Mental Health Legislation
‘There is no convincing evidence that depression is associated with, or caused by, lower serotonin concentrations or activity’ George Winter writes for the Irish Times about recent challenges to the serotonin theory of depression and what this means for future approaches to treatment. He spoke with consultant forensic psychiatrist Professor Gautam Gulati to learn more. […]
Sarah Carey writes for the Irish Independent on the serious ramifications for patients if proposed changes to the Mental Health Act are brought into effect, citing correspondence from the College to the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Mental Health around the report of their pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed amended Act. Sarah was in touch with the College to […]
On 13 October 2022, the College hosted an online webinar for the public to explore how, with human rights-based health legislation only and no Mental Health Act, society can best support people experiencing mental health crisis and illness. Watch the full webinar event from 13 October 2022 below or on YouTube here. An exploration of […]
Dr Sarah Casey and Dr Aoife O’Callaghan, Senior Registrars and Co-Chairs of the CPsychI Trainee Committee, say proposed changes to the MHA will hamper their ability to make quick decisions in cases of serious mental illness. Read the article in full below, or on TheJournal.ie here. The laws of the Mental Health Act (MHA) are concerned […]
Professor Anne Doherty writes for the Irish Examiner about the proposed changes to the Mental Health Act and the risks these changes carry for those who need help but are not able to make the decision to seek treatment. Read the article in full below, or on the Irish Examiner website here. Proposed amendments to […]
RTÉ Radio 1 Drivetime host Cormac Ó hEadhra speaks with Dr Paul Matthews, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Mr Brian McNulty, Joint Chair of the College REFOCUS group of service users, carers and psychiatrists. Both discuss the proposed revisions to the Mental Health Act 2001 and the potential negative impact these changes will on the delivery of […]
Following a College EGM on 3rd February 2022, the College has written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health to outline concerns around the proposed amendments to the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2001 and to request a meeting to discuss same. See this correspondence in full below or here. To: Deputy Seán Crowe, Chair, […]
Members of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland have voted, with overwhelming majority at College EGM, that proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act 2001 will be problematic for patients, showing a clear and necessary commitment to robust, continuing engagement on the revisions to the Act. A College EGM on the current draft Heads of […]
Consultant specialists have already seen a 80% rise in referrals for eating disorders treatment in 2021 compared to all of 2019. Dr Caroline Maher, consultant psychiatrist and co-chair of the College Special Interest Group on eating disorders, joins Newstalk Breakfast to discuss this worrying phenomenon, its effects on specialist services and possible explanations. You can […]
Author and columnist Emer McLysaght joins Ryan Tubridy on his RTÉ Radio 1 show, in an honest, even humorous, discussion of her long-term struggle with mental illness. The co-author of the popular ‘Aisling’ series is candid about her time spent in treatment for an eating disorder and the importance of the continuing support she receives […]