As the age at which psychiatrists leave the National Health Service falls, and as the importance of CPD grows, there is an increasing urgency to assist the professional development and the licensing of portfolio practitioners. A survey undertaken to gain an impression of the experiences of this group of members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists highlighted considerable difficulties for some. Recommendations are made here both for individual members and for the CPD structures within the College. In particular, it is suggested that the College help with the appraisal of members who are outside managed organisations and that enhanced responsibilities be given to regional CPD coordinators. Individual members should see the peer group as the centre of their CPD activities, take a flexible approach to their own CPD, and advise other members of their peer group accordingly.

Although the physical health of doctors is largely better than that of the general population, they continue to have high levels of stress, depression and substance misuse. These aspects of mental ill health are particularly elevated in psychiatrists, and in a number of studies psychiatrists have also been found to be those doctors most likely to face disciplinary proceedings. This article explores the individual and organisational causes of these problems and the ways they may interact within the psychiatrist's work role, and suggests a variety of possible interventions to improve the mental health of doctors in psychiatry.

Fabricating or inducing illness in children (previously called Munchhausen syndrome by proxy) is a form of child abuse in which a caregiver falsifies illness in a child by fabricating or producing symptoms and presenting the child for medical care disclaiming knowledge of the cause of the problem. The behaviour has attracted considerable interest and controversy, and some have questioned its existence. In this article, we assess the prevalence of the behaviour, describing behaviours that have been reported and identified, and discuss its psychopathology. We consider the role of psychiatric expertise in the investigation of such behaviour and in the assessment of those who carry it out, based on what is known to date about their psychopathology. We also outline an approach to management with special reference to the characteristics in the mother that may allow for reunification with the child after the abuse has been established.

There has been significant anxiety among prescribers regarding the potential for cardiac adverse effects associated with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease. There is no consensus on how to manage this cardiovascular risk, and memory clinics vary widely in their practice. Review of published evidence reveals that the incidence of cardiovascular side-effects is low, and that serious adverse events are rare. Intensive cardiovascular screening such as pre-treatment electrocardiograms or 24 h cardiac monitoring is not justified. Furthermore, there are no high-risk groups to target. This article suggests pragmatic guidelines for managing cardiovascular risk in patients receiving AChE inhibitors. The guidelines are intended to be easy to incorporate into routine clinical practice in a memory clinic.

What cardiovascular screening is needed before prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors in the memory clinic has led to much debate and contradictory advice – especially concerning the need for electrocardiograms (ECGs). Having looked at the current evidence base Rowland et al have produced simple and pragmatic advice that should be adopted immediately across the many memory clinics currently in operation. It is rare to have simple protocols these days – it is a relief to have such a breath of pragmatism.

This article is aimed at psychotherapists and health practitioners who have not reflected on the role of race, culture and ethnicity in the provision of psychological treatments. We highlight the key issues of importance in engagement, assessment and ongoing therapy, supporting practitioners to reach a stage of pre-competency. Competency will be achieved with additional training, supervision and innovation.

One in four people with mental health problems in Britain report debt or arrears, which is nearly three times the rate among individuals without similar conditions. Although health professionals commonly encounter debt among patients, some report that they lack basic knowledge to effectively intervene and that patient debt is often not acted on until a crisis emerges. Our aim in this article is to improve psychiatrists' knowledge and confidence in dealing with patient debt. We provide basic definitions of debt and problem debt; outline the impact that debt can have on patients' health, social and financial well-being; identify the stages and signs that a patient may be accruing problem debt; describe how psychiatrists should respond; and review the instruments available to assess patients' mental capacity to make financial decisions. We do not expect psychiatrists to become ‘debt experts’, but provide working knowledge for engaging more effectively with this problem.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (commonly known as anabolic steroids) are synthetic derivatives of the hormone testosterone. They are being increasingly used by professional and recreational athletes to enhance performance, and by men and women to improve physical appearance. This article discusses the characteristics of such steroid ‘misusers’ and the techniques of use. It highlights the psychiatric complications associated with these steroids, including increased risk of aggression, personality disorders, psychosis and mood disorders, particularly manic symptoms. Medical complications of steroid use are common and frequently reversible. Use is associated with an increased risk of injury, cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal complications, virilisation in women, and gynaecomastia and testicular atrophy in men. Whether addiction to these steroids can occur is debatable, but there is evidence for dependence and a withdrawal syndrome. Steroid use may be a ‘gateway’ to other addictions. Users are often reluctant to seek treatment and the psychiatrist's role in the recognition and management of use is presented.

The rationale for assessing the spiritual needs of psychiatric patients is examined as a prelude to addressing the question of how to do this. A number of approaches are considered. The emphasis is on varieties of practical history-taking suitable for the repertoire of every psychiatrist in training and those engaged in CPD. Finally, some of the consequences of identifying spiritual needs in psychiatric patients are discussed.

This article describes research ethics and the UK research ethics system for psychiatrists who are engaged in research or in supporting trainees with research projects. The emphasis on practical aspects should ensure that submissions to research ethics committees are improved, and consequently the likelihood of a successful outcome is increased.

Self-injury (self-harm) occurs frequently and is familiar in the accident and emergency departments and surgical and medical wards of ‘acute hospitals’. Despite its common presentation, there are frequent and authoritative reports that patients' experiences of emergency hospital treatment for self-harm are often negative. There is compelling evidence for the need to improve delivery of care for patients who self-harm, and to improve the training, supervision, support and coordination of the staff groups delivering that care.