We are on the verge of major advances in understanding the pathophysiology of major mental illnesses – including the likely discovery of several susceptibility genes for these conditions. For many this holds the prospect of a future in which improved prevention and better treatments will end the terror these conditions hold over so many lives (Farmer & Owen, 1996; Jones & Craddock, 1997, 1998). For others the vision is of a ‘brave new world‘, our futures mapped from birth by the genetic hand we have been dealt and in which those with mental illness will suffer increased stigma and discrimination (Rose, 1998). This debate (McGleenan, 1995) occurs in the dark shadow cast by the eugenic movements of the 19th and early 20th century (Galton, 1943) and the horrors to which they led (Hanauske-Abel, 1996; Seidelman, 1996). As we leave the decade of the brain and enter the new millennium it is an appropriate point to ask what advances are likely to occur and to consider the moral and ethical issues that will undoubtedly arise.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD), literally meaning a late occurring, abnormal movement disorder, was first described by Schonecker in 1957, about five years after the discovery of chlorpromazine (cited in Kane, 1992). TD generally occurs after long-term antipsychotic therapy: Kane et al (1984) reported that the incidence was increased with each subsequent year of exposure to antipsychotics, starting with an incidence of 5% after one year of exposure and increasing by 5% each subsequent year. Certainly, the prevalence of TD has increased over the last 20 years, probably as the result of more patients being exposed to antipsychotics for longer periods.

The internet is rapidly becoming a first-line source for clinicians and patients alike, and it is increasingly necessary that clinicians maintain an open dialogue with their patients about their information sources. In this paper, I look at the emergence of ‘brain shivers' as a side-effect that appears to have emerged online, in the context of antidepressant side-effects and withdrawal. I discuss possible biological explanations for this strange, possibly new, complaint, as well as the emergence of particular symptoms as a sociological phenomenon aided by new technology.

Regional secure units are a relatively new facility for the treatment of mentally disordered offenders and difficult to manage patients. Their role is still evolving. Previous studies have described details of referrals and admissions to such secure units (Higgins, 1981; Gudjonsson & Mackeith, 1983; Offen & Taylor, 1985; Faulk & Taylor, 1986; Bullard & Bond, 1988). To date, however, no studies have examined changes of practice in RSUs over time. The purpose of the present study is to examine changes in the admission characteristics of patients admitted to the Butler Clinic, regional secure unit for Devon and Cornwall since it opened in 1983 to the present time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to predictions of a widespread mental health crisis. However, this makes little sense when fear and anxiety are so understandable in context. The individualisation and medicalisation of normal human reactions disconnects us from our feelings and from the appropriate solutions, in relation to the pandemic and more generally. We have an opportunity to challenge this pervasive way of thinking, and thus be in a position to create a fairer society that is better for everyone's emotional well-being.

Treatment of mental illness in Black and minority ethnic groups differs from that in the White majority. Large differences in admission, detention and seclusion rates have been recorded. These disparities extend into the physical healthcare setting, particularly in the USA but also within the UK National Health Service. There are many influences on prescribing of psychotropic medication, not least the metabolising capacity of the individual. Ethnic differences do occur, particularly for East Asian peoples. However, these differences are broadly similar across ethnic groups, particularly for the cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for metabolising psychotropic medicines. Psychotropic medication prescribing also differs by ethnicity. Specifically, antipsychotic dose, type and route of administration may differ. However, most data originate in the USA and UK studies have not replicated these findings, even after controlling for multiple confounding factors. Similarly, antidepressant prescribing and access to treatment may differ by ethnicity. These differences may have complex causes that are not well understood. Overall, prescribing of antipsychotics appears to be broadly equitable in Black and minority ethnic groups.

The first 18 months of operation of a team providing high intensity case management is presented. A key-worker/co-worker system was adopted, with regular team meetings to review the progress of all clients. Low case-loads (10 clients per case manager) enabled the team to carry out detailed assessments of need, offer assertive outreach and crisis intervention and coordinate complex packages of community care. The case management team provided an accessible and effective service. However, not all patients appeared to benefit and the intensive nature of the work was very demanding on staff.

Eating disorders are historically underserved in healthcare, but are increasingly prevalent and recognised for their high costs regarding mortality, quality of life and the economy. Those with longstanding eating disorders are commonly labelled ‘severe and enduring’ (SEED), which has been challenged for its conceptual vagueness and potential to discourage patients. Attempts to define individuals from this cohort as having ‘terminal’ illness have also gained traction in recent years. This paper is grounded in lived/living experience and relevant research. It challenges the logical coherence and utility of SEED, arguing that the word ‘enduring’ unhelpfully situates intractability of longstanding illness within patients themselves and the nature of their illness. This risks a sense of inevitability and overlooks the important role of contextual factors such as lacking resources and insufficient evidence for withholding active treatment. Recommendations suggest approaches to dismantling unhelpful binaries between early intervention and intensive support, recovery and decline.

The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 promised an overhaul of the coroners' service, introducing much needed efficiencies to benefit people bereaved by suicide and other sudden deaths. Central to these reforms was the introduction of a Chief Coroner to coordinate the system and exercise wider public health responsibilities. The coalition government's proposal to abolish the Chief Coroner's office on grounds of cost, ignoring the potential efficiency gains, has delayed implementation of coronial reforms significantly. With this proposal now abandoned, ministers are expected to appoint an independent Chief Coroner in early 2012. This article describes the intended benefits of the reforms for bereaved relatives, coroners' staff, public sector budgets, and the public health, and explores the reasons behind the delays.

Safety planning is recommended as a part of the response to everybody who presents after self-harm, although there is surprisingly little evidence for its effectiveness. There is potential for such plans to be experienced as unhelpful if patients are not genuinely involved in their production and if the plan does not include information about meaningful sources of support. Staff training is needed to ensure that plans are delivered in a collaborative way and self-harm services need to be improved nationally if such plans are to be effective.

This study addresses the perception among senior trainees that the lot of a consultant general psychiatrist is currently not a happy one and that transition from training to consultant grade can be difficult. Reasons for this are explored and alternatives suggested that might make the move from senior/ specialist registrar to consultant general psychiatrist a more rewarding and attractive proposition.

Over the past five decades, services for the mentally ill in India have steadily improved. From a predominantly mental hospital based service, provision has now moved to general hospitals and primary health centres. A variety of factors have contributed to changes in the quality of services. This paper briefly reviews the changes and discusses the relevance of some of them.