Mental Health Updates
Alternative and emerging treatments in Psychiatry
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
- Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS)
What is the role of medicinal/prescribed cannabis in Psychiatry?
There is limited evidence for prescribed cannabis in Psychiatry. Pure CBD may have a role in refractory anxiety. THC tends to impair learning and inteferes with the efficacy of medications such as stimulants. There are almost always a better and less harmful alternatives. THC tends to reduce the efficacy of stimulants used in the treatment of ADHD.
What about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT)?
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) offers the potential to alleviate treatment resistant depression and anxiety. However, it is important to be aware that the psychedelic merely facilitates the process of therapy and integration work is crucial. Relying solely on the substance (ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA) risks developing unintentional dependence.
Do you need to be admitted to a private psychiatric hospital and have just taken on private hospital cover? The following exemptions may be relevant to you.
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-privatehealth-supporting-mental-health
Relevant information on telepsychiatry
RANZCP-information-for-patients(telepsychiatry).pdf
RANZCP-information-for-family-and-carers-(telepsychiatry).pdf.