Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
The use of ‘drug dogs’ in psychiatry
- Authors:
- GORDON Harvey, HAIDER Daniel
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatric Bulletin, 28(6), June 2004, pp.196-198.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
The undertaking of drug dog searches on psychiatric units, being premised on the need to create and maintain a safe therapeutic environment, precludes the obtaining of consent by patients or affording to them any advance warning that such a search is to take place. It would be unreasonable for such a search to be prevented due to refusal of consent by patients with illegal drugs in their possession. Similarly, patients cannot usually be informed in advance as that would defeat the purpose by enabling patients to remove any illegal drugs prior to the search. Patients should, however, be informed generally that drug dogs may be brought in at various times without them knowing specifically exactly when. Staff themselves may have differing views on the use of drug dogs, though no surveys in psychiatric units have been published. Extensive discussion is therefore appropriate on units where such an approach is being introduced.
Air travel by passengers with mental disorder
- Authors:
- GORDON Harvey, KINGHAM Mike, GOODWIN Tony
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatric Bulletin, 28(8), August 2004, pp.295-297.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Air travel is a rapid and efficient mode of travel nationally and internationally. People with a psychiatric disorder can usually travel safely, but may at times require an escort. People whose mental state or behaviour are disturbed are not fit to travel until stability has been achieved. Suicidal or homicidal behaviour by those so disposed are fortunately rare, but can be catastrophic in outcome. Careful assessment is necessary, and psychiatrists are advised to be more aware of the possibility of liaison with airport medical services when appropriate. Despite a recent reduction in the number of passengers on commercial aircraft following acts of terrorism, war in Iraq, communicable diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and a down-turn in the global economy, air transportation continues to convey millions of people each year across the world. Among this multitude of air passengers are an unknown number of people with mental disorder. Aspects of air travel relevant to psychiatric evaluation are reviewed here.