it meets our high standards.
• Customized Solutions: We understand that each student has unique needs. Therefore, we offer customized solutions to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a paper written from scratch, editing and proofreading services, or assistance with a specific part of your paper, we are here to help.
• Flexible Pricing: We offer flexible pricing options to suit your budget. Our prices are competitive, and we provide a detailed price quote upfront, with no hidden fees.
• Short Deadlines up to 3 hours: We understand that sometimes you may need your paper urgently. We offer short deadlines up to 3 hours for certain types of assignments.
• Timely Delivery: We are committed to delivering your paper on time, every time. You can count on us to meet your deadline.
• 24/7 Support: Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. You can contact us via phone, email, or live chat.
• Absolute Privacy: We respect your privacy and take all necessary measures to protect your personal information. Your personal details will never be shared with any third party.
• Easy Order Tracking: Our user-friendly online platform allows you to easily track the progress of your order. You can also communicate directly with your writer through our messaging system.
• Money-Back Guarantee: We are confident in the quality of our services. However, if you are not satisfied with the final product, we offer a money-back guarantee.

iResearchNet is committed to providing top-quality writing services to help students achieve academic success. Our expert degree-holding writers, custom written works, in-depth research, and custom formatting ensure that your paper is of the highest quality. Our customized solutions, flexible pricing, and short deadlines cater to your specific needs. With our timely delivery, 24/7 support, absolute privacy, easy order tracking, and money-back guarantee, you can have complete peace of mind when you choose iResearchNet for your academic writing needs.

Secure Your Success with iResearchNet

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of assignments and deadlines looming over your head? You are not alone. Many nursing students struggle to find the time and resources necessary to complete their psychiatric-mental health nursing research papers. That’s where iResearchNet comes in. We are here to provide you with top-quality, custom-written research papers that will not only help you to achieve your academic goals but also to deepen your understanding of psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Our team of expert writers is highly qualified and experienced in the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing. They are adept at conducting in-depth research and creating comprehensive, well-structured, and meticulously referenced research papers. When you order a custom research paper from iResearchNet, you can be confident that you are receiving a paper of the highest quality, tailored to your specific requirements and formatted according to your preferred style guide.

Submitting a high-quality research paper is crucial for your academic success. It demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter, your ability to conduct thorough research, and your skill in organizing and presenting information in a clear and coherent manner. A well-crafted research paper can significantly impact your final grade and your future career prospects in the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing. Don’t take chances with your academic and professional future. Trust iResearchNet to provide you with the top-quality research paper you need to succeed.

Take the First Step Towards Your Success

Don’t wait until the last minute to start your psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper. Take the first step towards your academic success by ordering a custom research paper from iResearchNet today. Our user-friendly online platform makes it easy to place your order, and our 24/7 customer support team is always here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. With our absolute privacy policy, you can be assured that your personal information will be kept confidential. And with our money-back guarantee, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that your satisfaction is our top priority. Invest in your future by choosing iResearchNet for your academic writing needs.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

Nursing Perspectives in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders in All Patients

Loading... Editorial Frontiers in Psychology Nursing Perspectives in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders in All Patients Elsa Vitale , Selmin Köse  and  Yun-Chen Chang 860 views 0 citations

Loading... Original Research 24 April 2023 Depression and quality of life among Macau residents in the 2022 COVID-19 pandemic wave from the perspective of network analysis Tong Leong Si ,  13 more  and  Yu-Tao Xiang 2,645 views 3 citations

Loading... Original Research 24 February 2023 Social support mediates the relationship between illness perception and psychosocial adaptation among young and middle-aged kidney transplant recipients in China Na Hu ,  1 more  and  Tiantian Chang 2,188 views 4 citations

Original Research 23 February 2023 Why do pregnant women with fear of birth prefer vaginal birth? A qualitative study in China Tieying Zeng ,  3 more  and  Ke Zhang 2,140 views 0 citations

Loading... Original Research 06 January 2023 The quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis – Association with depressive symptoms and physical disability: A prospective and observational study Aleksandra Kołtuniuk ,  2 more  and  Justyna Chojdak-Łukasiewicz 3,797 views 5 citations

Loading... Original Research 22 December 2022 The role of parents in the care for adolescents suffering from emotional and behavioral problems Jaroslava Mackova ,  4 more  and  Sijmen A. Reijneveld 4,509 views 3 citations

Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing

50+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a nursing-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of nursing-related research ideas and topic thought-starters, including general nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrics and gynaecological nursing, ICU and mental health nursing.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the nursing domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Nursing Research Topics

• General nursing-related topics
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Obstetrics and gynaecological nursing
• ICU nursing
• Mental health nursing

General Nursing Research Topics & Ideas

• The impact of cultural competence on patient care in the UK
• The importance of evidence-based practice in nursing for patients with HIV/AIDS
• The effects of workplace stress on nurse well-being and performance
• The role of nurse-patient communication for patients transitioning from adolescent to adult care
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare for the rehabilitation of patients post-surgery
• The effects of fatigue on nurse performance in the emergency room
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in rural areas
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing chronic conditions: a case study of diabetes
• The impact of patient-centred care on health outcomes for the elderly
• The importance of patient safety in nursing: bedside nurse vigilance
• The effects of empathy and compassion in critical care nursing
• The role of nursing in disaster preparedness and response: a case study of the Haiti earthquake of 2021
• The impact of the level of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The importance of ethical considerations in frail care nursing practice

Topics & Ideas: Medical-Surgical Nursing

• The impact of bedside care on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• The role of the nurse in managing post-operative patient pain
• The effects of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• A systematic review of different approaches to patient education in medical-surgical units
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction in medical-surgical units: perspectives and recommendations to improving patient satisfaction

Topics & Ideas: Pediatrics Nursing

• The impact of family-centered care on pediatric patient outcomes with sickle cell anemia
• The role of nursing interventions in promoting developmental and behavioral health in pediatric patients
• The effects of play therapy on anxiety and pain in pediatric patients during hospitilisation
• A systematic review of different approaches to pain management in pediatric cancer patients
• The relationship between parent involvement and post-operative patient outcomes in pediatric units

Ideas: Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led prenatal care on maternal and fetal outcomes in African American communities
• The role of the nurse in promoting sexual and reproductive health for women in the UK
• The effects of midwifery care on maternal satisfaction of primiparous women and birth outcomes
• A comparative study of different approaches to childbirth education for expectant mothers and partners: perceptions of control
• The relationship between lactation support and breastfeeding success of primiparous women

Topics & Ideas: ICU Nursing

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in intensive care units in a developing country
• The role of the nurse in managing palliative and end-of-life care in the ICU
• The effects of family presence on patient outcomes and satisfaction in the ICU: A systematic review of the literature
• A comparative study of different approaches to pain management for trauma patients in the ICU
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and geriatric patient outcomes in ICU

Topics & Ideas: Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led therapy on adolescent patient outcomes in mental health settings
• The role of the nurse in promoting recovery and resiliency in mental health patients through group interventions
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on stress and anxiety in mental health patients: A systematic literature review
• A comparative study of the role of nurses in applying different approaches to patient education in mental health settings
• The association between nurse-patient therapeutic alliance and patient outcomes in mental health settings

Nursing Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a nursing-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various nursing-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Nursing Workload and Interventions of Licensed Nurses in Nursing Homes: An Observational Time and Motion Study (Kang, 2021)
• Missed Nursing Care: Accounting for Education, Experience, and Job Satisfaction in Registered Nurses (Bechard, 2021)
• Examining Predictors of Attitudes and Knowledge of Registered Nurses and Nursing Students in Tennessee toward Pregnant and Perinatal Women with a Substance Use Disorder (Patrylo, 2021)
• A Program Evaluation of the Organizational Readiness for Pathway to Excellence at Two Community Hospitals  (Behling, 2021)
• The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Policy Decisions on the Wellbeing of Nursing Home Residents in Missouri (White, 2022)
• Battling A Parallel Pandemic: An Evaluation of Sustainable System-Level Nursing Support in Response To COVID-19 (Gifford, 2022)
• Holistic Nursing Process Maps: a Tool for Student Nurses to Operationalize the Nursing Process to Increase Clinical Reasoning (Reyes, 2022)
• Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Study (Crawford, 2021)
• The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on the Stress, Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Levels of Nursing Students (Heinrich, 2022)
• Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Case Studies in Undergraduate Nursing Students (Becnel, 2022)
• A Telehealth Simulation Experiment: Exploring Prebriefing (Owen, 2022)
• Perceptions of Lateral Violence Among Vocational Nursing Students, Associate Degree Nursing Students, and Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Students (Martha, 2022)
• Nurse Educators’ Description of Ethics from a Disciplinary Perspective: A Qualitative Descriptive Research Study (Cuchetti, 2022)
• A Literature Review of the Relationship Between Oral Health and Pneumonia Risk in the Geriatric Nursing Home Population (Swift, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your nursing dissertation, thesis or research project, check out our private coaching services below.

You Might Also Like:

To learn from the GRAD Coach is a lofty goal for me. I am unable to express my gratitude for your teaching style. I need assistance with my thesis as a master’s in nursing candidate. Please assist me.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Wiley - PMC COVID-19 Collection

Analysis of mental health effects among nurses working during the COVID ‐19 pandemic: A systematic review

Cristina garcía‐vivar.

1 Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre (UPNA), Pamplona Spain

2 IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona Spain

Irati Rodríguez‐Matesanz

3 Primary Care Research Group, BioDonostia Health Research Institute, IIS Biodonostia, Donostia – San Sebastián Spain

Leticia San Martín‐Rodríguez

Nelia soto‐ruiz, marta ferraz‐torres, paula escalada‐hernández, associated data.

Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject.

• Working on the frontline during the pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of health professionals. A significant proportion experienced anxiety, insomnia, posttraumatic stress or depression.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

• Analysis and synthesis of the evidence of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses based on their work context. There exists a gap in the literature as no studies were found that analysed the effects on nurses' mental health according to the level of care they worked in (hospital–primary care–nursing home).

What are the implications for practice?

• There is an urgent need to assess and respond to the impact of COVID‐19 on the physical and mental well‐being of nurses, and to monitor international policies for the improvement of nurses' working conditions.

Introduction

Health professionals have suffered negative consequences during the COVID‐19 pandemic. No review has specifically addressed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses exclusively according to the work context.

To analyse the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses who have worked in hospitals, primary care centres and social health centres.

PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases were searched (Prospero number: CRD42021249513). Out of 706 papers, 31 studies (2020–2021) were included in the systematic review. A qualitative synthesis method was used to analyse the data.

Most studies were conducted in hospitals or frontline settings. The prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe symptoms was for anxiety 29.55%, depression 38.79%, posttraumatic stress disorder 29.8%, and insomnia 40.66%.

This review highlights the mental health effects among nurses working in acute hospital settings. It also evidences a data gap on mental health effects among nurses working in primary health care and in nursing homes.

Implications for practice

In the post phase of the pandemic, there is an urgent need to assess and respond to the impact on the mental well‐being of nurses, and to monitor international policies for the improvement of nurses’ working conditions.

1. INTRODUCTION

When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared on 11 March 2020, a global health pandemic due to COVID‐19, no one expected that we would be faced with a global health emergency and more than 6.2 million deaths (World Health Organization,  2022 ). Nor did healthcare professionals, and nurses in particular, figure that they would be confronted with a new disease that caused many severe cases of acute respiratory syndrome and pneumonia, and that involved lack of supplies and intensive care unit beds in hospitals, and many people dying prematurely, and in some cases unable to be cared for (Lai et al.,  2020 ). Many nurses had to be transferred to ICUs and special units due to staff shortages but with the aggravating factor of having no training in intensive care and no experience in caring for critically ill patients (Stayt et al.,  2022 ). In addition to this work scenario, many health providers were contaminated, hospitalized, and died from SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus (International Council of Nurses,  2021 ) with an estimation of more than 115,000 deaths (World Health Organization,  2021 ).

Consequently, approximately one‐third of health professionals, including nurses, have experienced negative effects such as anxiety, insomnia, posttraumatic stress or depression (de Kock et al.,  2021 ; Pappa et al.,  2020 ). These health outcomes seem to worsen in the presence of some factors, such as being a woman, being a nurse, or working on the front line (Lai et al.,  2020 ). For this reason, it is not surprising that nurses are one of the groups most affected by the pandemic. The nursing profession is associated with a high burden of care due to the global lack of nurses during the pandemic, and their involvement at all levels of care imparts a great level of responsibility and overload across time (Fry‐Bowers & Rushton,  2021 ). The International Council of Nurses (ICN) also warns about the negative effects of the pandemic on nurses, reiterating that there was a shortage of professionals and a high level of burnout and abandonment before the pandemic, which has only accentuated these issues (International Council of Nurses,  2021 ).

Many studies have focussed on the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses in the context of hospitalization units and intensive care units where work overload and lack of beds and human resources for care were common (Greenberg et al.,  2021 ; Hackett,  2020 ; Shen et al.,  2020 ). Notably, in two other health sectors substantially affected by the pandemic, primary care centres and social health centres or nursing homes, nurses are the pillars of care (Fallon et al.,  2020 ). The pandemic itself has evolved through nurses' different work environments. Social health centres and nursing homes (i.e. aged care facilities) were, at first, the most affected because of lack of supplies for the care of institutionalized elderly people who were at greater risk of being infected by COVID‐19 because they were more vulnerable due to age‐related pathologies and the environment where they lived (Riello et al.,  2020 ). Subsequently, across time, the context of primary care has become associated with work overload, becoming the centre of care for chronic patients whose follow‐up has been altered by the pandemic, individuals newly diagnosed with COVID‐19, and individuals with persistent COVID‐19 symptoms after infection (Knight & Vancheeswaran,  2021 ). Therefore, as the pandemic has continued, the primary care workforce has become more affected (Aranda‐Reneo et al.,  2021 ).

Although there is evidence of the impact of the pandemic on health professionals who have worked in hospitals and, to a lesser extent, in social health centres and primary care centres, to date, no review has been found through a quick database search that specifically addressed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses exclusively, nor the level of care at which nurses perform their professional duties during the pandemic. A worldwide inclusive response should include a focus on the mental health impact on nurses who have worked in different levels of health care. Therefore, herein, we analyse the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses based on their work context.

This systematic review aimed to answer the following question: What is the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses working in different health contexts during the pandemic?

The main objective of the review was to analyse the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses who have worked in hospitals, primary care centres and social health centres. The secondary objectives were (1) to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep disorder and posttraumatic stress in nurses who have worked during the COVID‐19 pandemic and (2) to compare the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses based on level of care (primary care, secondary and tertiary care).

3.1. Study design

A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Page et al.,  2021 ). Given the nature of the studies included, meta‐analysis was not possible to perform.

The protocol is registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42021249513).

The conceptual framework for the impact of traumatic events was used in this study. Three defining features of traumatic events include negative valence, lack of controllability and suddenness (Bisson,  2009 ) as was the case with the COVID‐19 pandemic. Responses to the traumatic event comprise depression, anxiety, insomnia and difficulties in interpersonal relationships, among others (Bisson,  2009 ).

3.2. Eligibility criteria

We aimed to include any potentially relevant research on the topic of interest; therefore, the inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) observational studies carried out in any setting (primary care centres, hospitals and nursing homes); and (2) studies that measured the levels of mental health burden in terms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or insomnia in nurses who worked during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as these are some of the most prevalent burdens reported by previous studies (Carmassi et al.,  2020 ; Sahebi et al.,  2021 ). The following exclusion criteria were applied: (1) literature reviews, qualitative studies, editorials and grey literature; (2) studies that analysed the mental health of nurses but not related to the COVID‐19 pandemic; and (3) studies that analysed the mental health of other healthcare workers (HCWs) and/or students without separating their results from nurses' results.

