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The Response Ability Project, funded under the Mindframe National Media Initiative in Australia, seeks to influence tertiary curricula so that graduates in journalism will be aware of and able to respond appropriately to issues relating to suicide and mental illness. Whilst the initial multi-media resources developed to support journalism educators have been received well, engagement with media organisations and individual journalists under other Mindframe projects have revealed further complexities associated with the reporting of suicide and mental illness. In particular, journalists have indicated that the issues become more problematic when they are required to report suicides in other contexts, such as murder-suicides, deaths in custody and voluntary euthanasia. Similarly, the reporting of mental illness was more complex in the context of crime and in the reporting of the mental health care system. This paper will highlight some of these new complexities of reporting and discuss how the Response Ability project has responded through the development of supplementary resources to allow educators to raise such issues with students.

Restoration projects are increasingly widespread and many promote habitat succession and the diversity and abundance of faunal communities. These positive effects on biodiversity and abundance may extend to enhancing the ecological functioning and resilience of previously degraded ecosystems, but this is rarely quantified. This study surveyed a 200‐ha restoring coastal wetland and three control wetlands in the Maroochy River, eastern Australia to compare the effects of wetland restoration on the consumption of carrion and the biodiversity, abundance, and functional diversity of functionally important fish and crustaceans. Carrion consumption by fish and crustaceans was measured every 6 months from spring 2017 until spring 2021 for nine events using a combination of baited cameras and scavenging assays. We found restoration improved rates of carrion consumption and the biodiversity, functional diversity, and abundance of scavenger species. Despite positive effects on the diversity of scavengers and carrion consumption, the abundance of two species, longfin eels (Anguilla reinhardtii) and mud crabs (Scylla serrata), was the most important predictors of carrion consumption rates. The spatial distribution of carrion consumption was concentrated in areas with high saltmarsh extent, moderate to high mangrove extent, and high salinity, which also resembled the distribution of both longfin eels and mud crabs. We show that restoration can promote the rates of key ecological functions but that increases to functions are likely to be characterized by low functional redundancy and greater complementarity. Therefore, maintaining or increasing the abundance of functionally important species should become a key objective in future restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the contribution of variation in sex hormone excretion to mood and behavioral changes in adolescent females and males. Design: Prospective, longitudinal observational cohort study. Methods: Participants were 342 volunteers aged 10–12 years living in rural Australia. Urinary estradiol and testosterone levels measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were obtained at three-month intervals for three years. Integrated measures (area-under-curve) of urinary steroid excretion summarised as absolute and variability during each 12-month period of the study. Psychosocial data were gathered annually with the primary outcome of depressive symptomatology. Secondary outcomes were the other subscales of the Youth Self-Report, impulsive-aggression, sleep habits, and self-harm. Results: 277 (158 male) participants contributed data over the full duration of the study and could be included in the analyses. In females, analyses of absolute urine hormone levels found no relationship between estradiol and any outcome, but higher testosterone was significantly associated with depression and poorer sleep. Greater variability of both urine estradiol and testosterone was associated with lower total psychopathology, anxious/depressed and social problems scores. Greater variability in urine estradiol was associated with lower attention problems and impulsive aggression in females. In males, higher testosterone and estradiol levels were associated with rule-breaking, and poorer sleep, and no associations were found for gonadal hormone variability for males. Conclusions: Longitudinal measurement of both iso-sexual and contra-sexual gonadal hormones contributes to a more nuanced view of the impact of sex steroids on mood and behavior in adolescents. These findings may enlighten the understanding of the impact of sex steroids during normal male and female puberty with implications for hormone replacement therapies as well as management of common mood and behavioral problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although child maltreatment is associated with later non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the mechanism through which it might lead to NSSI is not well understood. The current retrospective case-control study examined associations between