Garry Walter

The University of Sydney · Discipline of Psychiatry

Aim To discuss envy and jealousy and how their positive and negative aspects among nurse academics affect the workplace. Background In nursing academia, jealousy and envy are common emotions, engendered by demands for high productivity, intense competition for limited resources, preferences for particular assignments and opportunities for promotion...

One of the major factors affecting treatment compliance and outcome in patients is the wide range of side effects (SEs) associated with antidepressants. In the present study, we aimed to assess the extent to which Israeli primary care (PC) physicians and psychiatrists discuss the SEs of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with patients...

We aim to outline the notion of predicament suicide and progress in the field. The term predicament suicide was initially applied when the individual without mental disorder completed suicide to escape intolerable circumstances. Subsequently, painful untreated or unresponsive mental disorder was conceptualized as an internal predicament and the ter...

Cultures of performativity may contribute to organizational and individual arrogance. Workplace organizations have individuals who at various times will display arrogance, which may manifest in behaviours, such as an exaggerated sense of self-importance, dismissiveness of others, condescending behaviors and an impatient manner. Arrogance is not a f...

In recently depressed adolescents, attention and emotional reactivity improved significantly compared with baseline. Working memory did not improve. This supports the position that, in adolescent depression, attention is state dependent compared with other executive functions that are trait dependent.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the childhood cancer experience in commercially produced, readily available films that include a character with childhood cancer, with a particular focus on psychosocial care. Methods: We reviewed 29 films, using quantitative and qualitative content analysis, to identify the medical and psychosocial charact...

In Australia, Primary Health Care and the mental health sector have always shared a philosophy. In 1978, Primary Health Care was first put forward as a strategy to improve "health for all." Recently, the Australian Government included mental health as a national health priority, identifying six strategies consistent with a Primary Health Care appro...

Background: To the best of our knowledge, there is no validated instrument for measuring knowledge of psychiatric aspects of alcohol use disorder (AUD) amongst medical students. Our aim was to develop an instrument for this purpose and to describe the instrument's psychometric properties. We also investigated whether the instrument could demonstra...

To extend our understanding of suicidal ideation and completed suicide via examination of a medieval Italian text-in particular, examination of the role of social and environmental triggers in such events. Previous studies have successfully examined the texts of ancient Greco-Roman, Old Norse, and Finnish civilizations to better understand the circ...

When the individuals comprising a profession are focused more on competition rather than service to others, and when holding a significant place on the world stage is held in higher esteem than meaningful collaboration with the disempowered, is it possible to be truly consumer-centred? This article considers the notion of humility in the context of...

To describe the depiction of completed suicide, non-fatal suicidal acts and suicidal thought in Western opera over the past four centuries. Examination of synopses all of the operas listed in a recent monograph covering a selection of operas written in the period 1607-2006. Frequency of completed suicides, non-fatal suicidal acts and suicidal thoug...

To describe the emergence of, and myriad issues pertaining to, problematic internet use in childhood and youth. In this overview and appraisal of a uniquely 21st century affliction, the focus is on youth and less on young adult perspectives. We employed relevant literature-search methodology though EMBASE, Psychinfo and Web of Science, utilising th...

Abstract The performance-driven culture of universities challenges faculty to meet workplace expectations. In this paper, we draw on the literature to identify key aspects of, and requirements for, promoting integrity in the academic workplace. Integrity is a crucial personal characteristic that can exert a powerful influence in any setting. Any th...

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the clubhouse model and its capacity to assist people with severe mental illness. The paper uses a sample vignette (with all identifying information removed) and survey of literature describing clubhouses over the last 15 years. Strengths of the clubhouse model include its ability to provide a sa...

A group of 20 drug-naïve depressed adolescents and 20 matched controls underwent cognitive evaluations and assessment of emotional reactivity. Emotional reactivity correlated only with attention and only in depressed patients. The cognitive-emotional construct may enhance the understanding of adolescent depression and aid diagnosis.

Although suicide is commonly linked with mental disorder, the notion that suicide may occur in response to predicaments has been the subject of much recent study and attention. A predicament in this context refers to an uncomfortable situation from which escape is difficult. We aimed to examine the predicaments of people whose suicide was captured...

Abstract The literature describing the experience of nurses undertaking higher studies suggests that many students struggle with the demands of study and other aspects of their lives, such as work and family commitments. The aim of this paper is to encourage higher degree students to develop a strategic approach to their studies in order that they:...

Objective: Our aim was to study the mental health consequences of Israeli adolescents' 8-day "Holocaust memorial journey" to Poland. Method: A survey to ascertain the experience of Israeli child and adolescent psychiatrists and residents in the specialty was conducted. Participants were asked about referrals regarding the memorial journey, and t...