In this review, nurses were defined as healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to assess, implement and evaluate nursing care plans and interventions independently (International Council of Nurses,  2022 ). The variables analysed in this review were those most frequent in the studies under consideration. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in its 5th Edition (also known as the DSM‐5), anxiety includes disorders that share features of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioural disturbances; depression is a mood disorder in which those who suffer from depression experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed; PTSD refers to persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others and to experience a persistent negative emotional state (e.g. fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame); and insomnia refers to dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality, associated with one or more symptoms such as difficulty initiating sleep and/or maintaining sleep (American Psychiatric Association,  2013 ). There are many screening tools to determine an individual's level of anxiety, depression, PTSD and insomnia.

3.3. Search strategy

Searches were performed in the following electronic databases: Pub, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane. The Population, Intervention, Context and Outcomes (PICO; Schardt et al., 2007 ) framework was used to develop the research question and select search terms. The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) browser was also used by the research team under the guidance of a librarian to generate and refine search terms, which are presented in Table  1 .

Search terms

Searches were performed during August and September 2021. The following search limits were imposed: English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish languages (because the authors of this review are fluent in these languages) and the years 2020 and 2021.

3.4. Study selection

The article selection process was carried out in three phases using COVIDENCE, a virtual platform for performing systematic reviews. After the automatic elimination of duplicate articles, an author was responsible for the first round of screening by reading the titles and abstracts. Subsequently, the complete texts were read simultaneously by two authors and selected following the established criteria. Using the COVIDENCE platform, those articles in which there was no consensus were automatically detected, and discrepancies were resolved in a meeting with a third researcher. No major discrepancies were found.

Many articles were excluded for the following reasons: patient population—studies that did not analyse the outcomes of nurses separately; outcomes—studies that did not analyse one or more of the target outcomes of this review (i.e. anxiety, depression, PTSD and insomnia); unclear setting—studies that did not specify the setting where the nurses were working; study design—studies whose design did not meet the inclusion criteria specified above; methods—studies that showed poor methodology or a high risk of bias (i.e. not specifying how they contacted the participants, no specific ethics approval or funding sources); withdrawn paper—studies no longer available when assessed for eligibility; intervention—studies that focused on performing an intervention without first assessing the prevalence rates of the goal outcomes; no full text—studies whose full text was not available, neither online nor after contacting the authors; and language other than the selected one—studies whose full text was not in one of the languages specified previously.

The PRISMA flow diagram (Page et al.,  2021 ) in Figure  1 outlines the systematic search and screening process. The search yielded 706 papers, from which 625 studies remained after duplicates were removed. Of these, 426 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria; the remaining 199 articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 125 articles were excluded for different reasons. Ultimately, a total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review (Figure  1 ).

PRISMA flow diagram

3.5. Data extraction

All team members agreed to use a data extraction template from the COVIDENCE platform. The template included the main characteristics of the studies that were relevant for this review: year, country, number of participants (nurses), level of care, variables studied (anxiety, depression, PTSD and/or insomnia), instruments used to measure each variable, main results and other results of interest.

3.6. Quality appraisal

The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross‐sectional studies, an 8‐point assessment tool (Joanna Briggs Institute,  2021 ). The studies obtained high scores, with 19 studies (61.3%) scoring 8 out of 8 and 12 studies (38.7%) scoring 7 out of 8 (see Table  2 ).

General characteristics and quality appraisal of the included studies

3.7. Data synthesis

Following systematic review guidelines (Page et al.,  2021 ), the literature was synthesized using descriptive synthesis that presented the characteristics of the included studies and the prevalence of the selected variables, i.e. anxiety, depression, insomnia and/or PTSD experienced by nurses working during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

4.1. Study characteristics

The general characteristics of the studies are presented in Table  2 . Most of the studies were conducted in China (16), followed by Italy (3) and Turkey (3). The remaining studies were conducted in Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, South Korea, Iran, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France.

Most studies were conducted in hospitals or frontline settings, with only one study being conducted in a primary care setting (Selçuk Tosun et al.,  2021 ); none of the included studies were conducted in nursing homes.

Most of the included studies aimed to describe or measure the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental burden of nurses. In addition, the studies researched possible associated factors that contributed to the results.

In relation to the designs of the included articles, quantitative cross‐sectional descriptive studies were the most common ( n  = 30), with one being a mixed methodology study (Crowe et al.,  2021 ), for which only the quantitative data were used for this review.

Concerning the sampling, the number of nurses included in the studies ranged from N  = 90 to N  = 3228 (average = 816.36 nurses). The population consisted mainly of nurses working in hospital settings during the COVID‐19 pandemic in different countries. No notable differences were found in sociodemographic factors among the included studies, with most participants being middle‐aged (35–50 years) females.

Concerning the data collection period, most studies analysed the impact of COVID‐19 on nurses working during the first wave in each respective country, roughly encompassing the period from January 2020 until May 2020. Of the 31 studies included in this review, 25 were performed during that time frame. Four studies (Balay‐odao et al.,  2021 ; Chen et al.,  2021 ; Gül & Kılıç,  2021 ; Selçuk Tosun et al.,  2021 ) were performed during 2020, from June to August, and only two studies (Doo et al.,  2021 ; Heesakkers et al.,  2021 ) were carried out in the last third of 2020, from September until the end of the year. Studies that were conducted across two periods were classified based on the period during which most of the study took place (from January to May 2020, which was the first wave of the pandemic). There was no single study identified in this review that collected data during 2021.

4.2. Studied variables and instruments used

Anxiety was the most prevalent studied variable, being studied in 28 out of the 31 studies. Depression was a variable in 21 studies, PTSD was a variable in eight studies, and last, insomnia was a variable in five studies. Table  3 shows the prevalence of the four mental health variables analysed in the included studies. The results for these variables were reported in different formats among studies. Some studies presented the overall prevalence of mild‐to‐severe symptoms, and others detailed the prevalence of symptoms based on intensity (normal, mild, moderate and severe) (see Table  3 ).

Prevalence of the mental health outcomes analysed in the studies

A variety of instruments (see Table  4 ) were used in the included studies to measure anxiety, depression, PTSD and insomnia.

Instruments used to measure the mental health variables analysed in the studies

4.3. Anxiety

The included studies used seven specific instruments to measure anxiety (see Table  4 ) and two other scales (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21); and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) that combined anxiety with other variables such as depression and stress.

The prevalence of anxiety symptoms ranged from 3% to 99.6% (average, 42.64%) for studies that presented their results with percentages. The prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe anxiety symptoms was 29.55%. The lowest scores were found for operating room nurses in China (data collected from January to March 2020) (Lian et al.,  2021 ). The highest scores were found for hospital workers in Italy during the first wave (data collected from February to April 2020) (Simonetti et al.,  2021 ).

Among the studies with the lowest rates of anxiety, two studies reported a prevalence of less than 20%. Zheng, Zhou, Qiu, et al. ( 2021 ), who conducted a study in a hospital setting in China from January to February 2020, reported a prevalence of anxiety of 18.1% (14.3% mild, 2.9% moderate and 0.9% severe), and a study with data collected in German hospitals reported an overall prevalence of anxiety of 19% in nurses (Morawa et al.,  2021 ).

Regarding the highest prevalence rates, a study conducted in Italy with COVID hospital nurses during April and May 2020 reported a prevalence of anxiety symptoms of 77.6% (26.9% mild; 24.7% moderate; and 26% severe) (Naldi et al.,  2021 ). Another study conducted in Iran in April 2020 reported a prevalence of overall anxiety symptoms of 73.5% among hospital workers (Pouralizadeh et al.,  2020 ). Last, Gül and Kılıç ( 2021 ), who conducted a study in Turkey during July and August 2020 with operating room workers, reported a prevalence of anxiety symptoms of 71.9% among nurses (30.2% mild; 24.5% moderate; and 17.2% severe).

Intermediate prevalences (30%–40%) were found in Chinese studies in COVID and non‐COVID treating hospitals (He et al.,  2021 ; Hu et al.,  2020 ; Xiong et al.,  2020 ). In these studies, moderate‐to‐severe levels of anxiety were established between 8.5% and 14.3%. In addition, a study conducted in a primary care setting in Turkey from August to September 2020 (second wave of the pandemic) reported state and trait anxiety scores that were above average [48.71 ± 11.07 & 46.89 ± 7.94, respectively], indicating a moderate level of anxiety among nurses and midwives (Selçuk Tosun et al.,  2021 ). Another study in a Turkish hospital reported the mean total of the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score of 51.51 ± 9.94, indicating a high level of anxiety among nurses (Bahadir‐Yilmaz & Yüksel,  2020 ). In contrast, a study from Wuhan reported a SAS score of 31.79 ± 3.32 (Mo et al.,  2021 ), indicating a lower level of anxiety experienced by Chinese nurses.

4.4. Depression

To measure depression, four instruments were used: the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 items (DASS‐21) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

From the studies included in this review, the average prevalence of mild‐to‐severe depression symptoms was 38.79%, and the average prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe depression was 22.9%. The lowest depression rates were reported by Sun et al. ( 2021 ) at a COVID‐19 hospital in China, with a prevalence of mild or moderate depressive symptoms of 7.1% and no severe or extremely severe symptoms. The highest rates were reported by Pouralizadeh et al. ( 2020 ), with an overall prevalence of 71% (33.6% mild; 30.7% moderate; and 6.8% severe depression) during the first wave of COVID (April 2020) at a hospital in Iran.

Other studies with low prevalence rates included a study conducted in a paediatric hospital in China during the beginning of the first wave (January to February 2020) of the pandemic, with a depression symptom prevalence of 15.4% (7% mild; 6.3% moderate; 1% severe; and 1.1% extremely severe) (Zheng, Zhou, Qiu, et al.,  2021 ). Heesakkers et al. ( 2021 ), in an ICU setting in the Netherlands in 2020, reported an overall prevalence of depressive symptoms of 18.6% among nurses.

The following studies reported the highest depression prevalence rates: a study conducted in an ICU setting in Canada in May 2020 (56.9% overall and 42.2% moderate‐to‐severe) (Crowe et al.,  2021 ); a study conducted in October 2020 with COVID hospital workers in South Korea (65.7% overall and 29.7% mild, 18.8% moderate, 7.8% moderate–severe and 9.4% severe) (Doo et al.,  2021 ); and a study conducted in a hospital setting in China in March 2020 (54.65% mild to severe depression) (Zhan et al.,  2020 ). Three other studies reported a prevalence of depressive symptoms greater than 50% among nurses (Cai et al.,  2020 ; Tiete et al.,  2021 ; Wang et al.,  2021 ).

Four studies were carried out in China in hospital settings during February and March 2020 and reported intermediate levels of depression between 22% and 44%, with moderate‐to‐severe levels being between 6% and 16% (An et al.,  2020 ; He et al.,  2021 ; Hu et al.,  2020 ; Xiong et al.,  2020 ).

4.5. Posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD )

To measure PTSD, the included studies used four instruments: Impact of the Event Scale—Revised (IES‐R), Self‐reporting PTSD scale—Civilian (PCL‐C), Impact of the Event Scale‐6 (IES‐6) and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ).

The average prevalence of PTSD was 39.06%, ranging from 5.6% to 73.4%. In addition, the prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe symptoms was 29.8%. The highest rates were found by Crowe et al. ( 2021 ) in an ICU setting in Canada, with 73.4% of the nurses reporting symptoms, including 37.6% showing significant PTSD symptoms (Crowe et al.,  2021 ). The second highest rates were reported by Lasalvia et al. ( 2020 ) for a hospital setting in Italy from April to May 2020, with a prevalence of severe PTSD symptomatology of 65% among nurses. Another Italian study conducted in a COVID hospital during the first wave of the pandemic (April to May 2020) reported that 64.2% of the nurses exhibited PTSD symptoms, with 37.3% corresponding to moderate‐to‐severe symptomatology (Naldi et al.,  2021 ).

A study conducted in February 2020 with hospital workers in China reported a prevalence of 41.8%, with moderate‐to‐severe PTSD accounting for 10.7% (Juan et al.,  2020 ). A French study investigated the prevalence of PTSD among ICU nurses from April to May 2020 and found that 34% showed symptoms compatible with the disorder (Azoulay et al.,  2020 ). A study conducted with hospital workers in China during January and February 2020 reported a prevalence of 26% during an acute COVID‐19 outbreak and a prevalence of 19.3% during a stable period of the pandemic (Cai et al.,  2020 ). A study conducted by Heesakkers et al. ( 2021 ) in the Netherlands from August to September 2020 also investigated PTSD rates among ICU nurses and found a prevalence of 22.2%.

The remaining study, and the one with the lowest rates, was conducted in a hospital setting in China during the first wave of the pandemic, reporting a prevalence of clinically significant PTSD of 5.6% (Leng et al.,  2021 ).

4.6. Insomnia

To measure insomnia, the following three instruments were used: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS).

All the studies that analysed the prevalence of insomnia among nurses ( n  = 5) were carried out in a hospital setting during the first wave of the pandemic, with an average prevalence of 53.60% (40.66% for moderate‐to‐severe symptoms) for studies that presented their results as percentages.

Of the five studies, an Italian study carried out by Simonetti et al. ( 2021 ) reported the worst outcomes, with 75.72% of nurses reporting poor sleep quality (data collected from February to April 2020). A study conducted in Belgium found an overall prevalence of moderate and severe symptoms of 72.4% and 36.1%, respectively (Tiete et al.,  2021 ). Furthermore, a study conducted in China by Shen et al. ( 2020 ) found a prevalence of sleep disturbances of 41.5%. A study conducted from January to February 2020 by Cai et al. ( 2020 ) in China found that 38.5% of nurses exhibited sleep disturbances. In a study by Wang et al. ( 2021 ), the mean PSQI score was 6.0, indicating poor sleep quality among nurses.

5. DISCUSSION

This review found high rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD and insomnia among nurses who worked during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Depression was the least prevalent disorder, with a prevalence of 38.79%, with a similar prevalence of PTSD (39.06%). Similarly, the overall prevalence of anxiety was 42.64%. The most impaired aspect of nurses' wellness was insomnia, with a prevalence of 53.6% in the few studies that analysed this outcome.

Overall, the studies conducted in China seemed to have lower rates of all outcomes, whereas studies conducted in Western countries, especially those conducted in Italy, one of the countries that was hit the hardest during the first wave of the pandemic, showed increased rates of the disorders studied by this review (Lasalvia et al.,  2020 ; Simonetti et al.,  2021 ). Among the selected studies, there were no studies from the USA, Latin American countries or other European countries, such as Spain or the United Kingdom, where the pandemic has had a great impact (World Health Organization,  2022 ). The latest journalistic news from these contexts reflects similar or even higher levels of impact on mental health among nurses, considering the pressure exerted on their health systems (Cafe,  2021 ; Diario de Navarra,  2021 ).

The few studies that were conducted in specific settings, such as operating rooms (Gül & Kılıç,  2021 ; Lian et al.,  2021 ) or women's and children's hospitals (He et al.,  2021 ), also seemed to have lower prevalence rates than did studies conducted in inpatient hospital settings and/or with adult populations.

The results obtained from this review on the mental health of nurses who have worked during the COVID‐19 pandemic are similar to the data reported by an umbrella review of meta‐analyses on the impact among different HCWs on the prevalence of anxiety (24.94%) and depression (24.83%) (Sahebi et al.,  2021 ). For sleep disturbances, a meta‐analysis on the subject indicated that the prevalence of insomnia among HCWs on the frontline of the COVID‐19 pandemic was approximately 38% (Serrano‐Ripoll et al.,  2021 ), consistent with the prevalence found among nurses in this review. In contrast, in a meta‐analysis, Saragih et al. ( 2021 ) reported prevalence rates higher than those found in our review for posttraumatic stress disorder (49%), anxiety (40%) and depression (37%) among HCWs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. According to the authors, among the different HCWs, nurses exhibited the highest levels of affectation for all variables due to their workplace conditions, being female, and having limited access to personal protective equipment.