child maltreatment and later NSSI, and investigated the mediating roles of dissociation, alexithymia, and self-blame. Methods: Participants were 11,423 Australian adults (response rate 38.5%), randomly selected from the Australian Electronic White Pages, aged between 18 and 100 (M = 52.11, SD = 16.89), 62.2% female. Data were collected via telephone interviewing. Main outcome measures were reported history of child maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect) and reported 12-month NSSI. Dissociation, alexithymia, and self-blame were examined as potential mediating variables in the relationship between child maltreatment and later NSSI. All analyses were conducted using logistic regression and adjusted for age and psychiatric diagnosis. Results: Results differed by gender. Compared to no child maltreatment, physical abuse (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.68-4.51) and neglect (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.65-3.99) independently increased the odds of NSSI among females. Physical abuse (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.44-5.03) increased the odds of NSSI among males. Sexual abuse did not independently increase the odds of NSSI for males or females. For females, self-blame had the greatest effect on the child maltreatment-NSSI relationship (OR decreased by 14.6%, p less than 0.000), although dissociation and alexithymia also partially mediated the relationship. For males, dissociation had the greatest effect (OR decreased by 12.9%, p = 0.003) with self-blame also having a relatively strong effect. Conclusions: The results indicate that child maltreatment, and in particular, physical abuse, is strongly associated with the development of subsequent NSSI and may be partially mediated by dissociation, alexithymia, and self-blame for females and dissociation and self-blame for males. Altering attributional style (through cognitive therapy or emotion focussed therapy) and improving the capacity to regulate emotions (through dialectical behaviour therapy) may contribute to reduction or cessation of NSSI. (Contains 6 tables.)

Describes interventions with students perceived to be at high risk for imitative suicidal behavior in three secondary schools where there had been a completed suicide of a student. Discusses method used to gain access to the students and the form of intervention used, along with implications for the future evaluation of postvention techniques after adolescent suicide. (Author/NB)

Perinatal depression can have enduring adverse effects on women and their children and families, incurring substantial ongoing economic and personal costs. A significant proportion of the cost of perinatal depression relates to adverse impacts on the child, most likely mediated through impairment to the mother‐infant relationship. In recognition of this problem, Australia has invested in routine perinatal depression screening. Our previous research produced convergent findings suggesting that expected benefits for children have not yet been realised through perinatal depression screening. We question the potential of including a measure of personality in current perinatal depression screening for identifying maternal mental health problems and suboptimal mother‐infant relationships. This paper reviews our previous research findings within the broader context of perinatal depression screening. We propose a position, that perinatal depression screening in Australia should be redesigned to more precisely detect vulnerable mother‐infant relationships, parenting, maternal mental health, and infant psychosocial and psychological development. Practice change to appropriately target antenatal interventions may more efficiently improve both maternal and child outcomes, thereby contributing to greater efficiency and cost savings for the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess General Practitioner (GP) and pediatrician adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for diagnosis, treatment and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Medical records for 306 children aged ≤15 years from 46 GP clinics and 20 pediatric practices in Australia were reviewed against 34 indicators derived from CPG recommendations. At indicator level, adherence was estimated as the percentage of indicators with 'Yes' or 'No' responses for adherence, which were scored 'Yes'. This was done separately for GPs, pediatricians and overall; and weighted to adjust for sampling processes. Results: Adherence with guidelines was high at 83.6% (95% CI: 77.7–88.5) with pediatricians (90.1%; 95% CI: 73.0–98.1) higher than GPs (68.3%; 95% CI: 46.0–85.8; p = 0.02). Appropriate assessment for children presenting with signs or symptoms of ADHD was undertaken with 95.2% adherence (95% CI: 76.6–99.9), however ongoing reviews for children with ADHD prescribed stimulant medication was markedly lower for both pediatricians (51.1%; 95% CI: 9.6–91.4) and GPs (18.7%; 95% CI: 4.1–45.5). Conclusion: Adherence to CPGs for ADHD by pediatricians was generally high. Adherence by GPs was lower across most domains; timely recognition of medication side effects is a particular area for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mindfulness is defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally and these behaviors can be applied to parenting. Thus far, it is not understood whether mindful parenting (MP) differs in parents of children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and how MP relates to other parenting practices and children's self-regulation.Methods: This study examined the relationships between MP, parenting behaviors and children's self-regulation in 120 families with child ADHD (85% male; mean age = 11.93) and 105 control families (62% male; mean age = 11.98). Parents completed measures of MP (Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale), parenting behaviors (parenting warmth, consistency, and anger assessed with the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children measures), psychological distress (Kessler 6), and children's self-regulation (Social Skills Improvement System-self-control subscale).Results: When compared with controls, parents of children with ADHD reported significantly lower MP. Higher MP was associated with lower levels of parent psychological distress, higher levels of parenting warmth and consistency, lower levels of parenting anger, and higher child emotion self-regulation in both groups. In mediation analyses, MP was indirectly associated with child emotion self-regulation through lower parenting anger, with the model accounting for 55% of the variance in child self-regulation.Conclusions: MP is a useful construct for understanding parent behaviors, and children's emotion self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussion of the need for an Australian national information policy focuses on the need to teach students information skills. Arguments for a policy are presented, including the higher life quality of an informed population and improved national productivity and competitiveness, and lobbying efforts to date are reviewed. (21 notes with references) (CLB)

Both ADHD and trauma exposure are common childhood problems, but there are few empirical data regarding the association between the two conditions. The aims of this study were to compare lifetime prevalence of trauma exposure in children with and without ADHD, and to explore the association between trauma exposure and outcomes in children with ADHD. Children aged 6-8 years with ADHD (n = 179) and controls (n = 212) recruited from 43 schools were assessed for ADHD, trauma exposure and comorbid mental health disorders using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV. Outcome data were collected by direct child assessment, parent report and teacher-report, and included ADHD symptom severity, internalizing and externalizing problems, quality of life, and academic functioning. Logistic and linear regression models were used to examine differences adjusted for child and family socio-demographics. Children with ADHD were more likely than controls to have ever experienced a traumatic event (27 vs 16%; OR: 1.99; 95% CI 1.21, 3.27). This difference remained significant in the adjusted model (OR: 1.76, 95% CI 1.03, 3.01) accounting for child factors (age and gender) and family socio-demographic factors (parent age, parent high school completion and single parent status). Among those with ADHD, trauma-exposed children had higher parent-reported ADHD severity and more externalizing problems than non-exposed children, however, this effect attenuated in adjusted model. Children with ADHD were more likely to have experienced a traumatic event than controls. The high prevalence of trauma exposure in our sample suggests that clinicians should evaluate for trauma histories in children presenting with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms are elevated in populations of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined cross-sectional associations between ASD symptoms and family functioning in children with and without ADHD. Participants were recruited to a longitudinal cohort study, aged 6-10 years (164 ADHD; 198 controls). ADHD cases were ascertained using community-based screening and diagnostic confirmation from a diagnostic interview. ASD symptoms were measured using the Social Communication Questionnaire. Outcome variables were parent mental health, family quality of life (FQoL), couple conflict and support, and parenting behaviours. After adjustment for a range of child and family factors (including other mental health comorbidities), higher ASD symptoms were associated with poorer FQoL across all three domains; emotional impact ( p = 0.008), family impact ( p = 0.001) and time impact ( p = 0.003). In adjusted analyses by subgroup, parents of children with ADHD+ASD had poorer parent self-efficacy ( p = 0.01), poorer FQoL ( p ≤ 0.05), with weak evidence of an association for less couple support ( p = 0.06), compared to parents of children with ADHD only. Inspection of covariates in the adjusted analyses indicated that the association between ASD symptoms and most family functioning measures was accounted forby child internalising and externalising disorders, ADHD severity, and socioeconomic status; however, ASD symptoms appear to be independently associated with poorer FQoL in children with ADHD. The presence of ASD symptoms in children with ADHD may signal the need for enhanced family