Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
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Australas Psychiatry · Dec 2013
Review Comparative StudyThe comparative efficacy of intramuscular antipsychotics for the management of acute agitation.
To review the current role and comparative efficacy of short-acting intramuscular (IM) antipsychotics in the management of acute agitation, in current clinical practice. ⋯ Further studies are required in the ongoing development of contemporary, evidence-based clinical guidelines in acute agitation, including head-to-head comparisons of currently utilized IM atypical antipsychotics, sequential treatment or combinations of medications.
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Australas Psychiatry · Aug 2013
ReviewSeeking asylum in Australia: immigration detention, human rights and mental health care.
The article aims to discuss the impact of mandatory detention and human rights violations on the mental health of asylum seekers and the implications for psychiatrists and health professionals. ⋯ Advocacy for human rights and engagement in social debate are core ethical and professional responsibilities. Clinicians need to maintain a focus on ethical obligations.
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Australas Psychiatry · Jun 2013
Echocardiographic monitoring for clozapine cardiac toxicity: lessons from real-world experience.
We aimed to identify the baseline prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in patients commencing clozapine, assess adherence with echocardiographic monitoring recommendations, and evaluate the utility and cost of echocardiographic monitoring for the development of clozapine-associated myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. ⋯ The prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in patients commencing clozapine is high, and there are challenges in adhering with the recommended protocol for monitoring. Routine echocardiography is not useful in the detection of clozapine-associated myocarditis. Although cardiomyopathy may be identified, it is rare and associated with significant cost. Recommendations for routine echocardiographic monitoring should be re-examined.