One of the specific aims of this review was to compare the mental health of nurses by the level of care (primary care, secondary care and tertiary care). However, this was not possible in this review because the evidence found in the primary care setting and community health centres and nursing homes was poor. Only one study was carried out in a primary care setting; the study was conducted in Turkey during the second wave of the pandemic and showed moderate levels (state [48.71 (± 11.07)] and trait [46.89 (± 7.94)]) of anxiety among nurses and midwives in this setting (Selçuk Tosun et al.,  2021 ). No other psychological variables were analysed in that study, and solution‐focussed thinking skills were suggested as possible means to improve anxiety outcomes (Selçuk Tosun et al.,  2021 ). No studies were found regarding anxiety, depression, PTSD and/or insomnia among nurses who worked in nursing homes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This lack of data points to an urgent need for research into the mental health of nurses responsible for caring for older people in community care homes because the impact of the pandemic on nursing homes has been significant (Davidson & Szanton,  2020 ).

Furthermore, even though most of the studies were conducted during the first wave of the pandemic (from March to May 2020), those that were carried out during subsequent waves showed similar outcomes, either demonstrating that different regions have been hit harder by the pandemic during different periods or highlighting the continuity of the pandemic and the subsequent impact on the mental health of nurses. It is expected that with the ongoing waves of the pandemic, resulting in further work overload, the mental impact on nurses will worsen.

Concerning the instruments used, a certain level of variability can be observed (see Table  4 ). To assess anxiety, nine different tools were used among the 31 studies analysed; notably, this variable was evaluated in most included studies ( n  = 28). The most frequently used instruments were the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21), which are widely used for clinical and research purposes at the international level and have good psychometric properties (Dunstan & Scott,  2018 ; Lee,  2020 ). In the study by Labrague and De los Santos ( 2020 ), the COVID‐19 Anxiety Scale was used; this scale was designed by Lee ( 2020 ) to assess anxiety caused by COVID‐19. Regarding depression, in addition to the DASS‐21 already mentioned, most studies that evaluated depression used the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), which is extensively used as a screening tool, showing adequate psychometric properties (Costantini et al.,  2021 ). In the eight studies that assessed PTSD, four different scales were used; the most used was the Impact of the Event Scale—Revised (IES‐R). This scale has been widely used to assess the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic both among the general population (Cénat et al.,  2021 ) and among HCWs (Carmassi et al.,  2020 ). To measure insomnia, among the five studies that evaluated it, there were three different tools.

5.1. Strengths and limitations of this review

In this review, a comprehensive search was conducted in the main health and nursing databases; the retrieved studies were published in various languages (English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish) and across an extended time range, from the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, i.e. January 2020 to September 2021, resulting in a high number of articles identified for this review. Other strengths of this review are the high level of rigour of the included studies when considering only those studies that presented all the items of the critical appraisal tools used based on the design of each study; the high number of participants included in this review; and the analysis of the four main variables (anxiety, depression, PTSD and insomnia) among nurses. Furthermore, this review presents the measurement of the “direct” and “acute” impacts of a health emergency. Finally, the results of this review are considered a strength because they allow us to provide recommendations for practice and research. In any health service, we recommend assessing the impact of COVID‐19 on the mental well‐being of nurses and monitoring international policies for the improvement of nurses' working conditions. In terms of research, future studies are needed that include the assessment of the mental health of nurses working in different healthcare settings (hospitals, primary care, nursing homes, etc.).

Nevertheless, this review also has some limitations that need to be considered. Despite the large number of articles found, not having included grey literature may have left out publications of interest. One major limitation of this review is that the specific aim of comparing the mental health of nurses by level of care (primary care, secondary care and tertiary care) could not be addressed, as the included studies focussed primarily on hospital nurses, with only one study conducted in primary care and none conducted in a nursing home setting. In addition, most articles measured the mental health of professionals during the first wave (January–May 2020), with little data for successive waves and no data for 2021. This may have occurred because study results take time to be published, especially in the past year, when there has been a considerable increase in submissions to scientific journals and a lack of available reviewers due to the pandemic. Therefore, we recommend that future reviews should include studies from more healthcare settings and studies that present data collected during different waves of the pandemic. Importantly, most studies included in this review were conducted in China and reported lower prevalence rates for the variables studied, thus lowering the overall prevalence of the outcomes, i.e. the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses. Another limitation of this review is the variety of instruments used in the included studies, a fact that should be considered when comparing and interpreting the results of the studies. Finally, given the nature of the studies included and the diversity of instruments used to measure the selected variables, it was not possible to carry out the meta‐analysis of this review.

6. CONCLUSION

This review highlights the mental health effects among nurses working in different parts of the world during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also highlights a gap in the literature: no studies were found that analyse the mental health of nurses by care level, such as primary care; such nurses are key to the management and care of citizens during the pandemic and have had to adapt to an avalanche of new cases of COVID‐19. Especially striking is the lack of studies with nurses who work in nursing homes, considering that this setting has been substantially affected by COVID‐19. Future studies are needed to address these gaps and provide a holistic view of the experiences of working during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its negative impact on nurses' mental health.

7. RELEVANCE STATEMENT

No review has specifically addressed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses exclusively, nor the level of care at which nurses perform their professional duties.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

Cristina Garcia‐Vivar, Irati Rodriguez‐Matesanz, Leticia San Martin‐Rodriguez, Paula Escalada‐Hernandez, Nelia Soto‐Ruiz, and Marta Ferraz‐Torres—Made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis or interpretation of data; or the creation of new software used in the work. Cristina Garcia‐Vivar, Irati Rodriguez‐Matesanz, Leticia San Martin‐Rodriguez, Paula Escalada‐Hernandez, Nelia Soto‐Ruiz, and Marta Ferraz‐Torres—Drafted the work or revised it critically for important intellectual content. Cristina Garcia‐Vivar, Irati Rodriguez‐Matesanz, Leticia San Martin‐Rodriguez, Paula Escalada‐Hernandez, Nelia Soto‐Ruiz, and Marta Ferraz‐Torres—Approved the version to be published. Cristina Garcia‐Vivar, Leticia San Martin‐Rodriguez, Irati Rodriguez‐Matesanz, Paula Escalada‐Hernandez, Nelia Soto‐Ruiz, and Marta Ferraz‐Torres—Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

FUNDING INFORMATION

This study was supported by the Department of Health of the Government of Navarre (Spain) in the call for research related to Health Sciences and SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, 2020. [Date, December 2021; Grant number 0011–3638–2020‐000005].

Supporting information

Appendix S1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This study was supported by the Department of Health of the Government of Navarre (Spain) in the call for research related to Health Sciences and SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, 2020. [Date, December 2021; Grant number 0011‐3638‐2020‐000005]. We thank the American Journal Experts for translating and editing this paper. Open access funding provided by the Universidad Pública de Navarra.

García‐Vivar, C. , Rodríguez‐Matesanz, I. , San Martín‐Rodríguez, L. , Soto‐Ruiz, N. , Ferraz‐Torres, M. , & Escalada‐Hernández, P. (2022). Analysis of mental health effects among nurses working during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review . Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing , 00 , 1–15. 10.1111/jpm.12880 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