support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide guidance for the organisation and delivery of clinical services and the clinical management of patients who deliberately self-harm, based on scientific evidence supplemented by expert clinical consensus and expressed as recommendations. Method: Articles and information were sourced from search engines including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO for several systematic reviews, which were supplemented by literature known to the deliberate self-harm working group, and from published systematic reviews and guidelines for deliberate self-harm. Information was reviewed by members of the deliberate self-harm working group, and findings were then formulated into consensus-based recommendations and clinical guidance. The guidelines were subjected to successive consultation and external review involving expert and clinical advisors, the public, key stakeholders, professional bodies and specialist groups with interest and expertise in deliberate self-harm. Results: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for deliberate self-harm provide up-to-date guidance and advice regarding the management of deliberate self-harm patients, which is informed by evidence and clinical experience. The clinical practice guidelines for deliberate self-harm is intended for clinical use and service development by psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and others with an interest in mental health care. Conclusion: The clinical practice guidelines for deliberate self-harm address self-harm within specific population sub-groups and provide up-to-date recommendations and guidance within an evidence-based framework, supplemented by expert clinical consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to examine health-related impairments in young children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and non-ADHD controls and explore differences in children with ADHD by gender, ADHD subtype and mental health co-morbidity status. Methods Children with ADHD ( n = 177) and controls ( n = 212) aged 6-8 years were recruited across 43 schools in Melbourne, Australia following a screening (Conners 3 ADHD Index) and case confirmation procedure (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV). Direct and blinded assessments of height and weight were used to calculate body mass index z-score and to identify overweight/obesity. Parents reported on child global health, sleep problems and physical injuries. Unadjusted and adjusted (socio-demographic factors and co-morbidities) logistic and linear regression were conducted to compare health-related impairments between (1) children with and without ADHD; (2) boys and girls with ADHD; (3) children with ADHD-inattentive and ADHD-combined types; and (4) children with ADHD by internalizing and externalizing disorder status. Results Children with ADHD had poorer global health than controls when adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics (OR: 2.0; 95% CI 1.1, 3.9); however, this attenuated after adjusting for co-morbidities. In adjusted analyses, children with ADHD had increased odds of moderate/large sleep problems (OR: 3.1; 95% CI 1.4, 6.8), compared with controls. There were no differences between children with and without ADHD in terms of physical injuries or overweight/obesity. Findings were similar when excluding children taking ADHD medication, and health-related impairments did not differ between boys and girls with ADHD. Children with ADHD-combined type had higher BMI z-scores than controls in adjusted analyses ( P = 0.04). Children with ADHD and co-occurring internalizing and externalizing co-morbidities were particularly vulnerable to health-related impairments. Conclusion Young children with ADHD experience a number of health-related impairments, which are exacerbated by the presence of internalizing and externalizing co-morbidities. Clinicians should consider the broader health of children with ADHD in clinical consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize the nature and impact of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including its co-occurrence with other comorbidities and its independent influence on daily functioning. Children with ADHD (6-8 years) were recruited through 43 Melbourne schools, using a 2-stage screening (parent and teacher Conners 3 ADHD index) and case-confirmation (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Version IV; [DISC-IV]) procedure. Proxy DMDD diagnosis was confirmed via items from the oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and major depressive disorder modules of the DISC-IV. Outcome domains included comorbid mental health disorders, academic functioning, social functioning, child and family quality of life, parent mental health, and parenting behaviors. Unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression were used to compare children with comorbid ADHD and DMDD and children with ADHD without DMDD. Thirty-nine out of 179 children (21.8 %) with ADHD had comorbid DMDD. Children with ADHD and DMDD had a high prevalence of ODD (89.7 %) and any anxiety disorder (41.0 %). Children with ADHD and DMDD had poorer self-control and elevated bullying behaviors than children with ADHD without