To examine patients' perceptions of unmet needs during methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and to explore the relationship between co-occurring benzodiazepine misuse and severity of needs. A cross-sectional survey was carried out at an MMT programme in Dublin, Ireland. All patients were invited to participate on a voluntary basis. Of the 191 eligible patients, 107 agreed to participate and completed the Camberwell Assessment of Need questionnaire.

Unmet needs for substance misuse treatments, daytime activities, socialisation, money management and psychological distress were high. Fifty-two respondents (49%) reported using non-prescribed benzodiazepines during the past month. Compared with non-users of benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine users reported higher ratings of total and unmet needs (P < 0.05). The number of days using benzodiazepines predicted the severity of needs.

The findings highlight the importance of addressing coexisting psychological needs, and further support enhancing treatment interventions for benzodiazepine misuse or dependence among patients on MMT.

Despite the clinical guidelines regarding the use of combined antipsychotics and the limited evidence for its benefits, use remains high in psychiatric practice. The aim of this study was to examine prescribing practices and investigate reasons for initiating and continuing combined antipsychotics in stable psychiatric illnesses.

A cross-sectional case record survey of antipsychotic prescribing practices in a community psychiatric rehabilitation service. A total sample (n = 75) of patients with chronic and enduring psychiatric illnesses was studied. The age, gender, diagnosis and prescribed antipsychotics were examined. The proportional prevalence and documented reasons for combined antipsychotic prescribing were analysed.

Seventy-three of the 75 patients were prescribed antipsychotic mediations. Of these, 44 (60%) received a combination of two or more antipsychotics. The most common reason for combined prescribing was a switch of antipsychotic (n = 18; 41%). No reason was documented in 19 cases (43%).

In this study, slow cross-tapering or incomplete switch process of antipsychotics contributed to the prolonged period of combined antipsychotics treatment. Adequate documentation regarding indication and review of medications cannot be overemphasized.