Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire and Clinical Impairment Assessment norms for intersectional identities using an MTurk sample.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data to guide the interpretation of scores on measures of eating-disorder psychopathology among underrepresented individuals. We aimed to provide norms for the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) across racial/ethnic, gender, and sexual identities, and sexual orientations and their intersections by recruiting a diverse sample of Amazon MTurk workers (MTurkers; N = 1782). METHOD: We created a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of racial/ethnic identification, gender identification, sex assigned at birth, current sexual identification, and sexual orientation called the Demographic Assessment of Racial, Sexual, and Gender Identities (DARSGI). We calculated normative data for each demographic category response option. RESULTS: Our sample was comprised of 68% underrepresented racial/ethnic identities, 42% underrepresented gender identities, 13% underrepresented sexes, and 49% underrepresented sexual orientations. We reported means and standard deviations for each demographic category response option and, where possible, mean estimates by percentile across intersectional groups. EDE-Q Global Score for a subset of identities and intersections in the current study were higher than previously reported norms for those identities/intersections. DISCUSSION: This is the most thorough reporting of norms for the EDE-Q and CIA among racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender identities, and sexual orientations and the first reporting on multiple intersections, filling some of the gaps for commonly used measures of eating-disorder psychopathology. These norms may be used to contextualize eating-disorder psychopathology reported by underrepresented individuals. The data from the current study may help inform research on the prevention and treatment of eating-disorder psychopathology in underrepresented groups. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: We provide the most thorough reporting on racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender identities, and sexual orientations for the Eating Disorder Examination - Questionnaire and Clinical Impairment Assessment, and the first reporting on intersections, which fills some of the gaps for commonly used measures of eating-disorder psychopathology. These norms help inform research on the prevention and treatment of eating-disorder psychopathology in underrepresented groups.

Mental Health Units in Correctional Facilities in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of severe mental illness (SMI) in correctional settings is alarmingly high. Some correctional facilities have developed mental health units (MHUs) to treat incarcerated individuals with SMI. OBJECTIVE: To identify existing MHUs in the United States and collate information on these units. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review using Criminal Justice Abstracts, ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SocINDEX, plus an exploratory review using the Google search engine were conducted. MHUs were included if they were located within an adult correctional facility in the United States, specifically catered to SMI populations, and were in active operation as of June 2019. RESULTS: Eleven articles were identified through the peer-reviewed literature, but there were still major gaps in the information on MHUs. The Google search identified 317 MHUs. The majority of units were located within prisons (79.5%) and served only men (76%). The Google search found information indicating that 169 (53.3%) offered groups or programming to inmates; 104 (32.8%) offered individual therapy; and 89 (23%) offered both. One hundred sixty-six units (52.4%) had dedicated mental health staff, and 75 (23.7%) provided mental health training to correctional officers. Information on funding and outcomes of the MHUs is presented. LIMITATIONS: Use of the Google search engine and sources that have not been peer reviewed limits the robustness of conclusions about the MHUs. CONCLUSIONS: Standards for developing and implementing MHUs are not widespread. The shortcomings of current MHUs are discussed in the context of desired criteria for size, staffing, and programming.