DMDD. Children with ADHD and DMDD were similar to children with ADHD in the other domains measured when taking into account other comorbidities including ODD. One in five children with ADHD in their second year of formal schooling met criteria for DMDD. There was a very high diagnostic overlap with ODD; however, the use of a proxy DMDD diagnosis containing items from the ODD module of the DISC-IV may have artificially inflated the comorbidity rates. DMDD added to the burden of ADHD particularly in the area of social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics and patterns of service utilization in the Hunter region (NSW, Australia) of families caring for a child manifesting disruptive behaviour.Methodology: Families were eligible to participate in the survey if they had at least one child known to have one of the DSM-IV disruptive behaviour disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, behaviour problems associated with rarer forms of brain disease, brain injury or mild intellectual disability, or identified by school personnel as having significant behaviour problems. Families were recruited to the survey via schools, early education centres and clinical services. Parents completed a mail survey about demographic details and service utilization.Results: In total, 1412 families responded to the survey, a participation rate of approximately 65%. The demographic characteristics of respondent families were similar to those of the regional population. A high proportion (85%) of children from respondent families were receiving treatment. Nearly half those children attending clinical services were attending two or more services. Approximately one-third each of the sample was attending public clinics, private clinics or a combination of both. Children were more likely to be treated by a paediatrician (64%) than a child psychiatrist (39%) or a psychologist (23%). Compared with a normative Australian sample, parents of children manifesting disruptive behaviour reported a high level of family stress.Conclusions: Families of children manifesting disruptive behaviour are a highly stressed group who often access several clinical services. Paediatricians make a significant contribution to the management of children with disruptive behaviours and need to be considered in service planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the potential demise of academia and the threat to future academic psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand. Topics include concerns regarding the future of academic psychiatry in this region, decline in recruitment in areas of academic medicines and its impact on undergraduate teaching, and the need for the Australian and New Zealand governments to provide academic psychiatry training. Also mentioned is the importance of succession planning in the funding of academic units.

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey Australian universities to determine the scope of suicide prevention curricula in a range of prevocational courses. Method: Coordinators of undergraduate and postgraduate university programs for medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, theology, education, pharmacy, law and journalism were asked to complete a survey instrument to determine whether specific knowledge, attitude and skills items were included in the course content. Additional information was sought concerning the dominant method of teaching. Data were compared by discipline. An arbitrary threshold of 70% of courses within each discipline responding positively to each survey item was established as an adequate level of penetrance of that item into prevocational programs. Results: Overall, knowledge and attitudes related to suicide prevention are taught more comprehensively than are skills. Knowledge and attitude items are taught most comprehensively in medical and nursing schools, somewhat less in psychology, social work, and pharmacy, uncommonly in theology and education. Law and journalism courses currently include very little material related to suicide and suicide prevention. Skills relevant to the management of suicidal individuals and their families are taught most comprehensively in psychology, nursing and medical courses, with low penetrance into other courses. Conclusion: The greatest opportunity to increase exposure to knowledge and attitudes relevant to suicide prevention exists within education, theology, law and journalism courses. Programs directed to the development of interpersonal skills relevant to the management of suicidal individuals and their families could be introduced across the board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on availability of psychiatry workforce for children in Australia and New Zealand. Topics discussed include increase in prevalence of mental health problems during infancy, childhood and adolescence, disability adjusted life years caused by mental and behavioral disorders, and low treatment rates for major childhood mental disorders.