Clinical guidelines & publications library

Public insurance schemes: advocating for mental injury claimants

Aspects of personal injury and workers compensation schemes impose disadvantages on people with mental injuries, delaying recovery and compounding suffering.

Involuntary mental health treatment in custody

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

Physical health

Physical health

Aims to inform the development of policy and guidelines for the treatment, management and monitoring of the physical health of people with an enduring psychotic illness. PDF Clinical guideline

The provision of mental health services for asylum seekers and refugees

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is concerned about the inadequate provision of mental health services to asylum seekers and refugees, and calls for policy change to improve mental health outcomes.

Problem gambling

Problem gambling has a significant and deleterious impact on vulnerable individuals, families and communities. The basis of any response to problem gambling must be a respect for the person, their behavioural disorder and its treatments.

Pharmacogenetics in healthcare

Genetic testing

URL Clinical guideline

Private health insurance policies for psychiatric care in Australia

Private health insurance provides alternatives and fulfils a critical function in Australia’s health system. Clearer information will help consumers to make informed decisions in relation to psychiatric care. 

National codes and standards relevant to psychiatry practice and mental health services in Australia and New Zealand

Mood disorders

PDF Clinical guideline

Mental health legislation and psychiatrists: putting the principles into practice

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. 

Psychiatrists, online presence and social media

Psychiatrists who use social media should do so in a professional manner and refrain from comments they would not make in a personal or professional capacity.

Recognising and reducing alcohol-related harm

Excessive alcohol consumption has a detrimental effect on mental health with a well-documented relationship between alcohol misuse and mental health issues.

The contribution to practice made by psychiatrists who have a personal experience of mental illness

Many people, including doctors and other health professionals, experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. The RANZCP acknowledges the contribution of psychiatrists with personal experience of mental illness.

Patient–psychiatrist confidentiality: the issue of subpoenas

The use of subpoenas to access clinical records poses a risk to patient-psychiatrist confidentiality. Laws should be reformed to protect confidentiality in mental health care.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Workforce

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers bring valuable skills and knowledge to the practice of psychiatry.

Antipsychotic medications as a treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

Dementia

PPG10: Antipsychotic medications as a treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia has been rescinded pending review. PDF Clinical guideline

Direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals

Ethics

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. URL Position statement

Specialist old age psychiatry workforce and training

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. 

Deliberate self-harm CPG and associated resources

Self-harm

Guidance on the clinical management of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and on the organisation and delivery of services. PDF Clinical guideline

Schizophrenia CPG and associated resources

Schizophrenia

Guidance addressing all aspects of the care of people with schizophrenia and related disorders. Includes correct diagnosis, symptom relief and recovery of social function.
PDF Clinical guideline

Alcohol policy

PDF Report