Do non-clinical services help to improve functional outcomes among young
adults with mental disorders? A systematic review.
Abstract
Title Do non-clinical services help to improve functional
outcomes among young adults with mental disorders? A systematic review.
Aim This systematic review aims to examine and synthesise the
evidence for non-clinical services on improving functional outcomes for
young adults with mental disorders. Methods The systematic
review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results Only
17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies were focussed on
vocational support services and seven of these examined the impact of
the well-established Individual Placement and Support model. Most
studies reported increased rates of employment of young adults similar
to studies in general adult populations. Six studies reported on
lifestyle interventions including a combination of physical activities,
nutrition education, health coaching and motivation and behaviour
change. The measures of functioning used by the studies were too varied
to determine whether lifestyle interventions may be useful in improving
functional outcomes for young adults. There were only two studies on
family and network support services for young adults.
Conclusion Given the importance of improving functional
outcomes among young adults with mental disorders to improve daily
activities, quality of life and recude future disability, further
research is needed to understand the impact of non-clinical services on
functioning. This evidence will provide pragmatic guidance for service
planners to invest in supports and interventions that make a meaningful
difference to the lives of young adults living with mental illness.