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now the most frequent diagnosis in children seen by Australian general paediatricians. It is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder and is usually accompanied by one or more co-morbid developmental and/or mental health conditions. In addition to daily symptoms, which often impair quality of life, ADHD can compromise educational and social development for the individual, and impact on families, schools and the broader community. Draft revised National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines on ADHD were published in November 2009. This comprehensive document discusses the evidence in relation to many aspects of ADHD, which inform the large number of practice recommendations. Although there is an enormous literature on the causes, neurobiology and management of ADHD, there is still much to be learned particularly in relation to early intervention, behavioural therapies and factors influencing long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2005, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine set out to refine the selection, training and development of examiners. Part of this included development of an examiner peer review process. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to observe examiners and seek their opinions on optimal oral examiner techniques, qualities and behaviours, and additionally, to describe how this information was utilized to develop an examiner peer review process. Methods: A qualitative stepwise method was utilized. This began with development of a list of examiner behaviours based on our direct observation of examiners. This was supplemented by a literature search to develop an examiner technique checklist. The checklist items were then put to the Court of Examiners to be rated on a scale of 1-10 for their perceived importance. A modified Delphi technique was utilized to further develop this checklist as an examiner peer review form with behavioural descriptors. Result: An assessment form was developed with similarly themed items grouped together. This form can now be used as the basis for regular feedback to examiners by appointed senior examiners during a peer review process. Conclusion: The present article describes the development of a list of optimal examiner attributes, followed by implementation of an examiner peer review process. The authors recommend examiner peer review for high-stakes examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collecting population data on sensitive issues such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is problematic. Case note audits or hospital/clinic based presentations only record severe cases and do not distinguish between suicidal and non-suicidal intent. Community surveys have largely been limited to school and university students, resulting in little much needed population-based data on NSSI. Collecting these data via a large scale population survey presents challenges to survey methodologists. This paper addresses the methodological issues associated with collecting this type of data via CATI. Methods: An Australia-wide population survey was funded by the Australian Government to determine prevalence estimates of NSSI and associations, predictors, relationships to suicide attempts and suicide ideation, and outcomes. Computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) on a random sample of the Australian population aged 10+ years of age from randomly selected households, was undertaken. Results: Overall, from 31,216 eligible households, 12,006 interviews were undertaken (response rate 38.5%). The 4-week prevalence of NSSI was 1.1% (95% ci 0.9-1.3%) and lifetime prevalence was 8.1% (95% ci 7.6-8.6). Methodological concerns and challenges in regard to collection of these data included extensive interviewer training and post interview counselling. Ethical considerations, especially with children as young as 10 years of age being asked sensitive questions, were addressed prior to data collection. The solution required a large amount of information to be sent to each selected household prior to the telephone interview which contributed to a lower than expected response rate. Non-coverage error caused by the population of interest being highly mobile, homeless or institutionalised was also a suspected issue in this low prevalence condition. In many circumstances the numbers missing from the sampling frame are small enough to not cause worry, especially when compared with the population as a whole, but within the population of interest to us, we believe that the most likely direction of bias is towards an underestimation of our prevalence estimates. Conclusion: Collecting valid and reliable data is a paramount concern of health researchers and survey research methodologists. The challenge is to design cost-effective studies especially those associated with low-prevalence issues, and to balance time and convenience against validity, reliability, sampling, coverage, non-response and measurement error issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a 2010 community survey of cases of self-injury in Australia. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative randomly selected sample of 12,006 Australians to get data on self-injury, psychiatric morbidity, disclosure and help-seeking. The survey found that the prevalence of self-injury in Australia in the period before the survey was significant and self-injury may occur at older ages than previously reported.

