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Showing 1-20 of 342

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Deep sleep therapy

    Historical practices

    Deep sleep therapy has no place in the treatment of psychiatric illness. It has not been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for any psychiatric condition and has unacceptably high morbidity and mortality rates. 

    Position statement
    • Last updated: Feb 2018
    • Published in Australia
    • PS #34

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Electronic monitoring of people utilising forensic mental health services

    Ethics, Forensic

    The RANZCP is concerned about the coercive use of electronic monitoring on forensic patients. 

    Position statement
    • Last updated: May 2018
    • Published in Australia
    • PS #95