Page 24 - Violence and Mental Health

emotional wellbeing, and assisted them in making positive changes to their lives. The

psychosocial dysfunctions of programme beneficiaries were a major factor contributing
to anti-social, violent and criminal behaviours. By using a holistic approach, psychosocial

interventions were designed to assist clients with managing their psychological health
and behavioural challenges, and making positive changes to their lives. The Unit ensured

that systems were in place, and were working effectively to provide the clinical and
professional support of all beneficiaries as needed. Services delivered were carried out by

the psychologists and social workers and included (i) Parenting Education, (ii) Substance
Abuse Treatment, (iii) Individual and Group Counselling, and (iv), Referrals to medical

doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists. The Beck Depression inventory was one instrument
that was used in the initial assessment of all beneficiaries.

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a 21-item, self-report rating inventory that measures
cognitive, affective and somatic symptoms of depression (Beck, et al. 1961). The individual

must have experienced these symptoms within the past two weeks. BDI-II is designed for
individuals aged 13 and over, and is composed of items relating to symptoms of depression

such as hopelessness and irritability; cognitions such as guilt; or feelings of being punished;
and physical symptoms such as fatigue and lack of interest in sex.

The BDI-II items are rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3 based on severity of each

item. The maximum score is 63. Raw scores and depression severity for the BDI-II are as
follows: 0–13 indicates minimal (low) depression; 14–19 indicates mild depression; 20–22

indicates moderate depression; and 29–63 indicates severe depression.

Symptoms of Depression
Some common symptoms of depression are a depressed mood, accompanied by

feelings of sadness, hopelessness and emptiness for most of the day, and nearly every
day. In addition, some persons may frequently become tearful and their interest or

pleasure in all or almost all activities is markedly diminished. Symptoms are also marked by
significant weight loss or gain: for example, a change of more than 5.0 per cent of body

weight within a month; significant increase or decrease in appetite nearly every day, and

4