The aim of this study was to determine the existence and extent of differences in prescribing practice for patients according to ethnic group, with two widely used atypical antipsychotics, olanzapine and clozapine. All in-patient prescription charts were screened and patients receiving olanzapine and clozapine identified. Dosage, antipsychotic co-prescription and race were recorded, along with demographic details, and evaluated using comparative statistical analysis.

Overall, 1441 prescriptions were screened; 328 patients received olanzapine and 200 clozapine. Details of ethnic origin were available for 287 of those prescribed olanzapine and 188 of those prescribed clozapine. There was no significant difference between ethnic groups in age or gender, for either drug. For clozapine, dosage and extent of antipsychotic co-prescription did not differ significantly between ethnic groups; for olanzapine, there was no significant difference in daily dose between the groups, but co-prescription was significantly more common in Black (33%) than in White patients (20%; P=0.023).

Important differences in the prescription of olanzapine and clozapine between ethnic groups are uncommon, but demand further investigation. Larger studies incorporating additional baseline details such as diagnosis and body weight are called for.

To evaluate a 50-place partial hospitalisation programme during its first year of operation. Data were recorded for consecutive referrals to the programme. Its effects on the admission unit were also assessed.

The unit received over 200 referrals over 12 months, and more than 60% were for individuals who might otherwise have been admitted. The programme was associated with reductions in number and duration of hospital admissions and in bed occupancy rate; however, the proportion of urgent referrals to the programme doubled over the year, and after 12 months the occupancy rate was 96%.

The programme was well received by clients and well used by clinicians. Although it initially reduced the pressure on in-patient services, the problems confronting the programme at the end of the evaluation mirrored those of in-patient units.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that considerable difficulties are experienced in rural areas by isolated general practitioners, when detaining patients under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act1984. The aim of this study was to identify the range and extent of these difficulties in a structured way, and to identify ways of responding to them. A postal questionnaire was sent to 85 general practitioners in a sparsely populated area of Scotland to assess their experience of emergency detention.

The questionnaire response rate was 62%. Considerable difficulties were recorded from those who responded, notably their lack of support with clinical management during the delay between the patient's detention and the arrival of psychiatric staff, the lack of satisfactory places of safety for the patient during this period, and the difficult logistics of safe and satisfactory transport to hospital.

Rural general practitioners and their patients appear to be disadvantaged through lack of coordinated help in the management of inherently difficult and risky clinical situations. Even without additional resources, the process could be improved through coordinated, multi-agency action plans which take account of local conditions.

The aim of the study was to explore how different styles of working relate to measures of occupational pressure experienced by consultant psychiatrists. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 500 consultant psychiatrists enquiring about work patterns, roles and responsibilities; it also contained validated tools, including the 12-item General Health Questionnaire.

A total of 185 usable questionnaires were returned; an adjusted response rate of 41%. More ‘progressive’ styles of working were found to be linked with less occupational pressure on consultant psychiatrists. Three scales were derived: positive workload pattern, clarity of role and perceived support.

Alterations in working style may be helpful in combating occupational stress, and therefore in reducing attrition in the psychiatric workforce. Consultants and their teams should give consideration to reviewing their roles and patterns of working.

We aimed to formally examine the attitudes and emotions engendered in a group of senior house officers (SHOs) working in learning disability, by means of focus groups held both during and immediately after placement. Three hour-long focus group sessions, facilitated by a consultant psychotherapist, were recorded on audio- and video-tape. Transcripts of the audiotapes were examined in order to identify themes and categorise them in terms of attitudes, behaviours and emotions.

Many of the thoughts, feelings and behaviours identified showed negative themes originating from the trainees, particularly towards themselves and patients. The trainees only twice perceived themselves to be the recipients of any positive themes.

Addressing these negative experiences as a potential problem might enrich and enhance trainees' experiences of their learning disability placements. A Balint group could be a starting point for this. If the problem were addressed, recruitment to and retention within the specialty might improve.

To explore psychiatric trainees' (senior house officers') experience of a dedicated 6-month research post.

A questionnaire survey was conducted by post or e-mail of all previous post-holders of two research posts in a large London training rotation.

Twenty of the 28 post-holders completed the questionnaire. Overall, their experiences were positive in terms of research experience, exposure to academic environment and in facilitating future career opportunities. A minority of respondents found supervision to be unsatisfactory. Dedicated research posts are a valuable training opportunity that can complement clinical experience for trainees and foster an interest in research.