Objective: This study aimed to compare the approval of medicines for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for pediatric patients across five countries. Method: A document analysis was completed, using the drug labeling for ADHD medicines from five countries; United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and United States (US).…

Introduction: Adults with intellectual disabilities have an increased vulnerability to mental health problems and challenging behaviour. In addition to psychotherapeutic or psychoeducational methods, off-label pharmacotherapy, is a commonly used treatment modality. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish evidence-based guideline…

Objectives: To determine how often general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists recommend patients obtain information about their medicines via websites and to explore factors that might improve the delivery of written information about medicines to patients. Design: Cross-sectional surveys. Setting: GPs and community pharmacists in New Zealand…

Background: Discussing medicines with patients is the responsibility of prescribers and pharmacists. However, it is not well known whether patients are given the information they want or whether information provision continues when medicines are taken long-term. Objective: To determine how often general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists provide…

This investigation examined the relationship between teachers' beliefs and their preferences for classroom interventions for behaviours consistent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Teacher ratings of intervention acceptability, effectiveness, and rate of change were compared across United States and New Zealand samples. Beliefs…

Background: Women with intellectual disability are thought to be at increased risk of mental illness, yet little is known about resiliency factors supporting women's mental health. This article reports on such factors drawn from a study that aimed to address how women with intellectual disability experience their mental health and well-being.…

This article describes a 13-week laboratory course called Human Toxicology taught at the University of Otago, New Zealand. This course used a guided inquiry based laboratory coupled with formative assessment and collaborative learning to develop in undergraduate students the skills of problem solving/critical thinking, data interpretation and…

Of 378 gerontological nurses surveyed in New Zealand, 42 percent felt involved in psychotropic drug-related decisions; 86 percent felt they should be involved. Nurses favored subjective drug assessment techniques. They were aware of potential of psychotropic drugs to interfere with cognition, but many failed to identify series of bogus side…

Analysis of 227 questionnaire responses concerning opinions and knowledge of psychotropic drugs of direct caregivers in two New Zealand public residential facilities for the retarded indicated a preference for subjective assessment of drug effects, endorsement of behavior modification as an alternative to pharmacotherapy, and dissatisfaction with…

A double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study using methylphenidate as a standard and two doses of imipramine was carried out in 30 hyperactive children (mean age 8.5 years). Particular emphasis was placed upon imipramine's action on cognitive function, physiological function, and self-esteem, and upon dosage effects. (MP)

A New Zealand study investigated the prevalence, health status, and service needs of people with mental retardation born before 1940. Of 1,063 people identified, 42% resided in institutions, 7% with family, 13% in nursing homes, and 38% in community-based residential facilities. Additionally, 75% received regular medication, and 75% had at least…

This investigation compared United States and New Zealand teachers' perceptions of classroom interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants read one of six vignettes describing a child with symptoms representative of ADHD. The number and type of symptoms were consistent across all vignettes. Next, teachers read a…