Mental Health

Acceptability at Recruitment

ACCEPT

Acceptability at VT / Work-Up

QUALIFIED – See further guidance

Individual at Risk

Donor / Recipient

Explanation of Condition

Mental health refers to a general state of mental well-being that enables a person to cope with normal life stressors and meaningfully engage with and contribute to their community. As an integral component of overall well-being and donor safety. A potential donor's mental health status may influence their ability to provide informed consent, cope with the physical demands of donation, and manage the emotional aspects of the donation experience. At the same time, mental health conditions are often highly treatable or manageable, and the presence of a mental health condition does not necessarily impact a donor's suitability or safety. Mental illness or mental health condition/disorder refers to a health condition(s) that involves significant changes in thinking, emotion, or behaviour that cause distress or impairment in functioning. E.g. depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. These may range from mild to severe.

Guidance

In addition to this guidance, please see the “Other Relevant Guidelines” section at the bottom of this page, which links to existing AN wiki guidance for specific diagnoses e.g. schizophrenia. These may include condition-specific rules and donor considerations.

Guidance at recruitment

Accept

Guidance at VT

Accept - Donors with stable and well controlled mental health condition.

Defer donors:

• For 3-6 months – since changes to their mental health e.g. starting or adjusting their treatment or medication, feeling their mental health isn't well controlled or that a change to their management is needed.

• For 18 months - since a significant or severe exacerbation (e.g. hospitalisation, crises including suicidal ideation/attempts)

Please refer to medical officer if necessary.

Here are some example questions/considerations to help gather an individualized mental health assessment to understand the donor's current mental health status:

• Does the donor feel their mental health is stable and well controlled?

• Does the donor take any medications, have these been started or changed recently?

• Are there specific aspects of donation that concern the donor regarding their mental health (any specific phobias e.g. needle phobia)?

• Could the donor cope with the stressors involved with donating – attending and travelling to appointments, a hospital stay if required?

• Does the donor have adequate support - What kind of support does the donor need or prefer?

• Does the donor have a current relationship with a mental health professional who they want to be involved in the decision to donate and/or support during the donation process?

In asking these questions, we should emphasise all information will be handled confidentially and managed according to applicable privacy regulations and organisational policies. They should be framed as part of comprehensive donor care and clearly convey that mental health information is being collected to support the donor and ensure their safety and well-being throughout the donation process.