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.

Specialist old age psychiatry workforce and training

Workforce, Old age, Professionalism

Old age psychiatry focuses on the mental health of older people. RANZCP and the Royal College of Psychiatry UK have agreed to cooperate on initiatives to increase the training and skills of its workforce. 

Service Model for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry in Victoria

RANZCP submission into improving quality and patient flow via a new service delivery of CLP in Victoria.

Deliberate self-harm clinical practice guideline

Ethics, Self-harm, Professionalism

This document is more than five years old and is no longer considered current guidance. PDF

Schizophrenia clinical practice guideline

Ethics, Schizophrenia, Professionalism

This guideline is more than five years old and no longer considered current guidance. PDF

Alcohol policy

Alcohol, Professionalism, Culturally safe practice

A national public health approach is required to reduce alcohol consumption, addressing drinking culture and increasing the availability and range of treatment services. PDF Report

Acknowledging and learning from past mental health practices

Historical practices, Professionalism, Culturally safe practice

In the past, some psychiatric treatments were provided without an evidence base. Certain treatments were ineffective, harmful or distressing to patients.

Children of parents with mental illness

Children & adolescents, Ethics, Professionalism, Culturally safe practice

Evidence-based interventions and preventative steps can be taken to support parents with mental illness, reduce risks to children and enhance their resilience.

Child sexual abuse

Children & adolescents, Ethics, Trauma, Professionalism, Culturally safe practice

Treatment by trained professionals minimises the initial effects and long-term consequences of child sexual abuse.

Recovery and the psychiatrist

Collaborative care, Professionalism

Recovery is an important principle in psychiatry, with transformative potential for all people with mental illness.

Guidance for psychiatrists working in Australian immigration detention centres

Ethics, Asylum seekers and refugees, Professionalism, Addressing health inequity

This guideline was rescinded in April 2024. PDF Clinical guideline

The economic cost of serious mental illness and comorbidities in Australia and New Zealand

Ethics, Physical health, Professionalism, Culturally safe practice

This report estimates the annual cost of premature death in people with serious mental illness is $15 billion (AUD) in Australia and $3.1 billion (NZD) in New Zealand. PDF Report

Dementia

Dementia, Ethics, Professionalism

The RANZCP has endorsed this guideline produced by the University of Sydney Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre.
URL Clinical guideline

Psychotropic medication use in children and adolescents

Antidepressants, Children & adolescents, Ethics, Professionalism

Before utilising psychotropic medication in children and adolescents, the RANZCP recommends that these guidelines be followed. PDF Clinical guideline

Guidance for the use of stimulant medications in adults

Ethics, Stimulant medications, Professionalism

The RANZCP supports the appropriate use of these drugs in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults. PDF Clinical guideline

Members having a financial interest in a treatment or management facility

Ethics, Professionalism

PDF Ethics and conduct

Minding the gaps: cost barriers to accessing mental healthcare for people with mental illness

Ethics, Physical health, Professionalism, Addressing health inequity, Culturally safe practice

PDF Report

Refugee and asylum seeker health

Social justice, Asylum seekers and refugees

The RANZCP has endorsed this position statement from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). URL Position statement

Keeping body and mind together: Improving the physical health and life expectancy of people with serious mental illness

Ethics, Physical health, Professionalism, Addressing health inequity, Culturally safe practice

People with mental illness typically live ten, and up to 32 years less than the general population. PDF Report

Use of antidepressants to treat depression in dementia

Antidepressants, Dementia, Professionalism

Elderly patients with dementia and depression should receive psychosocial interventions in the first instance. Antidepressants should be considered if there is no response.