• American Psychiatric Association . (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association. [ Google Scholar ]
• An, Y. , Yang, Y. , Wang, A. , Li, Y. , Zhang, Q. , Cheung, T. , Ungvari, G. S. , Qin, M. Z. , An, F. R. , & Xiang, Y. T. (2020). Prevalence of depression and its impact on quality of life among frontline nurses in emergency departments during the COVID‐19 outbreak . Journal of Affective Disorders , 276 , 312–315. 10.1016/J.JAD.2020.06.047 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Aranda‐Reneo, I. , Pedraz‐Marcos, A. , & Pulido‐Fuentes, M. (2021). Management of burnout among the staff of primary care centres in Spain during the pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 . Human Resources for Health , 19 ( 1 ), 133. 10.1186/s12960-021-00679-9 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Azoulay, E. , Cariou, A. , Bruneel, F. , Demoule, A. , Kouatchet, A. , Reuter, D. , Souppart, V. , Combes, A. , Klouche, K. , Argaud, L. , Barbier, F. , Jourdain, M. , Reignier, J. , Papazian, L. , Guidet, B. , Geri, G. , Resche‐Rigon, M. , Guisset, O. , Labbe, V. , … Kentish‐Barnes, N. (2020). Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and peritraumatic dissociation in critical care clinicians managing patients with COVID‐19 a cross‐sectional study . American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 202 ( 10 ), 1388–1398. 10.1164/RCCM.202006-2568OC/SUPPL_FILE/DISCLOSURES.PDF [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Bahadir‐Yilmaz, E. , & Yüksel, A. (2020). State anxiety levels of nurses providing care to patients with COVID‐19 in Turkey . Perspectives in Psychiatric Care , 57 ( 3 ), 1088–1094. 10.1111/PPC.12661 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Balay‐odao, E. M. , Alquwez, N. , Inocian, E. P. , & Alotaibi, R. S. (2021). Hospital preparedness, resilience, and psychological burden among clinical nurses in addressing the COVID‐19 crisis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia . Frontiers in Public Health , 8 , 573932. 10.3389/FPUBH.2020.573932 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Bisson, J. I. (2009). Psychological and social theories of post‐traumatic stress disorder . Psychiatry , 8 ( 8 ), 290–292. 10.1016/j.mppsy.2009.05.003 [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Cafe, R. (2021). Nurses' mental health: “Most people in the NHS, they are sad.” BBC News . https://www.bbc.com/news/uk‐england‐london‐59104738
• Cai, Z. , Cui, Q. , Liu, Z. , Li, J. , Gong, X. , Liu, J. , Wan, Z. , Yuan, X. , Li, X. , Chen, C. , & Wang, G. (2020). Nurses endured high risks of psychological problems under the epidemic of COVID‐19 in a longitudinal study in Wuhan China . Journal of Psychiatric Research , 131 , 132–137. 10.1016/J.JPSYCHIRES.2020.09.007 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Carmassi, C. , Foghi, C. , Dell'Oste, V. , Cordone, A. , Bertelloni, C. A. , Bui, E. , & Dell'Osso, L. (2020). PTSD symptoms in healthcare workers facing the three coronavirus outbreaks: What can we expect after the COVID‐19 pandemic . Psychiatry Research , 292 , 113312. 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113312 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Cénat, J. M. , Blais‐Rochette, C. , Kokou‐Kpolou, C. K. , Noorishad, P.‐G. , Mukunzi, J. N. , McIntee, S.‐E. , Dalexis, R. D. , Goulet, M.‐A. , & Labelle, P. R. (2021). Prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychological distress among populations affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis . Psychiatry Research , 295 , 113599. 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113599 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Chen, X. , Arber, A. , Gao, J. , Zhang, L. , Ji, M. , Wang, D. , Wu, J. , & Du, J. (2021). The mental health status among nurses from low‐risk areas under normalized COVID‐19 pandemic prevention and control in China: A cross‐sectional study . International Journal of Mental Health Nursing , 30 ( 4 ), 975–987. 10.1111/INM.12852 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Costantini, L. , Pasquarella, C. , Odone, A. , Colucci, M. E. , Costanza, A. , Serafini, G. , Aguglia, A. , Belvederi Murri, M. , Brakoulias, V. , Amore, M. , Ghaemi, S. N. , & Amerio, A. (2021). Screening for depression in primary care with Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9): A systematic review . Journal of Affective Disorders , 279 , 473–483. 10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.131 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Crowe, S. , Howard, A. F. , Vanderspank‐Wright, B. , Gillis, P. , McLeod, F. , Penner, C. , & Haljan, G. (2021). The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of Canadian critical care nurses providing patient care during the early phase pandemic: A mixed method study . Intensive & Critical Care Nursing , 63 , 102999. 10.1016/J.ICCN.2020.102999 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Davidson, P. M. , & Szanton, S. L. (2020). Nursing homes and COVID‐19: We can and should do better . Journal of Clinical Nursing , 29 ( 15–16 ), 2758–2759. 10.1111/jocn.15297 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• de Kock, J. H. , Latham, H. A. , Leslie, S. J. , Grindle, M. , Munoz, S.‐A. , Ellis, L. , Polson, R. , & O'Malley, C. M. (2021). A rapid review of the impact of COVID‐19 on the mental health of healthcare workers: Implications for supporting psychological well‐being . BMC Public Health , 21 ( 1 ), 104. 10.1186/s12889-020-10070-3 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Diario de Navarra . (2021). The mental health of two‐thirds of nurses in Navarra has been affected after their work during the pandemic (Spanish) . https://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/navarra/2021/12/28/salud‐mental‐dos‐tercios‐enfermeras‐navarras‐visto‐afectada‐trabajo‐pandemia‐512301‐300.html
• Doo, E. Y. , Kim, M. , Lee, S. , Lee, S. Y. , & Lee, K. Y. (2021). Influence of anxiety and resilience on depression among hospital nurses: A comparison of nurses working with confirmed and suspected patients in the COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 units . Journal of Clinical Nursing , 30 ( 13–14 ), 1990–2000. 10.1111/JOCN.15752 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Dunstan, D. A. , & Scott, N. (2018). Assigning clinical significance and symptom severity using the Zung scales: Levels of misclassification arising from confusion between Index and Raw scores . Depression Research and Treatment , 2018 , 1–13. 10.1155/2018/9250972 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Fallon, A. , Dukelow, T. , Kennelly, S. P. , & O'Neill, D. (2020). COVID‐19 in nursing homes . QJM: An International Journal of Medicine , 113 ( 6 ), 391–392. 10.1093/qjmed/hcaa136 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Fry‐Bowers, E. K. , & Rushton, C. H. (2021). Who will be there to care if there are no more nurses? The Hastings Center; https://www.thehastingscenter.org/who‐will‐be‐there‐to‐care‐if‐there‐are‐no‐more‐nurse/ [ Google Scholar ]
• Greenberg, N. , Weston, D. , Hall, C. , Caulfield, T. , Williamson, V. , & Fong, K. (2021). Mental health of staff working in intensive care during Covid‐19 . Occupational Medicine , 71 ( 2 ), 62–67. 10.1093/occmed/kqaa220 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Gül, Ş. , & Kılıç, S. T. (2021). Determining anxiety levels and related factors in operating room nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A descriptive study . Journal of Nursing Management , 29 ( 7 ), 1934–1945. 10.1111/JONM.13332 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Hackett, K. (2020). Concerns over ICU nurses' mental health as admissions rise . Emergency Nurse , 28 ( 6 ), 6. 10.7748/en.28.6.6.s3 [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• He, Q. , Ren, J. , Wang, G. , Zhang, J. , Xiang, J. , & He, D. (2021). Psychological effects of the COVID‐19 outbreak on nurses working in tertiary women's and children's hospitals from Sichuan, China: A cross‐sectional study . International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction: IJDRR , 58 , 102188. 10.1016/J.IJDRR.2021.102188 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Heesakkers, H. , Zegers, M. , van Mol, M. M. C. , & van den Boogaard, M. (2021). The impact of the first COVID‐19 surge on the mental well‐being of ICU nurses: A nationwide survey study . Intensive & Critical Care Nursing , 65 , 103034. 10.1016/J.ICCN.2021.103034 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Hu, D. , Kong, Y. , Li, W. , Han, Q. , Zhang, X. , Zhu, L. X. , Wan, S. W. , Liu, Z. , Shen, Q. , Yang, J. , He, H. G. , & Zhu, J. (2020). Frontline nurses' burnout, anxiety, depression, and fear statuses and their associated factors during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Wuhan, China: A large‐scale cross‐sectional study . EClinicalMedicine , 24 , 100424. 10.1016/J.ECLINM.2020.100424 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• International Council of Nurses . (2021). ICN says 115,000 healthcare worker deaths from COVID‐19 exposes collective failure of leaders to protect global workforce . News. https://www.icn.ch/news/icn‐says‐115000‐healthcare‐worker‐deaths‐covid‐19‐exposes‐collective‐failure‐leaders‐protect
• International Council of Nurses . (2022). Nursing definitions . https://www.icn.ch/nursing‐policy/nursing‐definitions
• Joanna Briggs Institute . (2021). Critical appraisal tools . https://jbi.global/critical‐appraisal‐tools
• Juan, Y. , Yuanyuan, C. , Qiuxiang, Y. , Cong, L. , Xiaofeng, L. , Yundong, Z. , Jing, C. , Peifeng, Q. , Yan, L. , Xiaojiao, X. , & Yujie, L. (2020). Psychological distress surveillance and related impact analysis of hospital staff during the COVID‐19 epidemic in Chongqing, China . Comprehensive Psychiatry , 103 , 152198. 10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2020.152198 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Knight, M. , & Vancheeswaran, R. (2021). Post‐acute covid‐19 in primary care . BMJ , 375 , n3080. 10.1136/bmj.n3080 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Labrague, L. J. , & De los Santos, J. A. A. (2020). COVID‐19 anxiety among front‐line nurses: Predictive role of organisational support, personal resilience and social support . Journal of Nursing Management , 28 ( 7 ), 1653–1661. 10.1111/JONM.13121 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Lai, J. , Ma, S. , Wang, Y. , Cai, Z. , Hu, J. , Wei, N. , Wu, J. , Du, H. , Chen, T. , Li, R. , Tan, H. , Kang, L. , Yao, L. , Huang, M. , Wang, H. , Wang, G. , Liu, Z. , & Hu, S. (2020). Factors associated with mental health outcomes among health care workers exposed to Coronavirus disease 2019 . JAMA Network Open , 3 ( 3 ), e203976. 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.3976 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Lasalvia, A. , Bonetto, C. , Porru, S. , Carta, A. , Tardivo, S. , Bovo, C. , Ruggeri, M. , & Amaddeo, F. (2020). Psychological impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare workers in a highly burdened area of north‐east Italy . Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , 30 , e1. 10.1017/S2045796020001158 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Lee, S. A. (2020). Coronavirus Anxiety Scale: A brief mental health screener for COVID‐19 related anxiety . Death Studies , 44 ( 7 ), 393–401. 10.1080/07481187.2020.1748481 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Leng, M. , Wei, L. , Shi, X. , Cao, G. , Wei, Y. , Xu, H. , Zhang, X. , Zhang, W. , Xing, S. , & Wei, H. (2021). Mental distress and influencing factors in nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19 . Nursing in Critical Care , 26 ( 2 ), 94–101. 10.1111/NICC.12528 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Lian, A. , Jin, D. , Zhang, T. , & Wu, Y. (2021). Investigation on psychological state of occupational exposure of medical staff in operation room under novel coronavirus . Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences , 28 ( 5 ), 2726–2732. 10.1016/J.SJBS.2021.02.080 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Mo, Y. , Deng, L. , Zhang, L. , Lang, Q. , Pang, H. , Liao, C. , Wang, N. , Tao, P. , & Huang, H. (2021). Anxiety of nurses to support Wuhan in fighting against COVID‐19 Epidemic and its Correlation With Work Stress and Self‐efficacy . Journal of Clinical Nursing , 30 ( 3–4 ), 397–405. 10.1111/JOCN.15549 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Morawa, E. , Schug, C. , Geiser, F. , Beschoner, P. , Jerg‐Bretzke, L. , Albus, C. , Weidner, K. , Hiebel, N. , Borho, A. , & Erim, Y. (2021). Psychosocial burden and working conditions during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany: The VOICE survey among 3678 health care workers in hospitals . Journal of Psychosomatic Research , 144 , 110415. 10.1016/J.JPSYCHORES.2021.110415 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Naldi, A. , Vallelonga, F. , Di Liberto, A. , Cavallo, R. , Agnesone, M. , Gonella, M. , Sauta, M. D. , Lochner, P. , Tondo, G. , Bragazzi, N. L. , Botto, R. , & Leombruni, P. (2021). COVID‐19 pandemic‐related anxiety, distress and burnout: prevalence and associated factors in healthcare workers of North‐West Italy . BJPsych Open , 7 ( 1 ), e27. 10.1192/BJO.2020.161 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Page, M. J. , McKenzie, J. E. , Bossuyt, P. M. , Boutron, I. , Hoffmann, T. C. , Mulrow, C. D. , Shamseer, L. , Tetzlaff, J. M. , Akl, E. A. , Brennan, S. E. , Chou, R. , Glanville, J. , Grimshaw, J. M. , Hróbjartsson, A. , Lalu, M. M. , Li, T. , Loder, E. W. , Mayo‐Wilson, E. , McDonald, S. , … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews . BMJ , 372 , 71. 10.1136/bmj.n71 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Pappa, S. , Ntella, V. , Giannakas, T. , Giannakoulis, V. G. , Papoutsi, E. , & Katsaounou, P. (2020). Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis . Brain, Behavior, and Immunity , 88 , 901–907. 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.026 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Pouralizadeh, M. , Bostani, Z. , Maroufizadeh, S. , Ghanbari, A. , Khoshbakht, M. , Alavi, S. A. , & Ashrafi, S. (2020). Anxiety and depression and the related factors in nurses of Guilan University of Medical Sciences hospitals during COVID‐19: A web‐based cross‐sectional study . International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences , 13 , 100233. 10.1016/J.IJANS.2020.100233 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Riello, M. , Purgato, M. , Bove, C. , MacTaggart, D. , & Rusconi, E. (2020). Prevalence of post‐traumatic symptomatology and anxiety among residential nursing and care home workers following the first COVID‐19 outbreak in Northern Italy . Royal Society Open Science , 7 ( 9 ), 200880. 10.1098/rsos.200880 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Sahebi, A. , Nejati‐Zarnaqi, B. , Moayedi, S. , Yousefi, K. , Torres, M. , & Golitaleb, M. (2021). The prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An umbrella review of meta‐analyses . Progress in Neuro‐Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry , 107 , 110247. 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110247 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Saragih, I. D. , Tonapa, S. I. , Saragih, I. S. , Advani, S. , Batubara, S. O. , Suarilah, I. , & Lin, C.‐J. (2021). Global prevalence of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the Covid‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis . International Journal of Nursing Studies , 121 , 104002. 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104002 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Schardt, C. , Adams, M. B. , Owens, T. , Keitz, S. , & Fontelo, P. (2007). Utilization of the PICO framework to improve searching PubMed for clinical questions . BMC medical informatics and decision making , 7 ( 1 ), 1–6. 10.1186/1472-6947-7-16 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Selçuk Tosun, A. , Akgül Gündoğdu, N. , & Taş, F. (2021). Anxiety levels and solution‐focused thinking skills of nurses and midwives working in primary care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A descriptive correlational study . Journal of Nursing Management , 29 ( 7 ), 1946–1955. 10.1111/JONM.13334 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Serrano‐Ripoll, M. J. , Zamanillo‐Campos, R. , Castro, A. , Fiol‐Deroque, M. A. , & Ricci‐Cabello, I. (2021). Insomnia and sleep quality in healthcare workers fighting against Covid‐19: A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis . Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria , 49 ( 4 ), 155–179. https://www.actaspsiquiatria.es/repositorio//23/132/ENG/23‐132‐ENG‐155‐179‐292610.pdf [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Shen, X. , Zou, X. , Zhong, X. , Yan, J. , & Li, L. (2020). Psychological stress of ICU nurses in the time of COVID‐19 . Critical Care , 24 ( 1 ), 200. 10.1186/s13054-020-02926-2 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Simonetti, V. , Durante, A. , Ambrosca, R. , Arcadi, P. , Graziano, G. , Pucciarelli, G. , Simeone, S. , Vellone, E. , Alvaro, R. , & Cicolini, G. (2021). Anxiety, sleep disorders and self‐efficacy among nurses during COVID‐19 pandemic: A large cross‐sectional study . Journal of Clinical Nursing , 30 ( 9–10 ), 1360–1371. 10.1111/JOCN.15685 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Stayt, L. C. , Merriman, C. , Bench, S. , Price, A. , Vollam, S. , Walthall, H. , Credland, N. , Gerber, K. , & Calovski, V. (2022). Doing the best we can': Registered Nurses' experiences and perceptions of patient safety in intensive care during COVID‐19 . Journal of Advanced Nursing , 78 , 3371–3384. 10.1111/jan.15419 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Sun, H. , Wang, S. , Wang, W. , Han, G. , Liu, Z. , Wu, Q. , & Pang, X. (2021). Correlation between emotional intelligence and negative emotions of front‐line nurses during the COVID‐19 epidemic: A cross‐sectional study . Journal of Clinical Nursing , 30 ( 3–4 ), 385–396. 10.1111/JOCN.15548 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Tiete, J. , Guatteri, M. , Lachaux, A. , Matossian, A. , Hougardy, J. M. , Loas, G. , & Rotsaert, M. (2021). Mental health outcomes in healthcare workers in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 care units: A cross‐sectional survey in Belgium . Frontiers in Psychology , 11 , 612241. 10.3389/FPSYG.2020.612241 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Wang, H. , Dai, X. , Yao, Z. , Zhu, X. , Jiang, Y. , Li, J. , & Han, B. (2021). The prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms in frontline nurses under COVID‐19 pandemic based on a large cross‐sectional study using the propensity score‐matched method . BMC Psychiatry , 21 ( 1 ), 152. 10.1186/S12888-021-03143-Z [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• World Health Organization . (2021). Health and care worker deaths during COVID‐19 . https://www.who.int/news/item/20‐10‐2021‐health‐and‐care‐worker‐deaths‐during‐covid‐19
• World Health Organization . (2022). WHO Coronavirus (COVID‐19) Dashboard . https://covid19.who.int/?adgroupsurvey=%7Badgroupsurvey%7D&gclid=CjwKCAiA5t‐OBhByEiwAhR‐hm1XnIr4UmhCy2oOmjWDaS9L‐SNxK_Jib57F_wLW‐yZ‐ycFBELB_v8hoCgN0QAvD_BwE
• Xiong, H. , Yi, S. , & Lin, Y. (2020). The psychological status and self‐efficacy of nurses during COVID‐19 outbreak: A cross‐sectional survey . Inquiry: A Journal of Medical Care Organization, Provision and Financing , 57 , 5‐21. 10.1177/0046958020957114 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhan, Y. X. , Zhao, S. Y. , Yuan, J. , Liu, H. , Liu, Y. F. , Gui, L. L. , Zheng, H. , Zhou, Y. M. , Qiu, L. H. , Chen, J. H. , Yu, J. H. , & Li, S. Y. (2020). Prevalence and influencing factors on fatigue of first‐line nurses combating with COVID‐19 in China: A descriptive cross‐sectional study . Current Medical Science , 40 ( 4 ), 625–635. 10.1007/S11596-020-2226-9 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Zheng, R. , Zhou, Y. , Fu, Y. , Xiang, Q. , Cheng, F. , Chen, H. , Xu, H. , Fu, L. , Wu, X. , Feng, M. , Ye, L. , Tian, Y. , Deng, R. , Liu, S. , Jiang, Y. , Yu, C. , & Li, J. (2021). Prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety among nurses during the outbreak of COVID‐19 in China: A cross‐sectional study . International Journal of Nursing Studies , 114 , 103809. 10.1016/J.IJNURSTU.2020.103809 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Zheng, R. , Zhou, Y. , Qiu, M. , Yan, Y. , Yue, J. , Yu, L. , Lei, X. , Tu, D. , & Hu, Y. (2021). Prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among Hubei pediatric nurses during COVID‐19 pandemic . Comprehensive Psychiatry , 104 , 152217. 10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2020.152217 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

• How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Mental Health Nursing Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 3rd, 2023 , Revised On August 16, 2023

Are you passionate about helping others, especially those facing mental health challenges? If this is the case for you, then mental health nursing is a career choice you may want to pursue.

It can be challenging to work in the field of mental health nursing. The final year of the nursing undergraduate programme can be especially stressful because it involves completing a dissertation paper on a unique and interesting topic . Get a better understanding of mental health nursing, how it works, and how it can improve healthcare!

Similarly, Masters and PhD students of nursing and medicine must complete a research proposal and a thesis paper on a topic that really adds value to the research areas.

What Is Mental Health Nursing?

Nursing in mental health focuses on preventing, treating, and rehabilitating behavioural, emotional, and mental disorders. Nursing professionals work with patients to improve their emotional well-being by overcoming mental stress. Patients with mental illness or disorders are also guided throughout their recovery.

There are many different types of mental health nurses who work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and residential facilities. As part of their responsibilities, they assess symptoms, administer medications, provide supportive care, collaborate with family members, and educate others about mental illness. Their treatment plans also involve psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other professionals.

Taking care of your patient’s mental health and making a difference in their lives is your responsibility as a mental health nurse.

Related Links

• Evidence-based Practice Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Child Health Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Adult Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Critical Care Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Dementia Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Midwifery Dissertation Topics
• Palliative Care Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Nursing Dissertation Topics

Topic-1: Cognitive and emotional well-being

Research Aim: Finding out different ways to improve the cognitive and emotional well-being of people to solve the common mental health problems in the surrounding.

Topic-2: Eliminating mental illnesses

Research Aim: Encouraging better mental health by diagnosing the symptoms of mental health issues in the early stage to prevent severe circumstances later.

Topic-3: Providing specialized treatments

Research Aim: From anxiety, depression, and disorders to other mental health complexities, providing solutions to all types of mental health disorders, including pre-traumatic and post-traumatic issues.

Topic-4: Bipolar disorder

Research Aim: Explaining the symptoms, treatments, and procedures to soothe the common and impulsive mental health issues with solid behavior modification treatments.

Topic-5: Borderline personality disorder

Research Aim: Understanding the common borderline personality disorders and their effects on the mental health condition of different patients. Also, studying the unstable relationships with friends, family, and other associations and ways to improve it.

Topic-6: Dissociative disorders

Research Aim: Reviewing all the common causes of dissociative disorders and the primary care management to assess and intervene in different causes of the problem.

Topic-7: Disruptive and impulse-control disorders

Research Aim: Studying all the disruptive and impulsive-control disorders and their impact on the intermittent explosive condition and anti-social behavior of a person.

Topic-8: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Research Aim: A brief overview of ADHD to control the attention span of a person through different effective techniques and procedures.

Topic-9: Psychosocial mental health nursing

Research Aim: Studying theories to understand human nature better and the process of normal development based on their physical and mental health.

Topic-10: Mental health and psychiatric nursing

Research Aim: Exploring different types of mental illnesses and their treatments used to soothe the hyperactive condition of the patient.

Topic-11: Mental health educating

Research Aim: Educating everyone about the basic mental health problems and preventive measures to administer the condition of patients and to meet their varying mental health needs.

Topic-12: Providing different levels and quality of care to every patient

Research Aim: Studying the needs of every patient and providing care to solve different mental illnesses in a variety of ways helps tackle the problem calmly.

Topic-13: National and local mental health programs

Research Aim: Introducing different national and local mental health programs. Explaining their role in spreading awareness on the importance of mental health for individuals from different backgrounds.

Topic-14: Mental health checkups

Research Aim: Conveying the need for mental health checkups for individuals of all ages suffering from anxiety, stress, frustration, and other mental health issues.

Topic-15: Schizophrenia

Research Aim: Understanding the feelings of a patient suffering from schizophrenia and identifying its symptoms to curate the best and proper treatment for the stress cause.

Topic-16: Suicide prevention

Research Aim: Spreading awareness on suicide prevention, especially for young and adults with the help of telephone and physical counselling. Finding the causes of suicide in professional spaces to get rid of the suicidal thoughts as early as possible.

I/O Example

The number of people encountering poor mental health and related issues in their day-to-day lives is increasing, making mental health nursing a growing field in the healthcare industry. Those who are willing to work hard, be creative, and take risks in handling such patients can find many opportunities in this field.

Nurses in mental health are required to hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably a master’s degree. They also obtain additional training on dealing with people suffering from depression and different anxiety disorders.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health nurses’ demand will grow by 15% between 2014 and 2024. The need for nurses who specialize in this field will increase because of this growth rate.

Like other nursing jobs, mental health nursing pay depends on experience and education. The average salary for this career is $91,298 per year. According to a survey, salaries for mental health nurses can range from $71,485 to $129,837 per year, depending on their experience and education level.

There are still many challenges and rewards associated with a career in mental health nursing. Bringing peace to the lives of diverse people is a major part of the job. A flood of opportunities is always flowing your way as the field is constantly evolving. Take some time to research all of the nursing degree programs available before you make a decision.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find mental health nursing dissertation topics.

For mental health nursing dissertation topics:

• Research recent issues in mental health care.
• Explore treatment approaches or therapies.
• Examine stigma and advocacy.
• Focus on specific populations or disorders.
• Consult professionals for insights.
• Select a topic that resonates with you and contributes to the field.

You May Also Like

Need interesting and manageable chemical engineering dissertation topics or thesis? Here are the trending chemical engineering dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

Are you looking for trending online marketing dissertation topics to work on your dissertation? Check out our list of unique topic ideas.

Check out the list of most interesting 100+ chemistry dissertation topic ideas trending lately to help you write an exceptional research paper.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

Custom Essay, Term Paper & Research paper writing services

• testimonials

Toll Free: +1 (888) 354-4744

Email: [email protected]

Writing custom essays & research papers since 2008

60 popular mental health research paper topics.

The best way to write a good mental health research paper is to select a topic that you will enjoy working on. If you are looking for some interesting mental health research paper topics to work on, here is a list of 60 ideas to choose from.

Perfect for students as well as experts these topics have ample scope to experiment, share ideas and arguments on, and find substantial evidence to support your view. Take a look –

Mental Health Topics for Research Paper

When you are writing a paper for a graded assignment, it is important to have some great research paper topics about mental health to pick from. Here are some to consider –

• Mental traumas from physical injuries and how to help recover
• Resilience building – why is it important for children?
• Friendships in men and how they contribute to mental health?
• The role of parenting in building good mental health in children
• What is normal emotional health and mental functioning?
• Anti-depressants and their side effects.
• Indicators suggesting medication for depression can be stopped
• Effects of colors on mental health
• How and why does lack of sleep effect emotional mental health?
• Effect of exercise on a patient’s mental health
• Effective methods to boost brain health and emotional quotient as we age
• Mental health developmental stages in children from birth to 5 years of age
• Why is play important for mental health in children
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – what causes it and how to manage?
• ADHD — how to identify if someone has it?

Critical Analysis Research Paper Topics in Mental Health

For psychology students looking for effective research paper topics mental health offers many arenas for critical analysis. Here are some good topics to pick from –

• Relevance of Freud in modern day psychiatry
• Abortion care – the ethics and the procedures to facilitate emotional wellbeing
• Are women facing more mental health issues than men?
• Suicide – The reasons, trauma, and dealing with it
• How does peer pressure change mental wellness and how to deal with it?
• Effect of child abuse on toddlers’ mental health and resilience
• Does Obesity affect mental health?
• Is the damage on mental health caused by sexual abuse permanent?
• Hormonal imbalances and their effect on women’s mental health
• How to identify signs of mental illness in a loved one?

Music Therapy Research Paper Topics Mental Health

Music plays a significant role in enhancing mental health. Here are some mental health research paper topics on the role of music therapy in the field of mental health and treatments:

• Music therapy a complimentary approach to biomedicine
• Does music therapy facilitate enhanced healing?
• Efficacy of music therapy for older adults
• The role of music therapy in rehabilitation of mental health patients
• Music based interventions and the effects of music therapy
• Eating disorders and can music therapy help?
• Can music therapy help with mental health during menopause?
• Music therapy and its role in PTSD

Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

If you are a nursing student you will certainly find these research paper topics for mental health useful for your assignment –

• Psychiatric care in adult patients of mental health disorders
• Non-chemical practices in bipolar disorder
• Mental health care for patients dealing with alcohol addiction
• Managing PTSD in armed forces veterans
• Ethics to deal with psychiatric patients
• Postpartum depression and how to identify and assist in early stages
• Identifying the signs and managing patients with eating disorder
• Mental illnesses common in soldiers returning from war
• Signs of mental illness that must never be ignored
• How to manage self-destructive mental health patients?

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Mental Health

Some mental health topics are controversial, but also well scoring if handled well. Take a look at some such topics worth considering –

• Do natural alternatives to anti-depressants work?
• Extreme postpartum depression leading to child harming tendencies
• Infertility and its effects on mental health of the couple
• Are more women suicidal than men?
• Effect of teen relationship problems on mental health
• The relationship between mental health and child abusers
• Physical abuse in marriage and its effect on mental health
• Rape and managing the emotional scars for effective healing
• Self-destructive tendencies in children – causes and cures
• Is it possible that there are people without conscience?
• Are video games making children violent and aggressive?
• Should criminals facing trial be subjected to genetic testing for impulse control?
• Mental health in teenagers and why they cut themselves
• Phobias – some of the most common and unusual fears people have
• Divorce and how it affects the mental health of children
• Is mental illness genetic
• Does discovery of being adopted affect mental health of a child?

If you are a college student wondering what is the best way to write a research paper or how to write an effective submission that will get you good grades, you can get in touch with us for writing help. Our team offers fast and cheap assistance with writing papers that are appropriate for your level of education.

Mental Health Research Topics

Recently, mental health has become an increasingly prevalent and critical topic of discussion. From the stresses of work and school to the challenges of maintaining relationships and navigating societal pressures, individuals are facing a myriad of mental health concerns. 

In this article, we dive into the complexities of mental health topics, ranging from anxiety and depression to coping mechanisms and seeking professional help. By shedding light on these issues and offering insights into understanding, managing, and supporting mental well-being, we aim to empower individuals to prioritize their mental health and foster a culture of openness and compassion surrounding mental health discussions. If your schedule is too hectic, simply say, ‘ write my essay ,’ and our experts will help you relieve the workload.

Already Found a Great Mental Health Topic?

Use our service to obtain a good research paper if your schedule is tight.

200 Mental Health Research Paper Topics

In this section, we explore various mental health topics, providing insights, strategies, and resources to support individuals on their journey towards mental wellness.

Good Research Topics About Mental Health

• Social media's impact on teen mental health.
• Coping with stress in college.
• Exercise and mental well-being.
• Work stress management techniques.
• Family support and depression.
• Mental health stigma in rural areas.
• Mindfulness for PTSD.
• Diet's effect on mental health.
• LGBTQ+ youth mental health.
• Burnout among healthcare workers.
• Early experiences and adult mental health.
• Sleep quality and mood disorders.
• Culture and mental illness.
• Suicide prevention in teens.
• Tech use and mental well-being.
• Online therapy effectiveness.
• Psychology of long-term unemployment.
• Chronic illness and mental health.
• Peer support for addiction recovery.
• Elderly mental health in nursing homes.

Mental Health Research Topics for High School Students

• Social media's impact on teen self-esteem.
• Stress management during exams.
• Peer pressure and mental health.
• Mindfulness for teen anxiety.
• Bullying's mental health effects.
• Academic pressure and depression.
• Sleep's role in teen mental health.
• Gender differences in seeking help.
• Extracurriculars and mental health.
• Teenage mental health stigma.
• Family dynamics and teen mental health.
• Social support for teens.
• Cultural attitudes on teen mental health.
• Building resilience in adolescents.
• Exercise and mood in teens.
• Screen time and mental health.
• Peer-led mental health initiatives.
• Eating disorders in high schoolers.
• Substance abuse and mental health.
• School mental health programs.

Mental Health Research Topics for College Students

• Academic stress and mental health.
• Social media's impact on college students.
• Campus mental health services effectiveness.
• Sleep quality and mental well-being.
• Depression and anxiety prevalence.
• Financial stress and mental health.
• Coping with homesickness in college.
• Identity exploration and mental health.
• Substance use and college mental health.
• International students' mental health needs.
• Perfectionism and mental health.
• Tech use and psychological well-being.
• Stigma around mental health help-seeking.
• Peer support on campus.
• Relationships and mental health.
• Academic pressure, sleep, and mental health.
• Mental health of student-athletes.
• Cultural identity and mental health.
• Social isolation among students.
• Stress management workshops' impact.

Sociology Research Topics on Mental Health

• Societal stigma and mental illness.
• Socioeconomic status and mental health access.
• Cultural perspectives on mental health.
• Gender differences in mental health treatment.
• Family influence on mental health attitudes.
• Social constructions of mental illness.
• Mental health in marginalized communities.
• Social support and well-being.
• Race, gender, and mental health.
• Policies addressing mental health needs.
• Media portrayal of mental illness.
• Community-based mental health initiatives.
• Urbanization and mental health challenges.
• Loneliness and mental well-being.
• Religion, spirituality, and mental health.
• Employment status and mental health.
• Education's role in mental health.
• Social determinants of mental well-being.
• Mental health in the criminal justice system.
• Peer support for stigma reduction.

Mental Health Research Topics for Nursing Students

• Nurses' role in mental health awareness.
• Anxiety disorder nursing interventions.
• Combatting mental health stigma in nursing.
• Trauma-informed care in psychiatric nursing.
• Therapeutic communication's impact in mental health.
• Medication management in psychiatric nursing.
• Suicide risk assessment and interventions.
• Self-care for mental health nurses.
• Holistic approaches in mental health nursing.
• Cultural competence in mental health care.
• Nursing interventions for mood disorders.
• Family support in mental health nursing.
• Adolescent mental health nursing.
• Evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing.
• Nursing care for schizophrenia patients.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health care.
• Substance use disorder nursing support.
• Challenges and rewards of psychiatric nursing.
• Crisis intervention in mental health nursing.
• Ethical considerations in mental health care.

If you’re a medical student, use our nursing writing services to handle the workload and keep your GPA high.

Mental Illness Topics for Research Paper

• Genetics and environment in schizophrenia.
• Neurotransmitters in depression treatment.
• Neurobiology of anxiety disorders.
• Childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for OCD.
• Early intervention for psychosis.
• Substance abuse and mood disorders.
• Culture and eating disorder treatment.
• Neurodevelopmental pathways in autism.
• Inflammation in bipolar disorder.
• Social determinants of mental illness.
• Stigma and mental health treatment.
• Peer support for schizophrenia.
• Sleep disturbances and psychiatric disorders.
• Social media and body image issues.
• Stress, trauma, and cognition.
• Epigenetics and anxiety disorders.
• Art therapy for mood disorders.
• Gut microbiota and mental health.

Adolescent Mental Health Research Topics

• Social media and adolescent mental health.
• Bullying's impact on teens.
• Adolescent depression prevalence and risks.
• Academic pressure and teen anxiety.
• Substance use among adolescents.
• Gender identity and teen mental health.
• Peer relationships and well-being.
• Mindfulness for adolescent stress reduction.
• Trauma's effect on teen mental health.
• Stigma around teen mental health.
• Sleep patterns and teen mental well-being.
• Culture and adolescent mental illness.
• Socioeconomic status and mental health services access.
• Technology use and teen mental well-being.
• Suicide prevention strategies for teens.
• Peer pressure and mental health risks.
• Resilience-building in at-risk teens.
• School-based mental health interventions.

Social Justice Research Topics Around Mental Health

• Mental health disparities in marginalized groups.
• Racism and mental health outcomes.
• Access to mental health care for underserved communities.
• Cultural competence in treatment.
• Combatting stigma in diverse populations.
• LGBTQ+ mental health rights.
• Intersectionality in mental health.
• Indigenous mental health and decolonization efforts.
• Advocating for equitable mental health policies.
• Environmental justice and mental well-being.
• Trauma-informed care in justice systems.
• Refugee and immigrant mental health challenges.
• Disability justice and mental health inclusion.
• Gender equity in mental health services.
• Ethics in global mental health initiatives.
• Mental health impact of incarceration.
• Community-based mental health support.
• Anti-oppressive practices in mental health care.
• Ensuring justice in psychiatric care.

Mental Health Counseling Research Topics

• Online counseling effectiveness.
• Technology integration in counseling.
• Cultural competence in therapy.
• Group therapy outcomes.
• Burnout prevention for counselors.
• Rapport and therapeutic success.
• Expressive arts therapy in counseling.
• Teletherapy benefits and challenges.
• Trauma-informed counseling effectiveness.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy outcomes.
• Spirituality in counseling.
• Mindfulness techniques in therapy.
• Counselor training impact.
• Narrative therapy effectiveness.
• Cultural humility in counseling.
• Animal-assisted therapy in counseling.
• Family systems theory application.
• Solution-focused brief therapy outcomes.
• Counselor self-disclosure impact.
• Ethical considerations in counseling.

Mental Health Research Topics on Behavioral Issues

• Childhood trauma and adult behavioral issues.
• Parenting styles and child behavior.
• Peer influence on adolescent behavior.
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorders.
• ADHD and conduct disorder.
• Aggression reduction interventions.
• Genetics and behavioral issues.
• Early intervention for behavioral problems.
• Media violence and child aggression.
• Screen time and adolescent behavior.
• Socioeconomic status and behavioral disorders.
• School environments and behavior.
• Sleep disturbances and behavior.
• Trauma-informed care impact.
• Mindfulness for disruptive behavior.
• Nutrition and child behavior.
• Attachment theory and behavior.
• Adverse childhood experiences and behavior.
• Technology addiction and behavior.
• Family therapy for behavioral problems.

If you haven’t decided which medical career path to choose, we suggest pursuing a healthcare management degree .

Mental Health Research Topic Checklist

Determining if your mental health research topic is great involves assessing several key aspects:

• Relevance: Is it timely and aligned with current mental health issues?
• Significance: Does it address important questions or challenges?
• Originality: Does it offer new insights or perspectives?
• Feasibility: Can it be researched effectively, given available resources?
• Interest: Are you genuinely passionate about the topic?
• Impact: Will it advance knowledge, inform practice, or influence policy?
• Clarity : Is the research question clear and well-defined?

By the way, we have discovered the best mental health app , which can be a source of inspiration for your research.

How to Choose Research Topics About Mental Health

Choosing research topics about mental health involves a thoughtful process. Here are some steps to guide you:

• Identify your interests

Start by reflecting on your interests within the broad field of mental health. What topics resonate with you personally or professionally? Consider areas you are passionate about or curious to learn more about.

• Review existing literature

Conduct a literature review to explore current research in mental health. Identify gaps, controversies, or areas where further investigation is needed. Look for topics that have sufficient existing research but still offer room for new insights or perspectives.

• Consider societal relevance

Think about the societal relevance and impact of potential research topics. Consider issues that are timely, pressing, or have practical implications for individuals, communities, or policymakers.

• Assess feasibility

Evaluate the feasibility of researching each topic. Consider factors such as access to data, resources, ethical considerations, and your expertise or skills. Choose a topic that you can realistically investigate within the constraints of your research context.

Final Thought

Studying mental health in college is important because it helps students learn how our minds work and handle our mental well-being. It also teaches us to understand and support others who may be going through tough times. 

By studying mental health, students can gain insights into the different factors that affect our mental well-being, like biology, emotions, relationships, and environment. To become a medical aid professional, you should also learn about the healthcare consultant requirements . 

Need a Good Mental Health Research Topic?

Let our experts brainstorm a great topic and deliver a tailored paper overnight!

How to Do Research in Mental Health?

What are the research topics for mental health of students, what are some good mental health topics.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Research Projects | Centre for Global Mental Health . (n.d.). Centre for Global Mental Health. https://www.centreforglobalmentalhealth.org/research-projects  
• Health Topics . (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics  
• Mental Health research topics . (2023, July 26). https://www.otago.ac.nz/mental-health-research/topics  

Related Articles

Psychological distress, well-being, resilience, posttraumatic growth, and turnover intention of mental health nurses during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Affiliations.

