Clinical guidelines & publications library

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.

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.

Electronic monitoring of people utilising forensic mental health services

Ethics, Forensic

The RANZCP is concerned about the coercive use of electronic monitoring on forensic patients. 

Enabling supported decision making

Addressing health inequity, Collaborative care, Culturally safe practice, Families, whānau & carers, Professionalism

This paper aims to influence the increased uptake and future embedding of Supported Decision Making in clinical practice by psychiatrists working in the Victorian Mental Health Service. PDF Position statement

Family violence and mental health

Ethics, Family violence, Professionalism

This position statement describes the role of psychiatrists in supporting the mental health of people who have experienced family violence.

Involuntary mental health treatment in custody

Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Seclusion and restraint

Involuntary mental health treatment in custodial settings compromises clinical care, encourages inappropriate management of prisoners, and breaches human rights.

Lone actor grievance fuelled violence and the role of the psychiatrist

Forensic, Medico-legal

Mental health and HIV/AIDS

Ethics, Professionalism

People who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can have unique mental health needs both due to the infection itself and the experience of anxiety and depression that can be associated with the condition.

Mental health for the community

Collaborative care, Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Families, whānau & carers, Professionalism

This document outlines principles that underpin the effective delivery of mental health services to the community.

Mental health legislation and psychiatrists: putting the principles into practice

Mental health legislation, Professionalism

Mental health acts define the circumstances where compulsory measures can be taken to treat a person where illness has impaired their capacity to direct their care. Mental health acts in Australia and New Zealand should reflect community expectations. 

ADHD across the lifespan

ADHD, Professionalism

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a major mental disorder. This statement presents principles to develop a more appropriate, accessible, equitable health system that caters for the needs of people with ADHD across their lifespan.

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.

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.

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.

Cultural safety

Culturally safe practice

This position statement advocates for universal cultural safety in mental health systems, services, and care.

Intellectual disabilities: Addressing the mental health needs of people with ID

Addressing health inequity, Ethics, Intellectual disability, Professionalism

This position statement addresses the significant challenges and unmet mental health needs for people with intellectual disability.

Sexual safety in mental health services in Australia and New Zealand

Health service standards

This Position Statement addresses the prevention of sexual harm and protection of consumers/tāngata whaiora in acute inpatient mental health services.

The role of psychiatrists in working with Trans and Gender Diverse people

LGBTIQ+

This statement outlines the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) position in working with Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) people in Australia and New Zealand and the role of psychiatrists in responding to their mental health needs.

Pacific Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Families, whānau & carers, Professionalism

The position statement identifies RANZCP’s commitment to improving Pacific mental health and providing effective health care that meets the specific cultural needs of Pacific populations.

Partnering with people with lived experience

Asylum seekers and refugees, Collaborative care, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism

This position statement has been co-produced by those with lived experience of a mental health condition and psychiatrists.