Clinical guidelines & publications library
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #103
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Involuntary mental health treatment in custody
Ethics, Seclusion and restraint
Involuntary mental health treatment in custodial settings compromises clinical care, encourages inappropriate management of prisoners, and breaches human rights.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2017
- Published in Australia
- PS #93
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The impact of media and digital technology on children and adolescents
Children & adolescents, E-mental health
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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Mental health and HIV/AIDS
Anxiety disorders, HIV AIDs
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.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #38
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Mental health for the community
Collaborative care, Families, whānau & carers
This document outlines principles that underpin the effective delivery of mental health services to the community.
Position statement- Last updated: Feb 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #73
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Mental health legislation and psychiatrists: putting the principles into practice
Mental health legislation
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.
Position statement- Last updated: Apr 2017
- Published in Australia
- PS #92
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Recognising and addressing the mental health needs of the LGBTIQ+ population
LGBTIQ+
Evidence shows that discrimination and marginalisation experienced by the LGBTIQ+ population increases their risk of developing mental health issues, and also creates barriers to accessing services.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #83
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The mental health of veterans and defence force service members
Military and veterans
The position statement outlines the necessary action to improve mental health outcomes for current defence force service members and veterans.
Position statement- Last updated: Feb 2024
- Published in Australia
- PS #99
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Recognising and addressing the harmful mental health impacts of methamphetamine use
Illicit drugs
Amphetamine-type substances can be associated with acute mental effects and result in long-term harm. Psychiatrists have a leadership role in coordinating approaches to methamphetamine use.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #82
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Minimising and, where possible, eliminating the use of seclusion and restraint
Seclusion and restraint
The RANZCP is committed to the delivery of quality mental health services that seek to improve safe practice and promote optimal outcomes to those receiving care.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #61
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Neurosurgery for mental disorders
Historical practices
Position Statement 29: Neurosurgery for mental disorders has been rescinded pending review.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2009
- Published in Australia
- PS #29
- Rescinded
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Relationships between old age psychiatry and geriatric medicine
Collaborative care, Old age
Old age psychiatry and geriatric medical services need to work closely together to ensure the best treatment and care of older people.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #31
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Specialist old age psychiatry workforce and training
Old age, Workforce
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.
Position statement- Last updated: Jul 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #66
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Pacific Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand
Ethics, Families, whānau & carers
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.
Position statement- Last updated: Jul 2022
- Published in Aotearoa NZ
- PS #108
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Partnering with carers in mental healthcare
Collaborative care, Families, whānau & carers
This position statement affirms the importance and value of respectful and cooperative partnerships between psychiatrists and carers.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #76
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Partnering with people with lived experience
Collaborative care
This position statement has been co-produced by those with lived experience of a mental health condition and psychiatrists.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #62
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Patient–psychiatrist confidentiality: the issue of subpoenas
Medico-legal, Mental health legislation
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.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #89
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Perinatal mental health services
Perinatal
This position statement outlines requirements for effective perinatal mental health services for parents, their babies and families.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #57
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Principles for the treatment of persons found unfit to stand trial
Forensic
Persons who are acquitted on insanity grounds, or who are found unfit to stand trial deserve effective, ethical care and management.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #90
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The prevention and early intervention of mental illness in infants, children and adolescents
Children & adolescents
This position statement has been rescinded pending review.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2010
- Published in Australia
- PS #63
- Rescinded