• 1 School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia.
• 2 Faculty of Health, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
• 3 Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Australia.
• 4 School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Banyo, Australia.
• 5 Nursing Research and Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia.
• 6 School of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
• 7 ACT Government Health Directorate, Philip, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
• 8 School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.
• PMID: 38747675
• DOI: 10.1111/inm.13354

Mental health nurses (MHNs) experience a range of stressors as part of their work, which can impact their well-being and turnover intention. There is no prior evidence, however, on MHNs' mental health, well-being, resilience, and turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this online survey-based cross-sectional study, conducted during the pandemic, were to explore the psychological distress, well-being, emotional intelligence, coping self-efficacy, resilience, posttraumatic growth, sense of workplace belonging, and turnover intention of n = 144 Australian mental health registered and enrolled nurses; and explore relationships between these variables, in particular, psychological distress, well-being, and turnover intention. There was a higher percentage of MHNs with high (27.78%) and very high psychological distress (9.72%) compared to population norms as measured by the K10. Emotional intelligence behaviours were significantly lower than the population mean (GENOS-EI Short). Coping self-efficacy was mid-range (CSES-Short). Resilience was moderate overall (Brief Resilience Scale), and posttraumatic growth was mid-range (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory; PTGI). Sense of workplace belonging was moderate, and turnover intention was low. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with higher turnover intention, and lower workplace belonging, coping self-efficacy, well-being, resilience, and emotional intelligence behaviours. Despite the levels of psychological distress, nearly half the sample (n = 71) was 'flourishing' in terms of well-being (Mental Health Continuum Short-Form). To help prevent staff distress in the post-pandemic period, organisations need to proactively offer support and professional development to strengthen staff's psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and resilience skills. These strategies and group clinical supervision may also support lower turnover.

Keywords: COVID‐19; mental health nursing; posttraumatic growth; resilience; turnover intention; well‐being.

© 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Grants and funding

• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
• LP180101112/Australian Research Council
• Health and Community Services Union
• Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria

• 1.866.411.2159
• Online Master’s Degrees Overview
• Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Online Master of Science in Product Management
• Online Master of Science in Nursing
• Online Master of Social Work
• Online Doctoral Degrees Overview
• Online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Online Certificate Programs Overview
• Online ABA Certificate
• Online Introduction to Product Management Certificate
• Online Nursing Certificate Programs
• About Regis College
• Corporate Partners Tuition Discount
• Federal Employee Program
• Military & Veterans Tuition Discount Program
• Faculty Directory

Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing for Mental Health Nurses

March 8, 2023

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Doctor of Nursing Practice | View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing

The nursing profession has long taken the lead in practicing evidence-based care. Evidence-based care relies on nurses’ clinical expertise, critical thinking, and research knowledge. Nurses use this skill set to support patient care decisions and as a lens through which to view patient outcomes.

Evidence-based practice in nursing may be even more crucial for mental health nurse practitioners . Mental and behavioral health disorders are complex, as patients may suffer from two or more diagnoses. Additionally, patients may be homeless or incarcerated, making treatment even more difficult.

An advanced degree program that supplies a rigorous background in evidence-based practice is essential for any nurse planning a career in mental and behavioral health.

What Are Evidence-Based Mental Health Services?

Evidence-based mental health services recognize that patients don’t just need therapeutic care; they may also suffer from loss of housing and income, among other basic needs. They may live in high-crime areas and are more likely to be incarcerated. Evidence-based mental health services often combine psychiatric and therapeutic treatment with services that include helping patients find housing, employment, and other support.

The following are some examples of evidence-based practices and treatments supported by SAMHSA. Mental health nurses engaged in evidence-based nursing practice may employ these treatments to support individuals dealing with mental and behavioral health issues.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Assertive community treatment seeks to provide behavioral health services in the community setting. The framework serves conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. ACT services seek to maintain outpatient treatments and ensure regular, ongoing therapies.

Using the framework, various health care practitioners provide services such as assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), help managing family responsibilities, and support in securing important needs such as food and housing.

Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Integrated treatment delivers dual treatments for patients diagnosed with behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. By combining the two services, patients usually have a better chance of making a full, long-term recovery.

Practitioners provide patients with services and resources such as case management, outreach, housing, and employment assistance. The framework aids the high-risk dual diagnoses population, who are more likely to relapse and resume substance use, suffer from poor health, or face homelessness.

 Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)

Illness management and recovery is an evidence-based psychiatric treatment framework for patients with a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia. It’s designed to allow patients to participate actively in their own recoveries. During ongoing weekly sessions, behavioral health practitioners help patients develop treatment plans and identify goals. This may encompass teaching recovery methodologies, behavioral health facts, and stress management techniques.

Practitioners also teach patients how to build and maintain social support networks, reduce the chances of resuming drug use, and use prescribed medications effectively. The teaching techniques of this framework might also include cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational sessions.

Permanent Supportive Housing

Homelessness is a complex challenge in treating people with mental health and substance use disorders. Not only can homelessness worsen a patient’s mental health condition, but it also makes them physically vulnerable to violence, disease, and incarceration. According to SAMHSA, the longer a person experiences homelessness, the harder it is to get them the treatment they need. The agency recommends moving people to permanent housing, with additional support services including therapy, treatment, financial support, and training services, without requiring transitional steps such as getting sober first.

Screening for Postpartum Depression

A study in BMC Psychiatry found nearly 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression, which can impact the health of the mother and the child. Screening and treating pregnant mothers for perinatal depression (depression during pregnancy) can help reduce instances of postpartum depression and in some cases improve the physical and mental health of babies.

Additional Treatments for Mental and Behavioral Health

Many mental health treatment practices are evidence-based and numerous studies have reinforced their effectiveness. Some of the most common evidence-based techniques for treating mental health, behavioral health, and substance use include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , helps patients change patterns of behavior.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) , is based on CBT practices, while also focusing on emotion regulation and mindfulness, among other techniques. It is shown to be effective in treating various mental health disorders.
• Motivational interviewing , uses open questions, affirmations, reflection, and summarizing to help people overcome substance use disorders.

Some therapies are not considered evidence-based, even though they may be popular and effective, such as:

• 12-step programs : Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) pioneered the 12-step process. Some aspects of 12-step programs can be very effective in helping individuals deal with substance use.
• Talk therapy : A traditional form of therapy, talk therapy is widely used on its own and in conjunction with other treatments.

The Role of Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs) in Evidence-Based Practice

In the United States, more Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are emerging to fill the anticipated shortage of health care talent. The nation needs these professionals to fill the service gaps faced by underserved populations in settings such as rural communities, schools, prisons, and urgent care facilities.

DNP-educated nurses are well-positioned to bring the evidence-based nursing practice to the communities they serve. With their background in research and clinical practice, they can lead the establishment of evidence-based plans and criteria at hospitals, clinics, and government agencies.

Become a Leader in Evidence-Based Nursing

Are you eager to become a leader in the field of mental health nursing? The Regis College online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers an excellent foundation in evidence-based nursing practice, equipping you with the tools to embrace the exciting challenges of delivering best-in-class mental and behavioral health services. The curriculum includes classes in advanced research, informatics and statistics, cultural perspectives in health care, and more. Explore your options and take your first steps to make a difference in nursing.

Recommended Reading

What Is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

How Nurse Practitioners Can Become Community Advocates

10 Best Practices to Promote Cultural Awareness in the Nursing Profession

Behavioral Health Resources, “PACT: Program for Assertive Community Treatment”

BMC Psychiatry , “Screening Programs for Common Maternal Mental Health Disorders Among Perinatal Women: Report of the Systematic Review of Evidence”

Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Effects of Illness Management and Recovery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial”

Psychology Today , “From Evidence-Based Practice to Practice-Based Evidence”

THERAPlatform, “ Evidence-Based Practices for Mental Health”

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “ About the Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center”

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “The Case for Screening and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders”

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Homelessness Resources: Housing and Shelter”

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Mental Health Myths and Facts”

Let’s move forward

Wherever you are in your career and wherever you want to be, look to Regis for a direct path, no matter your education level. Fill out the form to learn more about our program options or get started on your application today.

• Practice Test
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical and Surgical Nursing
• Perioperative Nursing
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
• Maternal & Child Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Pathophysiology
• Nursing Research
• Study Guide and Strategies
• Nursing Videos
• Work for Us!
• Privacy Policy

• Nursing Notes

200+ Great Ideas of Nursing Research Topics to Get Started

Running out of topic ideas for your nursing research paper?

Stay on this page to find really cool and helpful lists of interesting research topics for your nursing dissertation or thesis.

What are Some Cool topics to Research?

Whenever students are asked to work on a research paper or present their thesis, the very first concern for them is choosing a unique, interesting, and research-worthy topic that makes their research significant and has enough future scope.

When it comes to finding a unique topic without working on something that’s already been done, most of the nursing and healthcare students struggle. A good research topic should be unique, relevant to current times, and have future scope as well. And you’ll find all three qualities in the topics mentioned below:

1. Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

Primary healthcare refers to essential or basic health care service based on socially acceptable and scientifically sound methods and technology. Since it includes physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being, there are many topics for nursing scholars to explore:

• Strengthening primary healthcare system as the first line of referral system
• Introduction of home health nursing in the community set up
• Primary health care delivery system clinical pathways
• From home visits to home health care: strengthening primary health care delivery system
• Expanding the roles of community health nurses
• Millennial models of health care system
• Strengthening disease surveillance program in the community health set-up
• Home health care of debilitated patients
• Acceptance of evidence-based practice in the primary health care
• Strengthening continuity of care in the community / home health care post hospitalization
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the community health care setting

2. Good Research Topics in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is the management, administration, or oversight of healthcare systems, hospitals, public health systems, and other medical facilities. Since it comprises the overall management of all the work of the hospitals, it opens avenues for a lot of research work. Take, for example, the following:

• Evaluating who is responsible for failure in surgeries?
• Healthcare Contracts Limitations
• Medical Home Service
• Analysing nursing channels that nurses can use for becoming physicians?
• Gender Bias in Nursing Profession
• Starting Private Practice as a Nurse
• Medicare: Pros and Cons
• What are the most appropriate methods for increasing staff retention in a health care setting?
• Nursing Uniform Code Rules
• Role of nurses in enhancing a hospital quality improvement
• Legal Risks with Non-English Patients
• Medical Marijuana: Risk, Benefits, and Management Rules
• Shortage of Men in Healthcare
• Health tracking apps for continuity of care post discharge to home
• Telehealth: the impact of virtual care to urban and rural areas
• Strategic referral system to prevent tertiary hospital congestion
• Clinical pathways for referral system
• Drive-thru pharmacy
• Strenghtening the roles of social works and social workers in the health care team
• Case management approach in the healthcare delivery system
• Defining and application of Expected Length of Stay in patient management
• Impact of case managers in Expected Length of Stay and patient outcomes
• Redefining hospital cultures on bed rest versus mobilization
• Redefining hospital cultures on diet and food services
• Redefining hospital cultures on the assumption of the sick roles
• Strict implementation of Expected Length of Stay to prevent hospital congestion
• Roles of Case manager in the Clinical pathways
• Case Manager as a new nursing role an specialization
• Nurse navigator as a new form of nurse entrepreneurship
• Case management clinical pathway for smooth admission, patient flow and continuity of care after discharge
• Increase nursing specialization
• Internet savvy for healthcare providers

3. Nursing Research Topics about Pain Management

Pain management, in nursing, includes study of all the interventions nurses can make during their hospital hours – mainly to relieve a patient’s pain or ailments through medicinal interventions. Pain is complex, with many treatment options such as therapies, medicines, and also mind-body techniques. Nursing research scholars can research about the following topics:

• Pain management in children suffering from life-limiting illnesses: learning about the best practices
• Headache Treatment Protocol
• A closer look at hemophilia patient’s pain management
• Myofascial Pain Rehabilitation
• Labor and delivery: best practices for pain management
• Using Opioid for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fetal pain perception: analysis by medical experts
• Innovative Injection Use
• Therapeutic Injections: Cons & Pros
• Cognitive hypnotherapy application: how effective are they in pain management?
• Evaluating the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation therapy as a pain management practice.
• Post-discharge pain-management strategies: evaluating their effectiveness in a health care setting?
• Phantom Pains Phenomenon
• Pain management in cancer patients: best practices according to expert nurses
• Spinal cord nerve injury related to chronic constipation
• Mobile pain unit

4. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

In Pediatric nursing, the nursing staff is responsible for medical care of the children and neonates, and adolescents – mainly in a day-clinic or the in-patient setting. Though the main role of child health nursing is administering procedures and medicines to all children as per their prescribed nursing care plans, the research scholars can write papers on the following topics:

• Speech Disorders Therapy
• ADHD Causes & treatment
• Prevalence of misdiagnosis in child health or paediatric ward
• Vaccination & Autism
• Systematic review of range of child health nursing services in UK
• Antibiotic Resistance in Preschool Children
• Mental and Emotional health of children under 10
• Eating Disorders in Children
• Social Media Impact on Teenagers
• Seizures Causes in Infants
• Teething issues in children under 10
• Psychological Aspects of Infant Care
• Use of social media platforms in preparation and prevention of hospital phobia among pediatric groups
• Family engagement in the pediatric care by using hospital information system
• Safety and efficacy of telehealth for pediatric patients

What are the Current issues in Nursing?

Nursing is a high-pressure job. It demands patience, determination, and perseverance. As a high-pressure job, it gets quite challenging and leads to issues from time to time. Some of the examples being staff shortages, long working hours, workplace hazards, personal health, and workplace violence. All of these can be addressed in nursing research papers:

• Analysis of the registered nurse workforce and the relationship to work environments
• Transforming loss: A developing concept for nursing
• Nursing Staff Shortages
• Nursing Practitioners
• Meeting Patient Expectations: A challenge for nurses
• Biggest obstacles nurses face in their education and maintaining career alongside
• Workplace Violence and Hazards Nurses face
• Diversity in Healthcare
• Importance of Community Nursing
• Future of Nursing in the Digital Age
• What measure can a nurse take for helping a person with their eating disorder?
• Clinical Nurse Roles
• How can nurses help in treating patients who already know they don’t have a survival rate?
• Ethics and Homeless People Treatment
• Critical Care Nursing Management
• A nurse’s role in helping and assisting patients with chronic diseases?
• Nursing Theorists Works
• Remote Intensive Care Unit
• Stress Management Practice for Nurses Working in Night Shifts
• Between Career & Professional Service
• Preceptorship and training after distant education program and online learning
• Centralized infectious disease surveillance
• Centralized reporting of chronic diseases
• Patient become more educated: the pros and cons of social media
• Fake news and misinformation on health related issue with the rise of social media platforms
• BPO and call centers for medical procedures booking and admission to decongest emergency room
• Application of BPO in the quality assurance monitoring in documentation

What are Some of the Research Topic Ideas in Surgical Nursing?

• Moral distress among nurses in Surgical units
• Patient’s satisfaction and experience about care provided by nurses in the surgical units
• Organizational effects on patient satisfaction in surgical units
• Medical-Surgical nurses and their perceived leadership abilities as responders in patient deterioration events
• Role of Nurses in Surgical Wards
• Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking in client care
• Pain assessment and management in surgical nursing
• Understanding technology in contemporary surgical nursing
• Understanding Medical surgical nursing as an integrated approach
• Standardising fast-track surgical nursing care
• Mobilization team for the fast recovery of post-operative patients
• Use of telehealth for pre-operative preparations and elective surgical admissions to lessen hospital length of stay among surgical patients
• Continuity of care post surgery in the community health care

What have been some of the more important nursing research questions discussed in nursing class?

