The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
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Aust N Z J Psychiatry · Jun 1996
Case ReportsNeuroleptic malignant syndrome and risperidone: a case report.
To describe a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with risperidone. ⋯ To our knowledge this is the first such case reported, and suggests that risperidone, like other neuroleptics, is associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
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The aims of this study were to (i) survey mental health-related correlates of firearms ownership and availability in Australia, and (ii) assess possible causal relationships between civilian gun deaths, gun availability and mental disorders. ⋯ Further regulation of firearm safety and availability is warranted. Public health measures include improved surveillance regarding firearm events, advocacy for appropriate firearm legislation, and better education and communication about firearms.
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The aim of the paper is to review the effects of Cannabis sativa on the human brain. ⋯ Cannabis sativa causes an acute and, with regular heavy ingestion, a subacute encephalopathy. There is no evidence of irreversible cerebral damage resulting from its use, although impairment of information processing might be a long-term consequence of heavy prolonged use. The precise relationship of cannabis to the functional psychoses such as schizophrenia has yet to be clarified.
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To provide, via 'rooming-in', a local, less coercive and less frightening alternative to involuntary detention. Rooming in is the voluntary participation of so-called 'confidants', who may be chosen family members or trusted friends, in the management of acute, severe psychiatric disturbance by their providing a 24 hour vigil with the patient in a single, safe hospital room. ⋯ A search of the world literature would suggest that rooming-in, as a model of care, is unique, at least in the developed world. It allows some seriously disturbed patients to be provided with a local and less restrictive general hospital alternative.
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Aust N Z J Psychiatry · Apr 1996
Psychiatrists working in primary care: a survey of general practitioners' attitudes.
To collect information on current working arrangements between general practitioners (GPs) and mental health professionals and to assess GPs' attitudes towards developing closer working practices with psychiatrists in the primary care setting. ⋯ The joint needs of clinical care and GPs' further training in psychiatry could be addressed by further development of schemes to attract psychiatrists to work in primary care settings. This is mostly viewed very positively by GPs, although the percentage of GPs responding make these conclusions tentative. It is more likely to occur with changes to current funding of both private psychiatric care and GP remuneration, with a recognition of time spent in liaison.