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Objective: The primary mental health care needs of farmers require that service innovations incorporate rural support workers into a local service network. This component of the FarmLink pilot sought to develop a social network analysis method that would describe local mental health-related human service networks. The purpose is to inform improvements in this network and to serve as a baseline against which such improvements can be evaluated. Design: A pilot survey of rural human service providers who deal with mental health-related issues among farmers about their self-reported links between each other. Setting: Service delivery agencies associated with a small rural town in New South Wales. Participants: Twenty-five agents from a range of human services involved in rural human support services to farmers, such as from agricultural and drought support, welfare, primary health care and education. Intervention: Telephone interview prior to the conduct of a Mental Health First Aid seminar and a Farmers Mental Health and Wellbeing workshop. Main outcome measures: Agent self-reported service links over the past three months for information exchange, client referrals and working together in relation to helping farmers for mental health, emotional health or stress-related problems. Analysis trialled on the ‘made referrals’ link shows the network influence, prominence and intermediary status of the rural financial counsellor. Conclusions: Within the limitations of recalled self-report data, social network analysis provides a useful network description for informing and evaluating service network improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been international interest in media portrayal of suicide and mental illness and the impact that reporting may have on community understanding, attitudes and behaviour. Many countries have developed guidelines and resources for media reporting to encourage responsible and sensitive coverage. However, there has been little international evaluation of the extent to which journalists have embraced and followed media guidelines. In Australia, the Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project has implemented a national dissemination strategy that supports media professionals in their understanding and use of the guidelines. This has been achieved by face-to-face briefings, further resource development, promotional activities and work with peak bodies to implement changes in codes of practice. This paper examines the effectiveness of an active dissemination strategy, highlighting both quantitative and qualitative evaluation data that indicates substantial reach, awareness of, support for and uptake of these resources by media professionals in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that improving the communication between landholders and ecologists will result in better conservation outcomes for ecosystem management on private land. It examines a case study of ecological research on frogs undertaken on private, agricultural land in southeastern Australia. The paper questions the traditional separation of ecological science from landholders specifically and the public in general. In addressing this issue the authors wish to improve the relevance of ecology for landholders, raise the profile of social science for ecologists working on private land and examine the implications of improving ecologist - landholder relationships. For landholders, an improved understanding of the ecological context of their agricultural activities may lead to sustainability gains. For ecologists, a deeper appreciation for the social context of their ecological research provides an opportunity to see how their work is perceived and/or acted upon in practice. For both parties, a communicative relationship may minimise future need for ecosystem repair. Such an approach (for both landholders and ecologists) can lead to the break down of stereotypes and/or a greater appreciation of the others' perspectives, constraints and values with respect to conservation on private land. In the productive discussions arising from conversations between landholders and ecologists, new approaches to sustainable land management and nature conservation may emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report baseline mental health measures from the Children in Care study, a prospective epidemiological study of children in court-ordered foster and kinship care in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Mental health, socialization and self-esteem were assessed in 347 children in a statewide mail survey, using two carer-report checklists, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC). Results: Children in the study had exceptionally poor mental health and socialization, both in absolute terms, and relative to normative and in-care samples. Levels and rates of disturbance for children in foster care exceeded all prior estimates. Rates of disturbance for children in kinship care were high, but within the range of prior estimates. Boys presented with higher scope and severity of mental health problems than girls on the CBCL, while gender-specific patterns of disturbance were shown on the ACC. A moderate age effect was accounted for by children's age at entry into care. Conclusions: Children in care are at high risk of mental health problems. Psychological support for the children and their carers is an essential secondary prevention strategy. Implications for service delivery are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy, safety and cost of Ritalin LA, Concerta and Strattera, three compounds recently released in Australia for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods: MEDLINE was searched for relevant review articles and primary treatment studies. Data were augmented by product information supplied by the respective manufacturers. Costing information was obtained by surveying five community pharmacy outlets in Newcastle-Lake Macquarie, New South Wales.Results: The three compounds reviewed have similar tolerability and