If you are here to find more important topics for your nursing dissertations, then scroll through this section for topics that are often discussed in nursing classes. Nursing research articles and topics change over time. However, we find these relevant to current times and challenges in healthcare:

1. Research topic ideas for Midwifery Nursing

Nurse-midwife, as a licensed healthcare professional, specialises in child birth and also women’s reproductive health. Apart from attending pregnant women during childbirth, they are responsible for several roles during emergencies, and pre and postnatal care. Hence, opening avenues for research topics such as:

• Role of nurses in improving patient safety during childbirth: Evidence from obstetric trauma
• Evaluate the impact of delayed umbilical cord clamping after child birth
• Maternal & Neonatal Practices in Rural Areas
• Emerging trends in obstetrical and midwifery nursing
• First Antenatal Appointment Analysis
• Limiting interventions during a low-risk labour
• Mental Illness & Post-natal Period
• Analysing the role of prenatal care in pregnant women
• Shift Study Midwives & Length
• Evaluating impact of AIDS and Hepatitis B in the pregnant women
• Self-Instruction Kits & Natal Safety
• Studying advanced trends in obstetrics and gynaecology
• Midwifery Continued Care
• Evaluating pros and cons of labouring in water
• Gestational Weight Gain Challenges
• Vitamin D’s role as a supplement during pregnancy
• Studying clinical reasoning integration into midwifery practice
• Obese Pregnant Women Safety Rules
• A decade after BEmONC and CEmONC

2. Health Promotion Research Topics

Health promotion mainly comes from behavioral social science which draws from the environmental, biological, psychological, medical, and physical sciences for promoting health and preventing diseases. For health promotion, the research topics include the following:

• Healthcare Dangers of Digital Age
• Benefits and Shortages of Telemedicine
• Healthy living and Preventive medicine for Senior Citizens
• Role of School Nurses
• Obstacles for Smoking cessation
• Healthy Eating & Sports
• Causes of Youth Inactivity
• Roles of Parents for Healthy Lifestyle of Children
• Obesity and Mental Stability
• Pharmacist Responsibility
• Social Media and Educational Strategies
• HealthBank as new form of medical insurance inside the hospital organization
• Collaboration of private health insurance company with public and private hospitals

3. Adult Research Topics for Nursing Students

As a nursing scholar, you can also write research papers on adult healthcare, disease prevention, and management. Take, for example, reasons behind anxiety disorders in adults. Find more topics in the list below:

• Nurses’ experiences with urinary catheter insertion: A qualitative focus group study
• Clinical Cardiology Innovations
• CV Imaging Process
• Migraine Case Example
• Bipolar Disorder Non-Chemical Practices
• Mental Health & Psychiatric Care in Adults
• Online nursing education program
• Self care in Nursing
• Home health care for longterm vented patients
• Clinical Instructor, Preceptorship, Educator and Professor as specialized field requiring licensure
• Specialization program in nursing education

4. Geriatric Care Nursing Journal Topics

Nurses working in Geriatric care and management are responsible for coordinating and planning care of the elderly people dealing with mental or physical disabilities. Some of the research work topic ideas for geriatric care include the following:

• Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Elderly people
• Pain in elderly people: Assessment and Management
• Joint Disorders Study in Elderly Population
• Rapid Nutritional assessment in Elderly
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bladder Cancer Therapy
• Atrial Fibrillation Study
• Critical Care Requirements
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Geriatrics Ethics
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease Precautions
• Geriatric care clinical pathways of care: holistic approach

What are the recent nursing research paper topics?

If you’re facing the challenge of choosing a recent nursing research topic, we’ve got your back. Many nurses, including experienced and freshers, are faced with this challenge at some point. But there’s no need to panic. So, without further ado, let’s jump-start the list of most recent research topics for nursing students:

1. Women’s Health Nursing Research Topics

Research topics related to women’s health are always trending, relevant, and have future scope as well. Hence, these topics are still worth exploring and researching:

• Culture affects women’s health
• Substance Abuse and Addiction in Women
• Menopause Challenges
• Infertility Ethical Rules
• Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Disorder Analysis
• Modern Neonatal Practices
• Pregnancy Prevention Measures
• Sepsis after labour
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Cystic Fibroids
• Sleep Disorders in Women
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women’s Sexual Health Disorders
• HPV and Cervical Cancer
• Vaginal Atrophy Causes
• Sleep disturbances in Women

2. Mental Health Nursing Research Articles Topics

Research papers focusing on mental health are still one of the most read and referred papers. And there’s still more scope for research on topics such as:

• Evaluating the concept of Integrated Mental and Physical Health Care
• Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health
• Possible skills required for Nurses in Mental health care setting
• Assessing the mental health of nurses
• Depression Causes
• Schizophrenia Diagnostics
• Alcohol Addiction Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Studying the impact of PTSD in the Army Veterans
• Impact of Video Games on Teenage Aggression
• Stress Among Police Officers
• Psychiatric Patient Ethics
• Forbidden Substances: Prevention and Use
• Bioterrorism Medicine
• Physical Traumas & Recovery Methods
• Application of Nursing Case Management in Psychiatry

Nursing leaders have called for research focusing on which of the following topics?

If you’d like to take an expert’s opinion before choosing a topic for your nursing dissertation, this section will be helpful. Our list of best nursing research topics doesn’t end here. We’ve got here more interesting topics that are recommended by nursing leaders and experts. Take a look at some more relevant topics:

• Preterm Labor Dangers
• Labor and Delivery Management Practices
• Saving Mother & Child Challenges
• Abortion Care Ethical Side
• Adolescent Gynecology Education
• Antenatal Care Recommendations
• Hypertensive Disorders Causes
• Newborn Resuscitation Rules
• Caesarean Section Preparation
• Delivery Room Behavior Checklist
• Nurses play vital roles in healthcare. Why are they invisible in the media?
• Increasing nursing research capacity: The roles of nurse scientists within healthcare systems
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics for sources of hospital funds
• Diverting patients and funds to economical services
• Culture vs evidence based practice
• Social media influencer in health education dissemination
• Acceptance of evidence based practice in the hospital
• Impact of socio-cultural nursing to evidence-based practice
• Hindrances in the implementation of evidence-based practice
• Nursing faculty shortage and brain-drain
• Online continuing professional education and development

Academic Writing Service: Work Directly With the Experts

The are list of best nursing research paper topics ends here. However, we still have something helpful for you. Writing a dissertation or a nursing paper is time consuming – needless to mention the mental exertion. That explains why the majority of students prefer seeking research writing help.

Take, for example, apessay.com , a place where you can get in touch with registered experts who have successfully passed their competency examinations to provide academic writing service at an affordable rate. The three USPs include plagiarism free content, complete privacy and security standards to protect your personal info, and money-back guarantee.

What makes apessay.com academic writing service unique is you can work in direct cooperation with your preferred writer and consult them for everything – from choosing a relevant topic to revisions for final submission.

Feel free to get professional help from nursing research paper writing service which will take care of your nursing papers online.

Final Thoughts

Nursing research topics for a dissertation or thesis should not be difficult to find through the ideas suggestion above. Just make sure that you provide a twist (segment or expand the topic, perhaps) and come up with a unique topic for your paper.

During the initial stages of finalising a nursing research topic, you can struggle with a lot of choices or overwhelming information. However, when you start to consider a research topic’s limitations and scope, and outline your topic into a question, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the topic you can manage in terms of workload.

We hope these nursing research topics mentioned above help you find that unique thesis statement or idea you’re looking for. In case you’re still having a tough time making a choice, leave us a comment or drop a mail, and we will direct you to better resources.

• https://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-nursing-research/recent-articles
• https://www.syberscribe.com.au/blog/10-emerging-trends-healthcare-technology-2019-beyond/
• https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/top-10-nursing-trends/
• http://ojin.nursingworld.org/

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Evidence-based practice in nursing: beyond the scientific proof of care, nursing research definition: the importance and nurses roles.

It’s was very helpful for me

Disparities in enumeration of staff nurses in developing countries are not researched on.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

Información en español

Celebrating 75 Years! Learn More >>

• Science News
• Meetings and Events
• Social Media
• Press Resources
• Email Updates
• Innovation Speaker Series

Research Highlights

April 29, 2024 • Research Highlight

In this NIMH-supported study, researchers investigated the neural underpinnings of sensory hypersensitivity in SCN2A-associated autism.

April 5, 2024 • Research Highlight

A new study by NIMH researchers demonstrated the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for severe irritability and temper outbursts in children. The positive results set the foundation to continue exploring exposure therapy as a potential treatment for childhood irritability.

March 25, 2024 • Research Highlight

Research funded by NIMH found a link between a low level of social interest among people with psychotic disorders and brain regions in the social motivation system.

January 18, 2024 • Research Highlight

An NIMH-supported study of the 3D genome revealed widespread silencing of genes with important roles in brain function in fragile X syndrome and related disorders.

January 3, 2024 • Research Highlight

NIMH researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in rates of psychotic disorders, which were associated with co-occurring medical conditions and negative health outcomes.

December 18, 2023 • Research Highlight

This clinical trial found that MST is equally effective at reducing depression symptoms as ECT, but with fewer side effects.

November 3, 2023 • Research Highlight

Evidence-based practices for suicide prevention effectively reduced suicidal behaviors among adults seen for care in emergency departments.

October 24, 2023 • Research Highlight

In a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and published in JAMA Psychiatry, Gail Daumit, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University, A. Eden Evins, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and colleagues developed a tobacco smoking cessation intervention for people with serious mental illness.

July 26, 2023 • Research Highlight

In this NIMH-funded study, researchers developed a compound that blocked an enzyme critical for forming HIV particles, which stopped the virus from correctly forming and becoming infectious.

July 19, 2023 • Research Highlight

Hospital visits for urgent mental health care increased among children and teens in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an NIMH-supported study.

• Oak Brook: (630) 705-9999
• Chicago: (312) 920-8822
• Email: [email protected]
• Make a Payment

• Mission & Vision
• Approvals & Accreditation
• Recognition
• Maps & Directions
• Equal Opportunity
• Consumer Information
• Hours of Operation
• NCLEX PN Passing Rate
• Practical Nursing Program
• Online Hybrid Practical Nursing (PN) Program
• Anatomy and Physiology Course Prep at Verve College
• Apply Online
• Practical Nursing Admission Requirement
• Online Hybrid Admission Requirement
• Transfer Policy
• Entrance Exam Review
• PN Entrance Exam
• Foreign Credits
• Tuition and Fees
• Information Sessions
• Physical Examination Form
• Book a Tour
• ATI Entrance Exam Resources
• New E-Digital Library
• Refer a Friend
• School Newsletter
• Job-Network
• Alpha Beta Kappa Candidates
• Verve College Library
• Graduation and Pinning Ceremony Photo Galleries
• Textbook Information
• Career Services
• School Catalog
• Constitution Day Program
• Verve College Plans
• HEERF Reporting
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Apply For Financial Aid
• Net Price Calculator
• Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)
• Financial Aid Office Code of Conduct
• Verification Policy
• Vaccination Policy
• Student Right-to-Know Act
• Misrepresentation
• Information Security Program
• Academic Award Year
• Availability of Employee
• Cost of Attendance
• Health & Safety Exemption Requirement
• Students Rights and Responsibilities
• Leave of Absence
• Pell Formula
• Military Students
• Grants/ Scholarship Policy
• Get Started
• Ask a Question
• Suggestion Box
• Transcript Request
• Oak Brook Student Portal
• Chicago Student Portal
• Testimonials

Is a Nursing Career Right For You?

What Are the Significance of Mental Health in Nursing?

In a country already battling with mental health problems, alarming indicators abound regarding the future.

Based on Mental Health America (MHA), 21% — over 50 million of U.S. adults experienced mental health issues between the years of 2019 and 2020. The COVID-19 epidemic exacerbated the existing issues, with the Commonwealth Fund issuing a warning in 2020 regarding the risk of mental health issues that last for a long time due to increased domestic violence, opioid overdoses as well and an absence of effective care.

In October 2022, the majority of Americans believed that the U.S. was in a mental health crisis, as per an analysis by The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and CNN. Indeed, 51% of people said that their families were experiencing the worst mental health issues. The best nursing colleges in Illinois (community colleges) play a crucial role in enabling individual nurses to meet these difficulties head-on and provide universal access to high-quality mental health care.

Mental health professionals are responding to the need for help with these issues. They are the second largest group of professionals in behavioral health as per the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Mental health nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) operate in different locations to provide a wide variety of services for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Anyone interested in a nursing profession that can help tackle the problems of mental health in the United States must be aware of the role of a psychiatrist. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are usually licensed nurses (RNs) or advanced nursing professionals. Their work in practical nursing addresses the effects of behavior and social factors and the function of the nervous system in mental health.

Importance of Mental Health in Nursing

The crucial importance of mental health in nursing, not just in the realm of emotional well-being but also for physical health, makes a critical care nurse’s job vital for mental health. This is particularly important since the country is facing numerous mental health issues and a shortage of experts to address them.

Mental Health Challenges

A 2020 Commonwealth Fund study raised concerns about the rise in mental health issues because of the increased number of domestic violence incidents and the use of drugs during the time of the pandemic. NBC News confirmed that most police departments that they contacted during the initial phase of the pandemic saw an increase in domestic violence incidents. In addition, a report in 2022 from The Journal of Urban Health found an increase in the number of deaths from opioid overdoses during the time of the pandemic.

In 2022, a KFF/CNN poll revealed that a third of adults reported constantly or frequently being anxious. Twenty percent said they were always or often depressed. Along with current events and financial worries, they were the main factors that contributed to depression and anxiety in a variety of settings.

The problems that affect mental health may also impact physical health. The site focuses on depression and chronic illness as an example. It also states that there is a higher mortality rate for those with mental health issues.

Related:-  Alimentary Canal: Introduction, Examples & Layers

Mental Health Care Deficits in Mental Healthcare

People with mental health issues tend to be more likely to encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare. In October 2022, the number of Americans who resided in regions with a shortage of mental health professionals (HPSAs) was high, as per the Health Resources & Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

The experts think that vocational nurses of the healthcare team in mental health could be crucial in meeting the need for treatment. For instance, in 2021, The Psychiatric Times encouraged psychiatrists and PHMNPs to cooperate to fill in the gaps.

This is the importance of mental health in nursing.

Enhance Your Nursing Career with a Vital Nursing Position

The U.S. is struggling with many mental health issues and a shortage of health care professionals who can address the problems of clinical settings. Mental health nurses are essential in addressing the demands of mental health and mental health requirements.

If you’re interested in pursuing a diploma in nursing, look at your options through the Verve College accredited LPN programs (nursing programs). Our practical nurse program concentration will prepare the health care team or clinical nurses to assume this leadership role and learn how to identify vital signs and give direct patient care suffering from chronic and acute mental health issues.

Get Your Nursing Career Training Readiness Score Now!

The flexible licensed practical nurse programs near me or online programs permit you to finish your studies while continuing with your current position. It prepares you to help patients suffering from a variety of mental and behavioral health issues and collaborate alongside other healthcare professionals in the field to meet the most pressing campus requirements.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Most Popular Blogs Posts

What Are the Significance of Mental…

When is Nurses Day? When is…

Must Learn About Benefits of Medical…

Starting a Rewarding Journey: Reasons to…

The Best Nursing Programs Have These…

Researchers unveil shared and unique brain molecular dysregulations in PTSD and depression

A comprehensive approach that examines the intersection of multiple biological processes is necessary to elucidate the development of stress-related disorders. In a new study, investigators from McLean Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, working with colleagues at The University of Texas at Austin and Lieber Institute for Brain Development, uncovered both shared and distinct molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). These results, published May 24 th in Science , could provide potential avenues for novel therapeutics and biomarkers.

"PTSD is a complex pathological condition. We had to extract information across multiple brain regions and molecular processes to capture the biological networks at play," said first author Nikolaos P. Daskalakis, MD, PhD, director of the Neurogenomics and Translational Bioinformatics Laboratory at McLean Hospital, and an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Stress-related disorders develop over time, stemming from epigenetic modifications caused by the interplay between genetic susceptibility and traumatic stress exposure. Previous studies have uncovered hormonal, immune, methylomic (epigenetics) and transcriptomic (RNA) factors mostly in peripheral samples contributing to these diseases, but limited access to postmortem brain tissues from diseased PTSD patients has restricted characterization of brain-based molecular changes at the appropriate scale.

"Our primary goals for this study were to interpret and integrate differential gene and protein expression, epigenetic alterations and pathway activity across our postmortem brain cohorts in PTSD, depression and neurotypical controls," said senior author Kerry Ressler, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer and director of Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders and Neurobiology of Fear Laboratory at McLean Hospital, and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "We essentially combined circuit biology with powerful multi-omics tools to delve into the molecular pathology behind these disorders."

