Clinical guidelines & publications library

Specialist old age psychiatry workforce and training

Old age, Professionalism, 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recovery and the psychiatrist

Collaborative care, Professionalism

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

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

Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Physical health, Professionalism

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

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.

Keeping your head above water: affordability as a barrier to mental health care

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

PDF Report

The role of the psychiatrist in Australia and New Zealand

Professionalism, Workforce

A psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who assesses and treats patients with mental health problems. Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with general practitioners and other health professionals to best meet the mental health and emotional needs of patients.

The roles and relationships of psychiatrists and other service providers in mental health services

Collaborative care, Professionalism

A number of the problems facing psychiatry are identified as having common origins in unresolved issues about teamwork. This position statement aims to identify the issues and formulate recommendations for dealing with these obstacles.

Illicit drugs policy

Ethics, Illicit drugs, Professionalism

This joint statement from RACP and RANZCP is for individuals and organisations in Australia and New Zealand involved in the development of policies and programs concerned with illicit drug problems. PDF Clinical guideline

Psychiatrists as team members

GPs and psychiatrists, Health service standards, Professionalism

Health care is often provided by multidisciplinary teams, and psychiatrists are expected to work constructively within teams and to respect the skills and contributions of colleagues.

Family and whānau involvement in mental health consumers/tangata whai ora care, assessment and treatment

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

Guidance notes to assist mental health staff to work effectively with families. URL Clinical guideline

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.