Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
-
Australas Psychiatry · Oct 2014
Dosing and effectiveness of ketamine anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): a case series.
To provide additional data about the clinical efficacy and dosing range for ketamine used as the induction agent in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ⋯ Ketamine has a role as an alternative induction anesthetic agent in ECT. Our case series adds to the literature on the concomitant use of ECT and ketamine.
-
The primary objective was to calculate the number of self-inflicted burn injuries of all admissions in an Australian hospital burns unit. The secondary objectives included examining the demographic profile, length of stay and co-morbidity of mental illness in these cases compared with the total admissions to the burns unit. ⋯ While the percentage of self-inflicted burn cases of all burns unit admissions was low, these cases have a greater burden of care due to their longer admission time and higher frequency of co-morbid mental illness. This finding supports the need for close involvement of consultation liaison psychiatry teams within a burns unit.
-
Australas Psychiatry · Feb 2014
Why don't people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) get enough exercise?
Our aim was to assess physical activity, attitudes and future intentions among a sample of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). ⋯ Community mental health services should routinely integrate targeted interventions that promote exercise. Social support for exercise, strategies to increase self-efficacy and education about the multifaceted benefits of exercise are necessary considerations in the development of such interventions.
-
The incidence of Asperger's syndrome is reported as above average in young people presenting with gender dysphoria. Patients with Asperger's syndrome, however, are prone to obsessive preoccupations. This paper points out that the apparent dysphoria may in some cases prove to be a transient obsession. ⋯ Patients asking for sex reassignment should be assessed for indications of Asperger's syndrome. Irreversible treatments should be withheld until it is clear there is a genuine issue of transsexualism.