Referral Patterns for Clinical Psychology in Malaysia's Health Ministry

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Patterns of Referral to Clinical Psychology Services in the Ministry of Health Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Manal Martadza, Umi Izzatti Saedon, Nooraini Darus, Tunku Saraa-Zawyah Tunku Badli, Siti Aisyah Ghazalan, Wan Mohd Azam Wan Mohd Yunus


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Patterns of Referral to Clinical Psychology Services in the Ministry of Health Malaysia

Year: 2019 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.6.11

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Clinical psychology services are increasingly essential in Malaysia, particularly given the rising demands for mental health care throughout various age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This descriptive study involves a comprehensive analysis of 2,179 referrals made to clinical psychology services across multiple hospitals and mental health institutions in Malaysia during 2015. The focus is on identifying the demographic characteristics, types of diagnoses, referral sources, and differences in service needs by age group, all contributing to a nuanced understanding of mental health needs in the population.

Patterns of Referral and Diagnosis

One significant finding from this study is that male referrals (60.3%) outnumber female referrals (39.7%), with adults making up the highest percentage (48.2%) of cases referred. The data revealed that the most common referrals were for psychological assessment in children and adolescents, while adults were primarily referred for psychological interventions. Neurodevelopmental disorders were identified as the most prevalent diagnoses among referrals at 41.4%. Meanwhile, psychiatrists accounted for the majority of referrals (82.2%), emphasizing the strong collaborative relationship between clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the critical role clinical psychologists play in Malaysia’s mental health system, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. There is a clear necessity for tailored psychological assessments for children and adolescents, while adults require more intervention-focused services. The results underscore the importance of clinical psychology services to enhance mental health care and emphasize the need for continued efforts to address the growing mental health demands within each demographic group in Malaysia.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the objective of the study on clinical psychology services?

The study aimed to identify demographic characteristics and referral patterns for clinical psychology services in Malaysia, focusing on types of referrals, diagnosis, and sources across different age groups.

How many referrals were reviewed in the study?

A total of 2,179 referrals to clinical psychology services from six general hospitals and three mental health institutions were reviewed for the year 2015.

What were the main findings on referral demographics?

The results showed that 60.3% of referrals were male, with adult cases being the most referred (48.2%), followed by children (25.7%) and adolescents (22.8%).

Which types of disorders were most commonly diagnosed?

Neurodevelopmental disorders were the most common diagnoses (41.4%), followed by depressive disorders (13.4%) and anxiety disorders (12.8%) among the referrals analyzed in the study.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Referral Patterns for Clinical Psychology in Malaysia's Health Ministry”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
A table is a systematic arrangement of data, often in rows and columns, used to present information clearly and concisely. In the context of the study, tables summarize demographic characteristics, referral patterns, and diagnosis rates, enabling easy comparison and analysis of clinical psychology service data.

2) Mental health:
Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. It is crucial in determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Understanding mental health is essential for diagnosing and treating mental disorders effectively.

3) Study (Studying):
A study is a detailed examination or analysis of a particular subject, often designed to collect data, interpret findings, and draw conclusions. The study mentioned focuses on referral patterns to clinical psychology services, providing insight into mental health trends and demographics in Malaysia, thereby informing future policies.

4) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and fear. It can manifest physically and mentally, impacting daily functioning. In the context of the study, anxiety disorders are significant diagnoses that clinical psychologists encounter, highlighting the necessity for effective interventions and support services.

5) Training:
Training in a clinical psychology context refers to the education and skill development required for practitioners to effectively assess and treat mental health issues. This includes understanding therapeutic techniques and psychological assessment tools, ensuring that clinical psychologists can provide high-quality care to their patients.

6) Depression:
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. In the study, depression is identified as one of the significant diagnoses for adult referrals, underscoring the need for targeted psychological interventions.

7) Male:
Male refers to the gender typically associated with biological and physical characteristics of men. The study reveals that a higher percentage of male patients are referred for clinical psychology services, which may reflect societal perceptions of mental health issues and the need for tailored outreach efforts.

8) Mental disorder:
A mental disorder is a condition that significantly disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or social interactions. The study seeks to identify diagnoses among patients in clinical psychology services, underscoring the importance of recognizing various mental disorders to provide appropriate treatments and interventions.

9) Hand:
In a health context, 'hand' can metaphorically refer to close collaboration or support in patient care. It indicates the teamwork approach within mental health services, such as cooperation between clinical psychologists and other healthcare professionals, enhancing the overall care provided to patients.

10) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. In this study, the interrelation of clinical psychology services with the broader field of medicine illustrates the holistic approach toward patient care, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health into overall health services.

11) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Addressing epilepsy within clinical services showcases the need for interdisciplinary care, where psychologists may work with neurologists and other specialists to support patients with complex health issues.

12) Indian:
Indian refers to a demographic characteristic within the population studied. The representation of Indian patients highlights the multicultural context of Malaysia’s healthcare system, indicating the necessity for culturally competent care that is sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and needs of individuals seeking psychological services.

13) Life:
Life refers to the existence and experiences of individuals, inclusive of physical, mental, and social aspects. In the study, aspects of life impacted by mental health, such as quality of life and everyday functioning, are crucial for understanding the significance of providing effective psychological support.

14) Chennai:
Chennai is a city in India, referenced in the context of mental health studies. The mention of Chennai indicates regional studies that might reflect similar trends in mental health challenges and services, emphasizing the importance of localized research in understanding diverse population needs in clinical psychology.

15) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standard of services and care provided in mental health settings. In the study, improving the quality of psychological services is key to meeting the needs of the population, ensuring effective treatments and assessments that can significantly enhance patients' mental health outcomes.

16) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition of a bodily part resulting from various causes. The study emphasizes mental diseases to understand referral patterns. Recognizing mental diseases is pivotal as it informs how health services can be designed and the interventions required to assist affected individuals.

17) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is likely a reference to an author or researcher involved in relevant studies or literature within the realm of mental health. Such references underline the collaborative nature of research, showcasing the ongoing contributions of various professionals toward understanding and improving mental health services.

18) Bhatti (Bhattigey):
Bhatti appears to be another researcher in the field. Including professionals like Bhatti highlights collaborative efforts in research, emphasizing how contributions from multiple experts enhance understanding and treatment approaches related to mental health, especially within culturally diverse contexts like Malaysia.

19) Sagar (Sagár):
Sagar likely represents another individual contributing to research findings and insights regarding mental health. Acknowledging contributions from researchers like Sagar showcases the interdisciplinary nature of mental health studies, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding and addressing mental health challenges.

20) Rules:
Rules can refer to established guidelines and protocols within the field of mental health. Standards of practice are vital for ensuring safe and effective treatment in clinical settings, contributing to the overall quality of psychological interventions and maintaining professional integrity among practitioners.

21) Noise:
In psychological contexts, noise refers to irrelevant or disruptive factors that can impact mental processes. Understanding the implications of noise in communication and treatment environments is important for clinical psychologists, as it can affect the efficacy of assessments and therapeutic interventions in mental health care.

22) Pharmacotherapy:
Pharmacotherapy refers to the use of medication to treat mental health disorders. While psychologists primarily focus on non-pharmacological methods, understanding pharmacotherapy is essential for comprehensive patient care. Collaborating with psychiatrists ensures that integrative treatment plans address all facets of mental health issues.

23) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their therapeutic effects on mental health. Knowledge of pharmacological treatments allows clinical psychologists to understand how medications can complement psychological interventions, enhancing outcomes for patients with complex mental health needs, especially in a multidisciplinary care approach.

24) Perception:
Perception refers to the way individuals interpret and understand different stimuli and experiences. In mental health, understanding patients' perceptions can provide insights into their emotional and psychological states, guiding assessment processes and therapeutic strategies to better address their unique needs and challenges.

25) Discussion:
Discussion encompasses the analysis and exploration of findings from research. In the context of the study, discussions facilitate the interpretation of data related to mental health referrals, helping to derive conclusions and recommendations that can improve clinical psychology services and inform future research directions.

26) Substance:
Substance typically refers to drugs or chemicals that can alter mental states. In a mental health context, substance use disorders are significant concerns that can complicate psychological assessments and treatments, necessitating an integrated approach from healthcare providers to address both psychological and substance-related issues.

27) Education:
Education involves the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies. In mental health, education is critical for training clinical psychologists, promoting awareness, and equipping professionals with the necessary tools and understanding to effectively support individuals with mental health challenges across various demographics.

28) Teaching:
Teaching refers to the guidance and instruction provided to learners. In the context of mental health, effective teaching methods are essential for training clinical psychologists and informing them about evidence-based practices, ethical considerations, and the nuances of client care, ultimately improving service delivery.

29) Learning:
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or teaching. In the field of psychology, continuous learning is vital for professionals to remain updated on therapeutic techniques, research findings, and best practices, enhancing their ability to provide effective services for mental health concerns.

30) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. In psychology, applying scientific methods helps validate treatment approaches, inform clinical practices, and ensure evidence-based interventions that effectively address mental health disorders in diverse populations.

31) Reason:
Reason refers to the cognitive ability to think, understand, and form judgments logically. In mental health, reasoning is critical for clinical psychologists to assess patients, formulate diagnoses, and develop treatment plans, ensuring that interventions are grounded in rational decision-making aligned with best practices.

32) Field:
Field refers to a specialized area of study or practice, such as clinical psychology. This term emphasizes the unique expertise required for addressing mental health concerns, underscoring the importance of training and knowledge relevant to effectively assessing and treating individuals in various clinical settings.

33) Raja:
Raja likely refers to a specific individual or a representative context within the study or reference materials. Identifying professionals such as Raja reinforces the contribution of diverse voices and experiences in mental health practices, showcasing the importance of collaboration in enhancing psychological services.

34) Pain:
Pain refers to physical or emotional discomfort and suffering. In mental health contexts, understanding how pain influences emotional well-being is crucial. Mental health interventions often address pain-related issues, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that encompass both physical and emotional dimensions of patients' experiences.

35) Post:
Post often indicates something that follows or comes after. In the context of mental health, 'post' could refer to post-treatment or post-intervention evaluations, which are essential for assessing the effectiveness of psychological strategies and ensuring that patients receive ongoing support in their mental health journey.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Referral Patterns for Clinical Psychology in Malaysia's Health Ministry’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mental health, Mental disorder, Depression, Evidence-based practice, Gender difference, Patient management, Disability, Age-group, Life satisfaction, Social Support, Comorbidity, Health-related quality of life, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Psychological assessment, Psychiatric condition, Treatment option, Forensic Science, Behavioural medicine, Depressive disorder, Neurodevelopmental disorder, Intellectual disability, Age of onset, Psychiatric disorder, Cognitive behaviour therapy, Anxiety disorder, Psychological intervention, Adult population, Psychiatrist, Multidisciplinary team, Mental health care, Clinical psychologist, South Indian population, Neuropsychological assessment, Health professional, Mental health problem, Government Hospital, Demographic characteristic.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: