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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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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Family violence and mental health
Ethics, Family violence, Professionalism
This position statement describes the role of psychiatrists in supporting the mental health of people who have experienced family violence.
Position statement- Last updated: May 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #102
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Involuntary mental health treatment in custody
Culturally safe practice, 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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Recognising and addressing the harmful mental health impacts of methamphetamine use
Ethics, Illicit drugs, Professionalism
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
Ethics, Professionalism, 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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Pacific Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand
Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Families, whānau & carers, Professionalism
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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Patient–psychiatrist confidentiality: the issue of subpoenas
Ethics, Medico-legal, Mental health legislation, Professionalism
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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Principles for the treatment of persons found unfit to stand trial
Ethics, Forensic, Professionalism
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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Psychiatrists, online presence and social media
E-mental health, Ethics, Professionalism
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.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #75
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The relevance of religion and spirituality to psychiatric practice
Addressing health inequities, Collaborative care, Ethics
This position statement provides guidance to psychiatrists on how consideration of religion and/or spirituality can improve outcomes for people living with mental illness.
Position statement- Last updated: Jun 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #96
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Sexual orientation change efforts
Addressing health inequities, Ethics, Historical practices, Professionalism
The RANZCP does not support the use of sexual orientation change efforts of any kind. There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. Sexual orientation change efforts risk causing significant harm to individuals.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #60
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Suicide prevention – the role of psychiatry
Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Professionalism, Suicide
The RANZCP is committed to supporting people in suicidal distress and working with governments and communities to prevent suicides.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #101
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Voluntary assisted dying
Ethics, Professionalism, Voluntary assisted dying
The primary role of medical practitioners in end of life care is to facilitate good quality patient-centred care. This statement should not be taken as explicit or implied support of the legalisation of physician assisted suicide.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #67
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Eating disorders CPG and associated resources
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, Eating disorders, Ethics
Guidance on the clinical treatment of people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and ARFID. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Nov 2014
- Published in Australia
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Informed financial consent
Ethics, Patient privacy & consent, Professionalism
The RANZCP has endorsed this guideline produced by the Australian Medical Association (AMA). URL Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Sep 2020
- Published in Australia
- Endorsed external guidance
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Electronic media recording and storage
Ethics, Patient privacy & consent, Professionalism
This guideline was rescinded in May 2023. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Aug 2007
- Published in Australia
- PPG #13
- Rescinded
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Use of benzodiazepines in psychiatric practice
Benzodiazepines, Ethics, Professionalism
The RANZCP has developed this guidance for clinicians considering pharmacological treatment using benzodiazepines. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Nov 2019
- Published in Australia
- PPG #5
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Therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis products
Cannabis, Ethics, Professionalism
Information for psychiatrists about the medicinal use of cannabis products, including in psychiatric practice. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Mar 2024
- Published in Australia
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Psychotropic medication use in children and adolescents
Antidepressants, Children & adolescents, Ethics, Professionalism
Before utilising psychotropic medication in children and adolescents, the RANZCP recommends that these guidelines be followed. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Nov 2015
- Published in Australia
- PPG #7
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