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This paper introduces a method utilizing spiking neural networks (SNN) for learning, classification, and comparative analysis of brain data. As a case study, the method was applied to electroencephalography (EEG) data collected during a GO/NOGO cognitive task performed by untreated opiate addicts, those undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for opiate dependence and a healthy control group., Methods: the method is based on an SNN architecture called NeuCube, trained on spatiotemporal EEG data., Objective: NeuCube was used to classify EEG data across subject groups and across GO versus NOGO trials, but also facilitated a deeper comparative analysis of the dynamic brain processes., Results: This analysis results in a better understanding of human brain functioning across subject groups when performing a cognitive task. In terms of the EEG data classification, a NeuCube model obtained better results (the maximum obtained accuracy: 90.91%) when compared with traditional statistical and artificial intelligence methods (the maximum obtained accuracy: 50.55%)., Significance: more importantly, new information about the effects of MMT on cognitive brain functions is revealed through the analysis of the SNN model connectivity and its dynamics., Conclusion: this paper presented a new method for EEG data modeling and revealed new knowledge on brain functions associated with mental activity which is different from the brain activity observed in a resting state of the same subjects.

New Zealand has an established history of mental health legislation that sits within a framework of human rights, disability and constitutional protections. We outline a brief history of mental health legislation in New Zealand since its inception as a modern state in 1840. The current legislation, the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, defines mental disorder and the threshold for compulsory treatment. We describe its use in clinical practice and the wider legal and constitutional context which psychiatrists need to be aware of in their relationships with patients.

Aim: To update and improve estimates of morbidity and mortality due to alcohol consumption in New Zealand., Method: We applied the comparative risk assessment methods of the Global Burden of Disease Study at country level, and separately for Maori and non-Maori where possible. Analysis was restricted to 0-79 year olds., Results: We estimated 5.4% of all deaths under 80 years old were attributable to alcohol in 2007 (802 deaths) and these represented 13,769 years of life lost (YLLs). Injuries accounted for 43%, cancer for 30% and other diseases for 27% of deaths. We also calculated 351 deaths were averted by alcohol use, but only 3095 YLLs, resulting in a net annual loss of more than 10,000 years of life. Sex and ethnic disparities were marked, with twice as many deaths in men as women for both Maori and non- Maori, and the age-standardised death rate for Maori two and a half times the rate for non-Maori. Injury was the biggest cause of alcohol-related deaths and YLLs in the young and overall, but the leading cause of alcohol-related death in both Maori and non-Maori women was breast cancer. We estimated 6.5% of all healthy life lost among 0-79 year olds in 2004 was attributable to alcohol (28,403 DALYs lost), and 6538 DALYs were prevented. The sex disparity in DALYs lost mirrored the mortality analysis, but no disaggregation by ethnicity was possible., Conclusion: Alcohol consumption results in substantial loss of good health across the life course in New Zealand. It makes an important contribution to Maori/non-Maori and male/female health disparities. High average consumption and heavy drinking occasions confer the greatest risk of harm to the drinker and others. At a population level there are no documented health benefits of drinking before middle-age and benefits in later life are increasingly uncertain.

Evidence links dopamine release in the mid-brain to the pathophysiology of psychosis, addiction and reward. Repeated ingestion of refined carbohydrate may stimulate the same mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway, rewarding such eating behaviour and resulting in excessive food intake along with obesity. In this paper, we explore the role of dopamine in reward and psychosis, and discuss how reward pathways may contribute to the weight gain that commonly follows antipsychotic drug use, in people with psychotic illness. Our theory also explains the frequent co-occurrence of substance abuse and psychosis. From our hypothesis, we discuss the use of carbohydrate modified diets as an adjunctive treatment for people with psychosis.

Background: Migration of health professionals from low and middle income countries to rich countries is a large scale and long-standing phenomenon, which is detrimental to the health systems in the donor countries. We sought to explore the extent of psychiatric migration., Methods: In our study, we use the respective professional databases in each country to establish the numbers of psychiatrists currently registered in the UK, US, New Zealand, and Australia who originate from other countries. We also estimate the impact of this migration on the psychiatrist population ratios in the donor countries., Findings: We document large numbers of psychiatrists currently registered in the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia originating from India (4687 psychiatrists), Pakistan (1158), Bangladesh (149), Nigeria (384), Egypt (484), Sri Lanka (142), Philippines (1593). For some countries of origin, the numbers of psychiatrists currently registered within high-income countries' professional databases are very small (e.g., 5 psychiatrists of Tanzanian origin registered in the 4 high-income countries we studied), but this number is very significant compared to the 15 psychiatrists currently registered in Tanzania). Without such emigration, many countries would have more than double the number of psychiatrists per 100,000 population (e.g. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon); and some countries would have had five to eight times more psychiatrists per 100,000 (e.g. Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Nigeria and Zambia)., Conclusions: Large numbers of psychiatrists originating from key low and middle income countries are currently registered in the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia, with concomitant impact on the psychiatrist/population ratio n the originating countries. We suggest that creative international policy approaches are needed to ensure the individual migration rights of health professionals do not compromise societal population rights to health, and that there are public and fair agreements between countries within an internationally agreed framework.

There have been many reports of benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) being used as recreational drugs which have been widely marketed in the form of 'party pills' since the late 1990's. However, there is no information currently available describing the pharmacokinetics of these drugs in humans. Human plasma concentrations of BZP were measured in blood and urine samples taken from healthy adults (n=7) over 24h following a 200mg oral dose of BZP. Plasma concentrations of BZP were found to peak at 262 ng/mL (C(max)) and 75min (T(max)). Plasma concentrations of the major metabolites of BZP, 4-OH BZP and 3-OH BZP, were found to peak at 7 ng/mL (at 60 min) and 13 ng/mL (at 75 min) respectively. The elimination half-life (t(1/2)) for BZP was found to be 5.5h. Clearance (Cl/F) was found to be 99L/h. The results of this study indicate that BZP may be detectable in plasma for up to 30 h following an oral dose. Additionally, several urinary metabolites can be detected.

Objective: To assess the attitudes of general practitioners to central Auckland mental health service provision, and their perceived role and educational needs for clinical management of patients with mental disorders., Method: A postal questionnaire survey of all general practitioners within the Auckland Healthcare (Central Auckland CHE) area., Results: 140 (49%) valid responses were returned from 287 sampled. 94% supported a shared care role with mental health services; 57% considered their role as main case manager to be important. 79% of the general practitioners considered they had insufficient time to manage patients with mental disorders. 69% of respondents reported difficulties receiving information about changes to treatment; 65% were unsure whether patients had a case manager, and 64% reported general difficulties with liaison with the mental health services. Education about a range of mental health issues was sought by three quarters of the group., Conclusion: This survey suggested that liaison between general practice and specialist mental health services in central Auckland is poor, but that general practitioners are eager to seek ways to improve the care of people suffering mental disorders.

One hundred self-poisoners, consecutively referred to the psychiatric liaison service at Auckland Hospital were questioned regarding the source of the substances taken, the taking of regular medication and their last contact with a doctor. In total, 82 percent took legitimately prescribed medications, in 67 cases prescribed for themselves, while 12 percent bought over-the-counter preparations. Alcohol was associated in one-third of all cases. In one half of all cases the substance ingested had been prescribed at the last visit to a doctor. These patients were statistically more likely to be depressed, to be taking regular medication and to have taken a previous overdose. Two-thirds of all cases had seen a doctor no more than a month prior to self-poisoning.