Clinical guidelines & publications library
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Abolition of torture and other inhuman treatment
Ethics, Professionalism, Trauma
Our commitment to the abolition of torture, and to researching and providing effective, evidence-based rehabilitative and therapeutic treatments to survivors.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #32
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism, Workforce
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers bring valuable skills and knowledge to the practice of psychiatry.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #50
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Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice
The RANZCP calls for reform of the Australian Constitution to support the mental health and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Position statement- Last updated: Apr 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #68
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #84
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Acknowledging the Stolen generations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism
The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families continues to affect the health and social wellbeing of communities and families.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS#42
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Anxiety disorders clinical practice guideline
Anxiety disorders, Professionalism
This document is more than five years old and no longer considered current guidance. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Jun 2018
- Archived
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Addressing the mental health impacts of natural disasters and climate change-related weather events
Culturally safe practice, Natural disasters & emergencies, Professionalism
Natural disasters and weather events can lead to a wide range of health effects, including mental health problems. Psychiatrists have important roles in disaster planning and response.
Position statement- Last updated: Jan 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #35
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #55
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Feb 2015
- Published in Australia
- PS #81
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Apr 1999
- Published in Australia
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #98
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Mental health needs of child asylum seekers and refugees
Asylum seekers and refugees, Children & adolescents
This guideline was rescinded in April 2024.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #52
- Rescinded
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #56
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #51
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Cultural safety
Culturally safe practice
This position statement advocates for universal cultural safety in mental health systems, services, and care.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #105
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Deep sleep therapy
Historical practices
Position Statement 34: Deep Sleep Therapy was rescinded in June 2023.
Position statement- Last updated: Jun 2023
- Published in Australia
- B202 3/5 R17
- Rescinded
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Diagnostic manuals
Culturally safe practice, Diagnostic manuals, Ethics, Professionalism
Diagnostic manuals allow clinicians, teachers and researchers to ensure consistency in diagnosis. However, the complexity of patients’ presentations often do not fit neatly into diagnostic categories.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #77
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Jul 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #88
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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.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #97
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy & neurostimulation, Ethics
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment with a strong evidence base, particularly for the treatment of severe depressive disorders.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #74