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Objectives: The aim of this study was to report on a half-day multi-stakeholder symposium on community treatment orders (CTOs) hosted by the Melbourne Social Equity Institute (MSEI), which identified research gaps and opportunities, and produced an agreed agenda for future CTO research.Methods: The MSEI convened a symposium for 22 experts in CTO research to discuss research priorities in this field in Australasia. An independent moderator elicited views and recommendations and produced a report detailing possible research projects.Results: Research on CTOs is contentious and there is a need to gather and examine information regarding both their use and utility. Due to the complexities involved, it was agreed that research should be undertaken in partnership with persons with had lived experience of mental health problems, clinicians, policymakers and other interdisciplinary stakeholders. Five key areas for future investigation were identified.Conclusions: The issues and recommendations arising from the symposium should shape the scope, nature and conduct of future research directions in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Conventional sustained dosage form of ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl) does not prevent frequent administration due to its degradation in colonic media and limited absorption in the upper part of GIT. Objectives: Ranitidine HCl floating tablet was formulated with sublimation method to overcome the stated problem. Methods: Compatibility study for screening potential excipients was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning chromatography (DSC). Selected excipients were further evaluated for optimizing the formulation. Preliminary screening of binder, polymer and sublimating material was based on hardness and drug release, drug release with release kinetics and floating lag time with total floatation time, respectively. Selected excipients were subjected to 32factorial design with polymer and sublimating material as independent factors. Matrix tablets were obtained by using 16/32” flat-faced beveled edges punches followed by sublimation. Results: FT-IR and DSC indicated no significant incompatibility with selected excipients. Klucel-LF, POLYOX WSR N 60 K andl-menthol were selected as binder, polymer and sublimating material, respectively, for factorial design batches after preliminary screening. From the factorial design batches, optimum concentration to release the drug within 12 h was found to be 420 mg of POLYOX and 40 mg ofl-menthol. Stability studies indicated the formulation as stable. Conclusion: Ranitidine HCl matrix floating tablets were formulated to release 90% of drug in stomach within 12 h. Hence, release of the drug could be sustained within narrow absorption site. Moreover, the dosage form was found to be floating within a fraction of second independent of the pH of media ensuring a robust formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Victoria, people with an intellectual disability who have shown behaviour that is a significant risk of serious harm to others may be detained within government-funded disability accommodation by either a court or civil order. The aim of such orders is both to protect the public and at the same time provide treatment to the person with a disability, so that the person will be able to return to live more independently within the community. Little is known about the characteristics or use of restraint and seclusion with this particular group. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine this group's characteristics and compare the use of restraint and seclusion to other people with an intellectual disability who were subjected to restraint and seclusion, but not detained. The practice and policy implications of the results are discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective with recommendations for professionals working in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to outline the impact of Community Treatment Orders over a 20-year period on service delivery and clinical practice in Victoria. Conclusions: Community Treatment Orders, as utilized in Victoria, have undermined optimal service delivery and supported paternalistic, reductionistic clinical practice. The psychiatric profession has failed to advocate adequately for better mental health resourcing and human rights protection of those subject to Community Treatment Orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "The Democratization of Psychiatry," by Little et al. and "A Tale of Two Cities: A Neuroimaging Investigation of Melbourne- Sydney Rivalry Comparing Cortical Thickness in Healthy Adults," by Velakoulis et al.