Easier Said Than Done

A Review of the Literature: Myths, Facts, & Implications Concerning the Misperceptions of

Mental Illness SAMHSA Internship Final Presentation

John Arthur Jackson, III, B.A. Intern CMHS Office of the Director

April 23, 2015

ntroduction

Purpose

• SAMHSA has a rather critical role in producing and advancing the knowledge with respect to misperceptions about mental illness. This includes the relationship between that of mental illness and violence. The evident volatility of this topic only affirms that we need to contribute to further dialogue

• In presenting the literature about some of the myths and

implications concerning the social perceptions of those who are mentally ill, will reveal the nature in which discussions about mental illness has been distorted.

Background

• We should know that there is an ever present and

ongoing prejudice associated with people who have mental illness. Compounded with the assumption of a violent predisposition we find that this does not facilitate a climate that encourages recovery but hinders. This type of discrimination about people with mental illness is something we need to reassess.

Common Misperceptions & Myths

Myth: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable. Fact: In reality, the vast majority of people who have mental

health needs are no more violent than anyone else. You probably know someone with a mental illness and don't even realize it.

Myth: Once people develop mental illnesses, they will never recover.

Fact: Studies show that most people with mental illnesses get better, and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that having hope plays an integral role in an individual's recovery.

Method

• An exploratory study that reviewed a myriad of electronic bibliographic databases (e.g. CDC, NSDUH, APA, AMA, HHS and Google Scholar) utilizing the search: “mental illness”; “mental health”; “integration”; inclusion”; “social acceptance”; “exclusion”; “discrimination”; “social exclusion”. Articles selected were full text, qualitative semi-structured interviews, systematic reviews and peer reviewed articles published between 2006-2014.

A Look At Previous Literature

• Dr. Jonathan Metzl, Vanderbilt University – Mental illness and Gun violence

• Societal need to blame as a way to obtain security from reality (Metzl 2011).

New York Times “A Misguided Focus on Mental Illness in Gun Control Debate

Dr. Jeffrey Swanson

Displacing and limiting threat of violence to a small, well-defined group.

Overwhelming epidemiological evidence that the vast majority of people with mental psychiatric disorders to not commit violent acts.

The Assumption

Adam Lanza James Holmes

Seung-Hui Cho

Jared Loughner

Results/Findings (cont.)

• National Institute of Mental Health’s Epidemiologic Catchment Area study – (Swanson, Holze, Ganju & Jono) 2001

Results/Findings (cont.)

Mental illness is NOT a precursor for crime

• Certain mental illnesses make people less likely to commit violent acts – Schizophrenia can cause people to isolate or withdraw from

society

• Dr. Linda A. Teplin; National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) of 2005

While it is estimated that,

of America’s crimes may be committed by people with mental illness. Appelbaum, P. & Swanson, J. (2010).

‘Victims’

About¼ of People with

mental illness are more likely to be the

Which is 11 times the rate of the general population

National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) of 2005

• SAMHSA’s Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center)

» No longer funded but vital resource; possibly replicate

• NIMH & SAMHSA’s coordinated facilitation

• Administrator, Center Director Article (2013) • SAMHSA Mental Illness Violence Paper

Recommendations

• SAMHSA Expert Panel

• SAMHSA should review existing contracts, grants and other programs and resulting inventory can be used to identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for SAMHSA to immerse themselves in an active discussion conducive to potential solutions concerning risk

• Programs targeted to early intervention

• Foster an attitude of inclusiveness

Final Thoughts

Questions ?

Thank You For Your Time!

SAMHSA Internship Final Presentation John Arthur Jackson, III, Intern to Deputy Director

CMHS Office of the Director April 23, 2015