Abstract The performance-driven culture of universities challenges faculty to meet workplace expectations. In this paper, we draw on the literature to identify key aspects of, and requirements for, promoting integrity in the academic workplace. Integrity is a crucial personal characteristic that can exert a powerful influence in any setting. Any th...

Objectives: The objective of this article is to explore diagnostic decision making around psychological symptoms presenting to general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists, identify attitudinal and personality factors of possible relevance in these decisions, and compare GPs and psychiatrists to help identify potential educational targets. Metho...

Abstract The literature describing the experience of nurses undertaking higher degree studies suggests that many students struggle with the demands of study and other aspects of their lives, such as work and family commitments. The aim of this paper is to encourage higher degree students to develop a strategic approach to their studies in order tha...

Purpose: To descriptively assess medical students' concerns for their mental and emotional state, perceived need to conceal mental problems, perceived level of support at university, knowledge and use of student support services, and experience of stresses of daily life. Study design: From March to September 2011, medical students at an Australi...

The prevailing view that the vast majority of those who complete suicide have an underlying psychiatric disorder has been recently challenged by research on the contribution of "predicaments", in the absence of mental illness, to suicide. In this paper, we sought data to support the notion that forced marriage may lead to suicide without the presen...

Objective: To describe the evolution of KYDS Youth Development Service ("KYDS"), a pioneering youth service in Sydney, Australia, its range of programs and the challenges that it has faced. Conclusions: KYDS emerged in the context of the escalating presentation of mental health and other problems affecting young people, and the desire of a local...

Background The prevalence of eating disorders in the non-Western world appears to be increasing and much research into the cross-cultural aspects of eating disorders is needed. This bibliometric study analyses the profile of cross-cultural studies into eating disorders published from 1970 through to 2011. Results 1,417 articles were indexed by Med...

Objectives: To investigate the association between mental distress in medical students and their accommodation and time spent commuting to their study sites. Methods: An anonymous online survey of students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney, Australia, measuring mental distress levels (Kessler-10), housing circumstances...

Objective: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of eating disorder journals to guide journal readers and researchers when submitting their manuscripts. Method: Several indices were used to compare journal impact and citations of articles appearing between 1996 and 2010 in six eating disorders journals and six leading general psychiatry journals....

Objective: To determine whether fiction (narrative products) deals with the issue of suicide and, if so, what it tells us about suicide "drivers". Method: Accounts of suicide in narrative products were sought through web-based lists, book club members, other active readers and a prize-winning film writer and producer. Results: Seventy-one depi...

Current clinical wisdom is that the vast majority of those who complete suicide suffer from a mental disorder. Uncritical adherence to this belief may limit our understanding and restrict the full range of prevention activities. We aimed to examine the public record for accounts of suicide by men who had been, or were about to be, investigated or a...

Objectives: This study aimed to qualitatively explore medical students' reasons for suspending, or thinking of suspending, their studies and the types of support services they request. Method: Data were collected through an anonymous online survey. Medical students' responses to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically. Results: Respons...

To explore the clinical reasoning processes underpinning diagnostic and management decision-making in treating patients presenting with psychological distress in general practice. Practising GPs were invited to attend small-group workshops in which two case histories were presented. Discussion was GP-facilitated and recorded for thematic analysis....

Impaired communication and social interaction are symptoms central to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children or young people with ASD have varied intellectual ability, learning difficulty, and needs. For caregivers and health care professionals providing care to children with ASD, many challenges are encountered in everyday conversations. Enhance...

Objective: The objective was to examine the assumption that suicide is inevitably preventable. Conclusions: Suicide may not always be avoidable. This does not mean that every effort should not be made to prevent it or vigorously treat illnesses that are often contributory. The assumption, however, may give rise to undue optimism, and unjustified...

There is a paucity of information about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for adolescent depression, and there are no data about its long-term effectiveness and safety in this age group. The aim of this study was to evaluate symptoms of depression and cognitive functioning in young people who had been treated 3 year...

Suicides among tinnitus sufferers are rare. Indeed, on examining the public record (newspapers and the Web), the authors identified only 4 cases in the past 10 years that had been examined by a coroner. Nevertheless, the deaths of Rick Tharp, Dietrich Hectors, William Morris, and Robert McIndoe prompt reconsideration of the association between tinn...

Comprehensive assessment of new treatments in psychiatry should include evaluation of their acceptability to patients, and in the case of children and adolescents, this must extend to acceptability for parents. The views of young patients and their parents in relation to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for adolescent depression...

Lack of adherence to recommended treatment poses major clinical and economic challenges for psychiatry, and requires further examination. In this pilot study, we aimed to prospectively investigate the association between the level of understanding of psychiatric emergency department (ED) discharge recommendations and the presence of a companion wit...

