Clinical guidelines & publications library
Guidance and publications produced by the RANZCP. Filter by type, topic, date or category.
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Apology for the role played by psychiatrists in the Stolen Generations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Professionalism
The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists apologises to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for our failure as a group of doctors and psychiatrists to act early and effectively to prevent and reverse the disastrous practices of the Stolen Generations.
Position statement- Last updated: Apr 1999
- Published in Australia
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The mental health needs of children in care or at risk of entering care
Children & adolescents, Ethics, Professionalism
Children in care or at risk of entering care experience high rates of developmental and mental health problems, and therefore warrant special attention and priority access to multi-disciplinary mental health care that is competent in meeting their complex care needs.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #59
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Autism: Addressing the mental health needs of Autistic people
Addressing health inequity, Autism, Professionalism
This position statement addresses the significant challenges and unmet mental health needs of Autistic people.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #110
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Benefits of e-mental health treatments and interventions
Culturally safe practice, E-mental health, Professionalism
E-mental health tools may provide affordable and equitable access to complementary forms of care and support but also bring challenges.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #98
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The mental health impacts of climate change
Climate & environment, Natural disasters & emergencies
This position statement recognises the mental health impacts of climate change and supports policy change that addresses these impacts.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #106
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Children with conduct disorder
Addressing health inequity, Children & adolescents, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism
Broad principles to guide governments, agencies, and services in meeting the mental health care needs of children with conduct disorder.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #111
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The impact of media and digital technology on children and adolescents
Children & adolescents, E-mental health, Professionalism
This position statement seeks to identify the many positive benefits of media and digital technology for children and adolescents, but also recognises areas of concern.
Position statement- Last updated: May 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #72
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Cultural safety
Culturally safe practice
This position statement advocates for universal cultural safety in mental health systems, services, and care.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #105
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism, Workforce
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers bring valuable skills and knowledge to the practice of psychiatry.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #50
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Acknowledging and learning from past mental health practices
Culturally safe practice, Historical practices, Professionalism
In the past, some psychiatric treatments were provided without an evidence base. Certain treatments were ineffective, harmful or distressing to patients.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #84
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Acknowledging the Stolen generations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism
The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families continues to affect the health and social wellbeing of communities and families.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS#42
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Children of parents with mental illness
Children & adolescents, Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Professionalism
Evidence-based interventions and preventative steps can be taken to support parents with mental illness, reduce risks to children and enhance their resilience.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #56
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Child sexual abuse
Children & adolescents, Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Professionalism, Trauma
Treatment by trained professionals minimises the initial effects and long-term consequences of child sexual abuse.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #51
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Deep sleep therapy
Historical practices
Position Statement 34: Deep Sleep Therapy was rescinded in June 2023.
Position statement- Last updated: Jun 2023
- Published in Australia
- B202 3/5 R17
- Rescinded
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Dementia - antipsychotic medications to care for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms
Addressing health inequity, Dementia, Professionalism
Best practices when considering the use of antipsychotic medications to care for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
Position statement- Last updated: May 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #112
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The contribution to practice made by psychiatrists who have a personal experience of mental illness
Collaborative care, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism
The RANZCP acknowledges the contribution of psychiatrists with personal experience of mental illness.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #85
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Diagnostic manuals
Culturally safe practice, Diagnostic manuals, Ethics, Professionalism
Diagnostic manuals allow clinicians, teachers and researchers to ensure consistency in diagnosis. However, the complexity of patients’ presentations often do not fit neatly into diagnostic categories.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #77
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Direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals
Ethics, Professionalism
Direct-to-consumer advertising runs counter to the principles of best possible care for mental health consumers. Accordingly, the RANZCP advocates for a revision of the current legislation allowing direct-to-consumer advertising in all countries where it is currently operating.
Position statement- Last updated: Jul 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #88
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E-cigarettes and vaporisers
Professionalism, Smoking cessation
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) recognises nicotine vaping products (NVPs) as a harm minimisation tool where pharmacotherapies and/or behavioural interventions have been unsuccessful, such as for those with a mental health condition.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #97
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy & neurostimulation, Ethics
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment with a strong evidence base, particularly for the treatment of severe depressive disorders.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #74