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Table 1 The content of the six modules within the MHFA eLearning course

From: A pilot randomised controlled study of the Mental Health First Aid eLearning course with UK medical students

Name of module

Content within module

 1. Introduction to mental health and Mental Health First Aid

• Definitions, prevalence, and impact of mental health problems

• Spectrum of interventions available for mental health problems

• Types of professional help and treatment available for mental health problems

• Definitions of recovery for mental health problems

• Explanation of Mental Health First Aid and introduction to the MHFA ‘ALGEE’ action plan

 2. Depression

• Definition of depression and other mood disorders

• Risk factors for developing depression/mood disorders

• Interventions and treatment for depression/mood disorders

• Importance of early intervention for depression/mood disorders

• Crises associated with depression: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and non-suicidal self-injury

• MHFA action plan for depression

• Helpful resources list

 3. Anxiety problems

• Definition of anxiety and anxiety disorders (e.g. PTSD, social anxiety disorder)

• Risk factors for developing anxiety disorders

• Interventions and treatment for anxiety disorders

• Importance of early intervention for anxiety problems

• Crises associated with anxiety problems: panic attacks, and traumatic events

• MHFA action plan for anxiety

• Helpful resources list

 4. Eating disorders

• Definitions and types of eating disorders (e.g. anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)

• Risk factors for developing eating disorders

• Interventions and treatment for eating disorders

• Importance of early intervention for eating disorders

• Crises associated with eating disorders: malnutrition-related crises, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and non-suicidal self-injury

• MHFA action plan for eating disorders

• Helpful resources list

 5. Psychosis

• Definition of psychosis and types of psychotic disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)

• Risk factors for developing psychotic disorders

• Interventions and treatment for psychotic disorders

• Importance of early intervention for psychotic disorders

• Crises associated with psychosis: person may be in severe psychotic state, aggressive behaviours, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours

• MHFA action plan for psychosis

• Helpful resources list

 6. Substance use problems

• Definitions of substance use problems (e.g. alcohol use problems, drug use problems)

• Risk factors for developing substance use problems

• Interventions and treatment for substance use problems

• Importance of early intervention for substance use problems

• Crises associated with substance use problems: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, severe effects from alcohol and/or drug misuse (e.g. intoxication, withdrawal, overdosing, medical emergencies), and aggressive behaviours

• MHFA action plan for substance use problems

• Helpful resources list