Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for paranoid schizophrenia (treatment resistant type). However its use has been limited by the well established association with neutropenia and agranulocytosis. It has also been suggested that clozapine therapy is associated with other serious adverse effects such as fatal myocarditis or cardiomyopathy.

The 1901 Census of Population returns provide a unique opportunity to examine the broad characteristics of institutionalised mental illness in one county over a century ago by complementing and extending the information contained in the main statutory source, the Report of the Inspector of Lunacy. This paper presents these characteristics as they relate to the first area on which such data have become publicly accessible - County Clare.

Welcome to the first module in our Continuing Professional Development Section (CPD). CPD is now a key element in the clinical activity of all health professionals and a cornerstone of good clinical governance throughout mental health services. This section of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will provide CPD modules dedicated to key topics in mental health care. In order to assist learning and self-assessment, multiple choice questions will be provided at the end of each module.

This module and its multiple choice questions are available online on the website of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine (www.ijpm.org). The CPD policy of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland indicates that psychiatrists who participate in suitable online learning which fits the criteria for CPD may claim CPD points under the Personal CPD category (up to a maximum of 5 points per year).

We are confident that this CPD Section of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will prove to be a valuable resource for consultant psychiatrists, psychiatric trainees and all journal readers. We welcome feedback from readers and, especially, any suggestions for topics to be covered in future CPD modules. Suggestions should be emailed to: psychological@medmedia.ie

Welcome to the third module in our Continuing Professional Development Section (CPD). CPD is now a key element in the clinical activity of all health professionals and a cornerstone of good clinical governance throughout mental health services. This section of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will provide CPD modules dedicated to key topics in mental health care. In order to assist learning and self-assessment, multiple choice questions will be provided at the end of each module.

This module and its multiple choice questions are available online on the website of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine (www.ijpm.org). The CPD policy of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland indicates that psychiatrists who participate in suitable online learning which fits the criteria for CPD may claim CPD points under the Personal CPD category (up to a maximum of 5 points per year).

We are confident that this CPD Section of the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will prove to be a valuable resource for consultant psychiatrists, psychiatric trainees and all journal readers. We welcome feedback from readers and, especially, any suggestions for topics to be covered in future CPD modules. Suggestions should be emailed to: psychological@medmedia.ie