Aust Fam Physician
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It has been well established that women who wear a veil for cultural reasons and dark skinned migrants from Africa have an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Many refugee patients also come from countries where their skin is covered or they are indoors for most of the day. ⋯ In 2004-2005, 75% of the 7000 refugees settling in Australia were from African countries and 20% were from the Middle East. Refugees may be exposed to less sunlight in Australia than in their country of origin because of an indoor lifestyle or an increased latitude. Refugee health centres confirm that vitamin D deficiency is present in 40-80% of refugee patients. Importantly, this is often asymptomatic. General practitioners are encouraged to test for vitamin D deficiency in refugees, especially as part of the initial health assessment.
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The BEACH program, a continuous national study of general practice activity in Australia, gives us an overview of consultations involving the management of psychological problems. In a separate analysis we also examine the prescribing/provision of antidepressants. This synopsis provides a backdrop against which articles in this issue of Australian Family Physician can be further considered.
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General practitioners are increasingly aware of the bipolar disorders and of being required to adopt a management role. ⋯ Bipolar disorders benefit from a mix of medication and nonmedication components, with complementary clinical management and patient self management reducing the high morbidity and suicide risk associated with these disorders.