The legalisation of psychedelics for mental health treatment in Australia seems likely to present quite a few challenges to the psychiatric profession. They are going to have to come to terms with the fact that for many people, spiritual experiences play a significant part in their mental health.

According To the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Human Rights Commision, the terrible way that Australia treats people with serious mental health issues continues unabated. Throughout history, with only a few exceptions, the treatment of the mentally-disturbed has been appalling. The issue is why?

Wherever we turn, we find another campaign to promote some new mental health problem as an impending catastrophe. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) seems to be the current flavor of the month which controversial Australian psychiatrist, Niall McLaren, attributes to anxiety. Read more about what he has to say about the ADHD “epidemic".

This is a true account of a psychotic episode based on a recorded conversion that took place around 1964 between Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing and a man named Jesse Watkins. The account  remains faithful to Laing’s original written description. The value of this commentary lies in its description from a psychological point of view.  Laing’s […]

One way that drug companies make money is to develop drugs for existing diseases. An even easier way is to just re-purpose old drugs for some new or existing mental health problem. Just tweak the old drug enough to get a new patent, give it a fancy name and spend a few million dollars telling everyone about this wonderful new invention. Voila… mega profits.

Psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs are apparently back in vogue and legal in Australia, at least for experimental purposes by “suitably qualified people”. If it wasn’t for the fact that live humans will be used for experiments, probably without informed consent, this story would be a huge joke except that it is not really funny or perhaps it is. Decide for yourself.

This article reflects on the shenanigans and conflict of interests surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), and the way these activities impact peoples lives and the public purse.

Legal challenges to mental health laws appear to be having some impact on Australian mental health practices with the possibility of better outcomes for people facing Community Treatment Orders.

The federal government appears to be sidestepping any real responsibility for dealing with the complex issues of mental health in Australia.

Joking about madness is not considered funny. Mad comedian Jim Flannery was involuntarily incarcerated following a live comedy performance.

A "Touch Of Madness" is a theatrical production currently under development. It uses a technique known as "Theatre Of The Oppressed". The objective is to actively engage the audience in looking at a significant social problem. In this case the message is that all is not right in the world of mental health care and treatment in Australia.

It is no secret that the Australian mental health system is an unworkable mess. The 2021 Victorian Royal Commission delivered a scathing verdict.