For this, the team analyzed multi-omic data from 231 PTSD, MDD and neurotypical control subjects, along with 114 individuals from replication cohorts for differences in three brain regions -- the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). They also performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of 118 PFC samples to study cell-type-specific patterns and evaluated blood-based proteins in more than 50,000 UK Biobank participants to isolate key biomarkers associated with stress-related disorders. Finally, the overlap of these key brain-based disease process genes was compared with genome-wide association studies (GWAS)-based risk genes to identify PTSD and MDD risk.

PTSD and MDD individuals both shared altered gene expression and exons in the mPFC, but differed in the localization of epigenetic changes. Further analysis revealed that history of childhood trauma and suicide were strong drivers of molecular variations in both disorders. The authors noted that MDD disease signals were more strongly associated with male-specific results, suggesting that sex differences may underlie disease risk.

Top disease-associated genes and pathways across regions, omics, and/or traits implicated biological processes in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. These included molecular regulators and transcription factors, and pathways involved in immune function, metabolism, mitochondria function and stress hormone signaling.

"Understanding why some people develop PTSD and depression and others don't is a major challenge," said investigator Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., PhD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Dell Medical School of UT Austin. "We found that the brains of people with these disorders have molecular differences, especially in the prefrontal cortex. These changes seem to affect things like our immune system, how our nerves work, and even how our stress hormones behave.."

The genetic components of the work built on a study published last month by researchers including Ressler and Daskalakis in Nature Genetics , in which they identified 95 locations, or loci in the genome (including 80 new) associated with PTSD. Their multi-omic analyses found 43 potential causal genes for the disorder.

The researchers now could reveal only limited overlap between the top genes and those implicated in GWAS studies, underscoring the gap in current understanding between disease risk and underlying disease processes. In contrast, they discovered greater correlations between brain multi-omics and blood markers.

"Our findings support the development of brain-informed blood biomarkers for real-time profiling," said Daskalakis.

Ressler added, "These biomarkers could help overcome current challenges in obtaining brain biopsies for advancing new treatments."

Limitations of the study include the inherent biases in postmortem brain research, including population selection, clinical assessment, comorbidities, and end-of-life state. The authors also caution that they did not fully characterize all cell-subtypes and cell states, and that future studies are required to understand contrasting molecular signals across omics or brain regions.

The team plans on using this database as groundwork for future analysis of how genetic factors interact with environmental variables to create downstream disease effects.

"Learning more about the molecular basis of these conditions, PTSD and MDD, in the brain paves the way for discoveries that will lead to more effective therapeutic and diagnostic tools. This work was possible because of the brain donations to the Lieber Institute Brain Repository from families whose loved ones died of these conditions," said Joel Kleinman, MD, PhD, associate director of Clinical Sciences at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development. "We hope our research will one day bring relief to individuals who struggle with these disorders and their loved ones."

• Brain Tumor
• Psychology Research
• Mental Health Research
• Nervous System
• Disorders and Syndromes
• Molecular biology
• Social cognition
• Neural development
• Psychopathology
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Public health

Story Source:

Materials provided by McLean Hospital . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Nikolaos P. Daskalakis, Artemis Iatrou, Chris Chatzinakos, Aarti Jajoo, Clara Snijders, Dennis Wylie, Christopher P. DiPietro, Ioulia Tsatsani, Chia-Yen Chen, Cameron D. Pernia, Marina Soliva-Estruch, Dhivya Arasappan, Rahul A. Bharadwaj, Leonardo Collado-Torres, Stefan Wuchty, Victor E. Alvarez, Eric B. Dammer, Amy Deep-Soboslay, Duc M. Duong, Nick Eagles, Bertrand R. Huber, Louise Huuki, Vincent L. Holstein, Mark W. Logue, Justina F. Lugenbühl, Adam X. Maihofer, Mark W. Miller, Caroline M. Nievergelt, Geo Pertea, Deanna Ross, Mohammad S. E. Sendi, Benjamin B. Sun, Ran Tao, James Tooke, Erika J. Wolf, Zane Zeier, Sabina Berretta, Frances A. Champagne, Thomas Hyde, Nicholas T. Seyfried, Joo Heon Shin, Daniel R. Weinberger, Charles B. Nemeroff, Joel E. Kleinman, Kerry J. Ressler, Caroline M. Nievergelt, Adam X. Maihofer, Elizabeth G. Atkinson, Chia-Yen Chen, Karmel W. Choi, Jonathan R. I. Coleman, Nikolaos P. Daskalakis, Laramie E. Duncan, Renato Polimanti, Cindy Aaronson, Ananda B. Amstadter, Soren B. Andersen, Ole A. Andreassen, Paul A. Arbisi, Allison E. Ashley-Koch, S. Bryn Austin, Esmina Avdibegoviç, Dragan Babić, Silviu-Alin Bacanu, Dewleen G. Baker, Anthony Batzler, Jean C. Beckham, Sintia Belangero, Corina Benjet, Carisa Bergner, Linda M. Bierer, Joanna M. Biernacka, Laura J. Bierut, Jonathan I. Bisson, Marco P. Boks, Elizabeth A. Bolger, Amber Brandolino, Gerome Breen, Rodrigo Affonseca Bressan, Richard A. Bryant, Angela C. Bustamante, Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm, Marie Bækvad-Hansen, Anders D. Børglum, Sigrid Børte, Leah Cahn, Joseph R. Calabrese, Jose Miguel Caldas-de-Almeida, Chris Chatzinakos, Sheraz Cheema, Sean A. P. Clouston, Lucía Colodro-Conde, Brandon J. Coombes, Carlos S. Cruz-Fuentes, Anders M. Dale, Shareefa Dalvie, Lea K. Davis, Jürgen Deckert, Douglas L. Delahanty, Michelle F. Dennis, Frank Desarnaud, Christopher P. DiPietro, Seth G. Disner, Anna R. Docherty, Katharina Domschke, Grete Dyb, Alma Džubur Kulenović, Howard J. Edenberg, Alexandra Evans, Chiara Fabbri, Negar Fani, Lindsay A. Farrer, Adriana Feder, Norah C. Feeny, Janine D. Flory, David Forbes, Carol E. Franz, Sandro Galea, Melanie E. Garrett, Bizu Gelaye, Joel Gelernter, Elbert Geuze, Charles F. Gillespie, Slavina B. Goleva, Scott D. Gordon, Aferdita Goçi, Lana Ruvolo Grasser, Camila Guindalini, Magali Haas, Saskia Hagenaars, Michael A. Hauser, Andrew C. Heath, Sian M. J. Hemmings, Victor Hesselbrock, Ian B. Hickie, Kelleigh Hogan, David Michael Hougaard, Hailiang Huang, Laura M. Huckins, Kristian Hveem, Miro Jakovljević, Arash Javanbakht, Gregory D. Jenkins, Jessica Johnson, Ian Jones, Tanja Jovanovic, Karen-Inge Karstoft, Milissa L. Kaufman, James L. Kennedy, Ronald C. Kessler, Alaptagin Khan, Nathan A. Kimbrel, Anthony P. King, Nastassja Koen, Roman Kotov, Henry R. Kranzler, Kristi Krebs, William S. Kremen, Pei-Fen Kuan, Bruce R. Lawford, Lauren A. M. Lebois, Kelli Lehto, Daniel F. Levey, Catrin Lewis, Israel Liberzon, Sarah D. Linnstaedt, Mark W. Logue, Adriana Lori, Yi Lu, Benjamin J. Luft, Michelle K. Lupton, Jurjen J. Luykx, Iouri Makotkine, Jessica L. Maples-Keller, Shelby Marchese, Charles Marmar, Nicholas G. Martin, Gabriela A. Martínez-Levy, Kerrie McAloney, Alexander McFarlane, Katie A. McLaughlin, Samuel A. McLean, Sarah E. Medland, Divya Mehta, Jacquelyn Meyers, Vasiliki Michopoulos, Elizabeth A. Mikita, Lili Milani, William Milberg, Mark W. Miller, Rajendra A. Morey, Charles Phillip Morris, Ole Mors, Preben Bo Mortensen, Mary S. Mufford, Elliot C. Nelson, Merete Nordentoft, Sonya B. Norman, Nicole R. Nugent, Meaghan O'Donnell, Holly K. Orcutt, Pedro M. Pan, Matthew S. Panizzon, Gita A. Pathak, Edward S. Peters, Alan L. Peterson, Matthew Peverill, Robert H. Pietrzak, Melissa A. Polusny, Bernice Porjesz, Abigail Powers, Xue-Jun Qin, Andrew Ratanatharathorn, Victoria B. Risbrough, Andrea L. Roberts, Alex O. Rothbaum, Barbara O. Rothbaum, Peter Roy-Byrne, Kenneth J. Ruggiero, Ariane Rung, Heiko Runz, Bart P. F. Rutten, Stacey Saenz de Viteri, Giovanni Abrahão Salum, Laura Sampson, Sixto E. Sanchez, Marcos Santoro, Carina Seah, Soraya Seedat, Julia S. Seng, Andrey Shabalin, Christina M. Sheerin, Derrick Silove, Alicia K. Smith, Jordan W. Smoller, Scott R. Sponheim, Dan J. Stein, Synne Stensland, Jennifer S. Stevens, Jennifer A. Sumner, Martin H. Teicher, Wesley K. Thompson, Arun K. Tiwari, Edward Trapido, Monica Uddin, Robert J. Ursano, Unnur Valdimarsdóttir, Miranda Van Hooff, Eric Vermetten, Christiaan H. Vinkers, Joanne Voisey, Yunpeng Wang, Zhewu Wang, Monika Waszczuk, Heike Weber, Frank R. Wendt, Thomas Werge, Michelle A. Williams, Douglas E. Williamson, Bendik S. Winsvold, Sherry Winternitz, Christiane Wolf, Erika J. Wolf, Yan Xia, Ying Xiong, Rachel Yehuda, Keith A. Young, Ross McD Young, Clement C. Zai, Gwyneth C. Zai, Mark Zervas, Hongyu Zhao, Lori A. Zoellner, John-Anker Zwart, Terri deRoon-Cassini, Sanne J. H. van Rooij, Leigh L. van den Heuvel, Murray B. Stein, Kerry J. Ressler, Karestan C. Koenen. Systems biology dissection of PTSD and MDD across brain regions, cell types, and blood . Science , 2024; 384 (6698) DOI: 10.1126/science.adh3707

Cite This Page :

Explore More

• Caterpillars Detect Predators by Electricity
• 'Electronic Spider Silk' Printed On Human Skin
• Engineered Surfaces Made to Shed Heat
• Innovative Material for Sustainable Building
• Human Brain: New Gene Transcripts
• Epstein-Barr Virus and Resulting Diseases
• Origins of the Proton's Spin
• Symbiotic Bacteria Communicate With Plants
• Birdsong and Human Voice: Same Genetic Blueprint
• Molecular Dysregulations in PTSD and Depression

Trending Topics

Strange & offbeat.

• Alzheimer's disease & dementia
• Arthritis & Rheumatism
• Attention deficit disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Biomedical technology
• Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes
• Endocrinology & Metabolism
• Gastroenterology
• Gerontology & Geriatrics
• Health informatics
• Inflammatory disorders
• Medical economics
• Medical research
• Medications
• Neuroscience
• Obstetrics & gynaecology
• Oncology & Cancer
• Ophthalmology
• Overweight & Obesity
• Parkinson's & Movement disorders
• Psychology & Psychiatry
• Radiology & Imaging
• Sleep disorders
• Sports medicine & Kinesiology
• Vaccination
• Breast cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Colon cancer
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Lung cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Ovarian cancer
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Schizophrenia
• Skin cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Full List »

share this!

May 23, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

Investigating self-harm and digital technology overuse in young people with lived mental health experience

by King's College London

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, in partnership with YoungMinds—a UK's children's mental health charity—has found high levels of problematic mobile phone use, disturbed sleep, and self-harm among young people with mental health conditions.

The research, published in PLOS ONE , is the first prospective study of its kind, and provides the basis for a comprehensive resource that will allow researchers to investigate the mental health impact of digital technology use in young people.

A total of 365 young people aged between 13 and 25 years old who are currently or have recently accessed secondary mental health services were recruited from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Using innovative study design, co-produced with young people with lived experience, and sourcing data from participants' electronic health records, smartphones and social media accounts , researchers were able to build an accurate picture of each participant's behavior.

Participants provided data over the course of six months to establish how patterns of social media and smartphone use can be associated with self-harm and mental health.

More than 80% of the participants had self-harmed at least once, and high levels of depression, anxiety, and disturbed sleep were all prevalent. 54% reported using social media after midnight on a weekday, and 59% reported using their smartphones after midnight on a weekday.

"While there has been extensive debate about the relationship between social media and smartphone use and rates of self-harm, studies up to this point have largely been limited by their design, and have only been able to demonstrate associations rather than providing any insight into the relative timings of different behaviors or underlying mechanisms," says Dr. Rina Dutta, reader in suicidology and psychiatry at King's IoPPN and the study's senior author.

"Our comprehensive approach will allow us to properly investigate the impact of digital technology on youth mental health."

Among those studied, nearly a quarter reported using social media for more than five hours a day on weekdays and more than 40% used their smartphone above this threshold.

Despite spending excessive amounts of time online and about a third of participants reporting they had recently been the victim of bullying, researchers found that traditional methods of bullying, such as social exclusion, were more common than cyberbullying.

"The high prevalence of self-harm in our sample of young people with prior interactions with mental health services serve as a reminder that there needs to be increased investment in prevention and early intervention services for those at risk," says Dr. Amanda Bye, King's Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People Translational Research Fellow and the study's first author.

Hannah Kinsey, Head of Training and Service Design at YoungMinds said, "We are hugely proud to be part of this research and the work that has gone into ensuring that young people's voices are central at every stage of the study. The findings reveal that more needs to be done to stop the harmful impacts of social media on young people, especially those who have already struggled with their mental health."

Dr. Angela Hind, Chief Executive at the Medical Research Foundation, said, "Smartphones and social media are ubiquitous among young people, yet we know little about the impact on their mental health.

"This research reveals some important insights into how digital technology is being used by young people with lived experience of mental health conditions , and lays the foundation for future studies in this area—which are much-needed. Ultimately, we hope these findings will lead to better support for young people who are struggling with their mental health."

Explore further

Feedback to editors

New technique detects novel biomarkers for kidney diseases with nephrotic syndrome

11 hours ago

In experiments, mice get ill from raw milk carrying bird flu virus

23 hours ago

Understanding a broken heart—study finds link between stress and recurrent heart failure

May 24, 2024

Genetic cause of rare childhood immune disorders discovered

New surgical tool moves tiny bioparticles with robotics and acoustic energy

The link between defective autophagy and pancreatitis could point to new treatments

Possible association between tattoos and lymphoma revealed

Walkability in neighborhoods linked to health, study of siblings shows

Scientists uncover new treatment pathway for rare 'spider web' childhood brain tumors

How COVID-19 'breakthrough' infections alter your immune cells

Related stories.

Young Britons increasingly face mental illness: study

Feb 26, 2024

Young adults who have more frequent psychotic experiences also spend more time on digital media, says study

Aug 30, 2023

Cellphone ban won't address mental health, classroom concentration issues, say experts

May 5, 2024

Social media affects people's views on mental illness, study finds

Apr 23, 2024

Social media unlikely to cause mental health problems in adolescents

Apr 14, 2023

Social media and adolescent mental health: Consensus report

Feb 28, 2024

Recommended for you

Study suggests psychedelic drug-induced hyperconnectivity in the brain helps clarify altered subjective experiences

Researchers unveil shared and unique brain molecular dysregulations in PTSD and depression

Two studies offer key insights into the origins and potential treatment of mental health disorders

Study uncovers cell type-specific genetic insights underlying schizophrenia

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in utero associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome in children

Mental disorders may spread in young people's social networks

Let us know if there is a problem with our content.

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Medical Xpress in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter