To evaluate the characteristics of individuals seeking gender reassignment, the frequency of subsequent referrals to a specialist centre, and funding approval. Cases were identified from a local referrals database and data were extracted from case notes.

Fifty-four individuals attended for assessment; 70% were biological males and 30% were biological females. Mean age at referral was significantly different between the two groups. Over half were taking hormone supplementation and three had already had surgery. Further, 24% had a current and 30% a past mental illness. The majority of individuals were referred to a specialist centre for gender reassignment but only two had funding for surgery approved. Paedophilia was a rare but concerning finding.

Psychiatric assessment plays an important role in confirming transsexualism and in identifying other relevant diagnoses.

To ascertain the views and experiences of psychiatrists in England and Wales regarding community treatment orders (CTOs). We mailed 1928 questionnaires to members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

In total, 566 usable surveys were returned, providing a 29% response rate. Respondents were generally positive about the introduction of the new powers, more so than in previous UK studies. They reported that their decision-making regarding compulsion was based largely on clinical grounds.

In the absence of research evidence or a professional consensus about the use of CTOs, multidisciplinary input in decision-making is essential. Further research and training are urgently needed.

To examine the effects of implementing the individual placement and support (IPS) approach within four community mental health teams (CMHTs). Demographic, clinical and vocational data were collected through a repeated cross-sectional survey. Additionally, a service user experience survey was conducted.

The IPS approach appears to have a significant effect on the employment rates of service users; a higher proportion felt able to return to employment and a smaller proportion believed they were unable to work because of their mental health problems. Employment rates for service users appear to be independent of general employment rates.

Implementing IPS appears to increase the employment rates in CMHTs resulting in increased service user expectations of being able to return to work.

A group of lawyers, psychiatrists, best interest assessors and independent mental capacity advocates were asked to make binary judgements about whether real-life situations in 12 vignettes amounted to deprivation of liberty. Kappa coefficients were calculated to describe the level of agreement within each professional group and for the total group of professionals.

There was total agreement between all professionals about deprivation of liberty in only 1 of the 12 cases. The overall level of agreement for judgements made by all professionals was ‘slight’ (κ=0.16, P < 0.01).

There are practical difficulties involved in making reliable deprivation of liberty judgements within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) legislation. A clear interpretation of deprivation of liberty is necessary to facilitate professionals' decision-making in this area.

An online survey was used to examine the attitudes of clinical, academic and trainee psychiatrists on the delivery of undergraduate education and why students are not choosing psychiatry as a career. This paper explores whether attitudes to teaching psychiatry to medical students is a factor in poor recruitment to the specialty.

Overall, 390 psychiatrists completed the survey. All groups were highly committed to psychiatry education, but there were significant differences in attitudes that may have an impact on the delivery of medical student teaching, which in turn may influence recruitment. Five major themes emerged from the survey, the most dominant being stigmatisation of psychiatric patients and professionals by the medical profession. These divergent attitudes to teaching and stigma may be contributing to low levels of recruitment into psychiatry.

Education of the next generation of psychiatrists is a high priority and active measures are needed to increase commitment and enthusiasm in undergraduate education.