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The article focuses on value of early intervention in creating the new mental health system in Australia. Topics discussed include failures of the adult mental health system have driven the decision to hold the Royal Commission, bulk of State resources are already devoted to adult mental health care, with per capita expenditure in Victoria for young people, and success of early intervention for psychosis helps to make the case for reform and greater investment in adult mental health.

• Victoria, Australia had one of the most extended 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in the world. • But the mental health of young people in Victoria was no worse than in Queensland. • Prior to the pandemic there was concern about negative emotion for young Australians. • The high levels observed at the start of the pandemic have been maintained in Victoria. • This makes the monitoring and addressing of youth mental health concerns a priority. Young Australians have been differentially affected by lockdowns and social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions for young people in two Australian states, Victoria and Queensland, with Victoria experiencing more days in lockdown and greater infection rates. An online survey was completed between 01/04/2021 and 31/07/2021 by 687 young people, aged 16 to 24 years; 337 from Victoria and 350 from Queensland. Levels of negative emotion feelings (as measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale), and COVID-19 risk factors for negative emotions (such as financial hardship, education disruption, loneliness and household conflict), as well as protective factors (resilience and self-esteem) were compared between the Victorian and Queensland samples, also considering some early pandemic data and pre-pandemic norms. No significant differences in negative emotions were found between young people living in the two states, despite substantial differences in pandemic restrictions. The results indicated that young people in Queensland and Victoria had experienced similarly high levels of negative emotions, at levels also seen at the start of the pandemic in Victoria. This is of grave concern, requiring urgent attention as the pandemic continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Garcinia mangostana Linn. ("mangosteen") pericarp contains bioactive compounds that may target biological pathways implicated in schizophrenia. We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp, compared to placebo, in the treatment of schizophrenia., Methods: People diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ), recruited across 2 sites (Brisbane and Victoria, Australia), were randomized to receive 24 weeks of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp (1,000 mg/day) or matched placebo. The primary outcome measure was the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale total score. Secondary outcomes included positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology, clinical global severity and improvement, participant reported overall improvement, depressive symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and safety data at 24 and 28 weeks (4 weeks postdiscontinuation). Data were collected from July 2016 to February 2019., Results: Baseline assessments were conducted on 148 people (mangosteen = 74, placebo = 74); data analyses were conducted on 136 (92%) participants with postbaseline data. The treatment group had significantly higher symptom severity compared to placebo, and both groups significantly improved on all symptom, functioning, and quality of life measures over time. No between-group differences were found for the rate of change between baseline and 24 or 28 weeks., Conclusion: Despite promising preclinical and clinical work, our results do not support mangosteen pericarp extract as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.