Study links lack of teen physical activity to poorer mental health A lack of physical activity among teenagers has been linked to an increased risk of developing some, but not all, mental health disorders in young adulthood, according to a new study.
Mental health patients make up 3.6% of all Australian ED presentations A new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found close to 300,000 people who presented to Australian emergency departments did so due to an issue of mental health.
Helping those who help others: New resource for GP self-care The provision of healthcare can be as stressful as it is rewarding, and a new RACGP resource helps provide GPs with access to services relating to self-care and mental wellbeing.
Using e-therapies to help address mental health issues Despite reluctance from some healthcare professionals to use e-therapies for psychological presentations, they have been found to be a useful tool for patients experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health issues.
GPs urged to check service history as more veterans eligible for mental health cover Veterans who have worked full-time even for a day in the defence force are now covered for all mental health illnesses without having to prove it was caused due to their service, under changes brought in by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Health professionals cautious yet open to proposed revision of mandatory reporting laws Australia’s peak health bodies have described a proposed revision of mandatory reporting laws as a good start to necessary reform, but many believe more needs to be done.
RACGP says proposed changes to mandatory reporting ‘a step in the right direction’ The RACGP has called the COAG Health Council’s proposed changes to mandatory reporting regulations ‘a step in the right direction’, but feels they leave unanswered questions for healthcare professionals.
Pointing the way towards better support of veterans’ mental health The Federal Government has released research that provides a blueprint for better provision of services to ex-serving military personnel returning to civilian life.
Insurance processes can compound issues of mental health New research shows that insurance companies’ assessment processes can have an adverse effect on patients’ mental health.
Assisting with patient concerns about a prevalent asthma medication Dr Kerry Hancock, GP and Chair of the RACGP Respiratory Medicine Specific Interests network, talks to newsGP about prescribing the asthma medication, montelukast.