The authors reviewed and characterized conflict of interest (COI) and disclosure policies published in peer-reviewed psychiatric and nonpsychiatric journals. The authors examined peer-reviewed publications in the psychiatric (N=20) and nonpsychiatric (N=20) literature. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, they designed an instrument to co...

Aim: To investigate and compare the level of nutrition knowledge of health professionals, patients with eating disorders and individuals without an eating disorder as controls. Methods: Participants were recruited online through an Australian and New Zealand professional eating disorder organisation and community eating disorder organisations and a...

This study aimed to characterise the personality profiles of junior medical students most likely to choose psychiatry as a career, determine aspects of psychiatry that most attract potential recruits, and identify misperceptions about psychiatry that may dissuade students from pursuing this specialism. A total of 580 second-year medical students fr...

The aim of this article is to describe the circumstances surrounding the suicide of Adam Czerniakow during the Holocaust. Examination of Czerniakow's (translated) diary and other Holocaust literature. Head of the "Judenrat" (Jewish Council) in the Warsaw ghetto, Czerniakow had the impossible task of obeying oppressive German orders, while trying to...

Inpatient psychiatric care of adolescents should, where possible, be provided in specialized units. However, admission of adolescent patients to adult mental health units does occur. There is a paucity of data about this practice. This study collates information about the experience, attitudes and knowledge of clinical staff regarding the care of a...

TOPIC: E‐mail interviewing—not to be confused with “online surveying”—shows promise for researchers working with adolescent mental health populations as a data collection method. PURPOSE: To explore potential advantages, constraints, and applications of e‐mail interviewing as a research method for staff working with adolescent mental health populat...

Students who transition from high school to college are often excited by the new phase of their lives. However, they are exposed to circumstances and expectations which place them at risk for psychiatric disorders or that may exacerbate pre-existing problems. In this paper, we discuss risk factors and other issues associated with students transitio...

In clinical disciplines, continuing education courses should be practical, engaging, and evidence-based. Such courses should be formally reviewed at regular intervals. This column examines the various issues clinical nurses need to consider if they are invited to review a clinical continuing education course.

This paper provides an overview of the National Mental Health Benchmarking Project (NMHBP) which explored the value of benchmarking within the four main program areas of public sector mental health (general adult, child and adolescent, older persons and forensic). The NMHBP involved a series of forums which enabled participating organizations to be...

This paper describes aspects of the child and adolescent benchmarking forums that were part of the National Mental Health Benchmarking Project (NMHBP). These forums enabled participating child and adolescent mental health organizations to benchmark themselves against each other, with a view to understanding variability in performance against a rang...

Soh NL, Walter G. Tryptophan and depression: can diet alone be the answer? Objective: To compare the scientific content of recent general media articles on tryptophan, diet and depression, with recent empirical research into dietary manipulation of tryptophan published in the scientific literature. Method: A review of the recent empirical research...

To explore the perceived impact of medicolegal concerns on how Australian doctors practise medicine and to compare doctors who have experienced a medicolegal matter with those who have not. Cross-sectional survey (posted in September 2007, with reminder 4 weeks later) of Australian doctors from all major specialty groups, trainees and a sample of g...

In this article, we identify key aspects for enhancing real-world research in mental health care clinical settings and broadly discuss some practicalities and issues that must be considered beforehand. Practice which is evidence-based uses interventions or treatment methods that are supported by research findings for their quality and efficacy. Mod...

From antiquity up to the middle of the 20th century, with few exceptions, childhood psychiatric disorders were at best ignored and at worst considered manifestations of ‘badness’ or poor upbringing. Thus, it is not surprising that the treatments administered were generally of little clinical benefit or, applying today's standards, more akin to puni...

To identify factors associated with psychiatric morbidity and hazardous alcohol use in Australian doctors. Cross-sectional postal survey of 2999 doctors (including all major specialty groups, trainees and general practitioners) insured with an Australian medical insurance company. The potential for psychiatric morbidity was measured by the General...

In acute inpatient mental health services, patients commonly demonstrate extreme behaviours. A number of coercive practices, such as locked doors, enforced medication and seclusion, are used in these settings to control such behaviours. The aim of this report is to explore briefly some of the contemporary debates pertaining to seclusion. A perusal...

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of a clinical attachment in psychiatry on medical students' attitudes to psychiatry as a specialty and potential career. Medical students at Sydney Medical School were surveyed following an 8-week clinical attachment in psychiatry. Secondary analyses sought to identify associations with variables s...

The aim of this paper was to determine the teaching activities most valued by medical students in the psychiatry rotation and to examine whether this varies with age, gender or stage of training. Medical students at Sydney Medical School were surveyed following an 8-week clinical attachment in psychiatry. Differences in ratings between activities w...