efficacy to immediate-release methylphenidate, with the advantage of once daily dosing. The properties of these agents, particularly Strattera, make them less able to be abused. Ritalin LA may be superior to Concerta in controlling symptoms of ADHD in the first 4 h following ingestion, but the data should be interpreted with caution.Conclusions: The newer treatments for ADHD offer advantages over immediate-release methyphenidate in dosing schedule and duration of action that may be of particular benefit to adolescent and adult patients. Prescription of these medications may be limited by their expense to the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1982, Australia, Canada and New Zealand introduced freedom of information (FOI) laws. The author visited all three countries in 1986-7 to study how the legislation was being used, and its impact on the workings of Westminster-style government. A table summarizes the main features of the legislation. The article discusses the different appeal mechanisms; the implications for ministerial accountability; the level of take-up; the different categories of user; administrative costs and benefits; staffing requirements, refusal rates, fees, etc. Apart from requests for personal files, the level of demand has been relatively low; ministerial accountability remains unchanged; the legislation has successfully protected government secrets; and the overall cost has not proved too great. FOI has not realized its more ambitious objectives, such as increasing public participation in government decision-making; but at the same time, it has not fulfilled many of its opponents' worst fears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connectivity and landscape context are common considerations in the spatial prioritisation of conservation actions. Similar spatial principles can also be used to inform the selection, prioritisation and monitoring of sites for restoration, but it is not clear whether these variables consistently shape the delivery of benefits from restoration. This study aimed to determine whether, and how, seascape connectivity and landscape context combine to influence the recovery of fish and crustacean communities at a restoring coastal wetland. We measured changes to biodiversity (fish species richness), fisheries benefits (fisheries harvested abundance) and functioning (fish functional diversity) bi-annually at a 200 ha restoring wetland, and three control sites, in eastern Australia between 2017 and 2021. Connectivity and landscape context were quantified using a combination of in-field measurements, remote sensing techniques and least-cost path analysis. Biodiversity, fisheries benefits, and functional diversity increased at the restoration site over time, but these metrics did not change significantly at any of the control sites over the same time period. The delivery of each of the three co-benefits at the restoration site was also positively linked to increased wetland connectivity, larger areas of mangroves and higher salinity levels in the recovering seascape. These results support tighter integration of connectivity and landscape context to optimise and inform spatial planning in restoration, and we suggest that this is essential for supporting the delivery of multiple benefits from recovering habitats and seascapes. Adopting similar approaches to understand the drivers of restoration success would improve the ecological and economic outcomes of actions. • Incorporating connectivity and landscape context can optimise the spatial prioritisation of restoration sites • Connectivity promotes restoration outcomes for multiple co-benefits • Restoration had significant increases to three co-benefits relative to reference sites • Spatial planning principles can promote the ecological and economic value of restoration projects by informing site selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the discriminant validity of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subtypes in a sample of Australian youths. Investigation of symptom-specific impairment; Methodology; Results and discussion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cohort studies have typically involved clinical samples and have usually recruited children across wide age ranges, limiting generalizability across complexity and developmental stage. We compared academic, emotional-behavioral and social functioning at age 10, and predictors of outcomes, in a nonreferred cohort of children recruited at age 7, between those with full-syndrome (FS) ADHD and controls with no ADHD. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study with a 3-year follow-up period. Children were recruited from 43 socioeconomically diverse schools in Melbourne, Australia. Multi-informant outcomes at age 10 were academic functioning (Wide Range Achievement Test 4; Social Skills Improvement System), emotional-behavioral functioning (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total), and social functioning (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire peer problems). Outcomes were compared across the groups by using adjusted random-effects linear regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 477 children (62% male) were recruited at a mean (SD) age of 7.3 years (0.4). There were 179 participants with FS ADHD, 86 with ST ADHD, and 212 controls. Sample retention was 78.2% at 3-year follow-up. Both the FS and ST groups were functioning worse than controls on almost all outcome measures. The best predictors of outcome for children with ADHD were working memory (academic outcome, P < .001), ADHD symptom severity (emotional-behavioral outcome, parent: P < .001; teacher: P < .01), and autism spectrum disorder symptoms (emotional-behavioral outcome, parent P = .003; social outcome, parent P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with FS and ST ADHD at age 7 experience persisting functional impairments across domains at age 10. The predictors identified at age 7 present potential targets for intervention to ameliorate impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]