Australian Family Physician audio

Dr Siva Bala discusses risk assessment of patients with possible mental disorders and provides suggestions regarding measures that may be undertaken to manage risk in psychiatric emergencies

Professor Dan Lubman discusses how the general practitioner can provide effective support for patients with co-occurring borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder, including approaches to assessment and treatment, the therapeutic relationship, referral pathways and managing risk and chronic suicidality

Professor Michael Kyrios discusses the diagnosis, assessment and management of anxiety disorders in the general practice setting.

Julia Reynolds discusses the diverse range of online resources and management tools for anxiety and depression offered by Australian providers and the ways in which general practitioners can assist their patients to access these resources

Professor Sue Davis discusses issues around sex and the perimenopause. She provides a structure for considering the causes, information on assessment and a summary of some of the key elements in management.

The World Health Organization has defined sexual health as ‘a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity’. Surveys conducted across a range of cultures demonstrate that the vast majority of women believe sexual activity to be important and it has been shown higher levels of physical pleasure in sex are significantly associated with higher levels of emotional satisfaction.

A/Prof David Pierce is a GP who has done some research showing that experienced GPs are able to integrate structured problem solving psychological therapies into their consultations with depressed patients after training without increasing the duration of the consultation.

General practitioners have expressed concern that consultations offering psychological therapy approaches will take up too much time. However, problem solving therapy (PST) for depression may be able to be used within the time constraints of general practice. This study investigates whether GPs’ concerns that PST would result in unacceptably long consultations are justified.

Dr Emma Warnecke discusses what we know about the evidence for non prescription options for symptom management in the menopause. She also reminds us of the opportunities for identification and management of risk factors at this time.

Effective prescription medications are available to treat menopausal symptoms. However, due to adverse effects and risks associated with use, many women are seeking complementary and alternative options to treat their symptoms. Nonpharmacological options for the management of menopausal symptoms are widely available and frequently used.

Dr Sue Reddish is a GP who discusses how she approaches the assessment of a women in menopausal transition.

The presentation of a woman in midlife can be an opportunity for both the woman and her doctor to consider a wide range of issues that may be impacting on quality of life or that present a risk to her future health.

Dr Jane Tracy discusses in detail the health care of a person with Down Syndrome including the importance of considering preventive health issues, as well as conditions more prevalent in people with Down syndrome. Tips for communication and useful resources are also considered.

Welcome to an issue of Australian Family Physician that is particularly close to my heart. My son has an intellectual disability, and I understand firsthand the importance and challenges of maintaining optimal health in this group of patients.

Professor Dinah Reddihough discusses cerebral palsy in childhood, including the range of conditions it can include and provides a structure for management. She also discusses what GPs should consider in an undifferentiated presentation of a child with cerebral palsy.