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Background:Various guidelines have highlighted the importance of patients being given information on malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC), both when diagnosed with the condition and as a tool to aid early detection. Aim:To determine patient and staff views on the provision of MSCC information to patients with a diagnosis of or considered to be at high risk of developing MSCC. Methods:Patients with MSCC admitted to a large regional cancer centre in Scotland over a 6-month period were interviewed. Staff were also surveyed using similar questions. Results:Fifty-six patients and fifty staff were recruited. Only 4% of staff reported giving any written information about MSCC to patients with a confirmed diagnosis, although 20% of patients said they received it and 77% wanted it. A total of 54% of staff reported giving prophylactic information about MSCC to patients, although the majority of the patients (86%) said they would have wanted this information. Patients generally did not access additional information about MSCC and were dependent on the limited amount provided by the health care team. Conclusion:Health professionals need to ensure that patients get the information they want, which will allow them to recognize MSCC symptoms early for improved treatment outcomes or to better adapt to a diagnosis.

Background: The attention and cognitive problems seen in individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure often resemble those associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but few studies have directly assessed the unique influence of each on neurobehavioral outcomes.

ABSTRACT At a time when males abused in childhood are coming increasingly to attention of clinical services, we review the literature, describe the process and report on clinical outcomes of a slow open long‐term dynamically orientated group for abused adult males. Twenty‐nine men referred to the local psychotherapy service for consideration for inclusion in the group are discussed along with some of the most prevailing themes, namely identification with the aggressor, self‐esteem, guilt and sexuality. Symptoms were measured using the SCL 90‐R and demonstrate relatively high levels of psychological distress in this group at initial assessment. There is significant improvement in global scores, interpersonal sensitivity, depression and psychoticism in the group of 13 men who engaged in therapy for at least six months compared with those who did not.

We report the case of a young man with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and multiple drug abuse who died in hospital following a period of prolonged physical restraint. The literature is reviewed, possible factors contributing to death discussed and measures which may reduce the incidence of such deaths in the future highlighted.

The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of online therapy or E-therapy to rural communities in terms of preventing mental health crisis like suicide. She discusses enrolling in the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work to study Cybercounselling Level 1 and 2 certifications, the benefit of therapy by text of email, and the challenges and benefits of video conferencing for the theraposts.