Professor Hamid Ghodse discusses the history of legally available amphetamine-type drugs and the staggering rise in their use, showing how mental health professionals need to be aware of the societal trends and professional attitudes that can lead to over-prescription and its damaging effects.

In this telephone interview, Dr Stephen Elsom talks from Australia on the topical issue of seclusion as an intervention for containing uncontrolled, disturbed behaviour of psychiatric patients. He discusses the research evidence regarding the use of seclusion and current thinking surrounding this practice. He also talks about methods that can be helpful to reduce the rate of seclusion used as an intervention.

Dr Gerard Leavey explores some of the myths and truths surrounding the relationship between psychiatry and the clergy, looking at ways in which they can work together more effectively.

Dr Niall Crumlish talks about his experience of cross-cultural research in Malawi, providing valuable advice to anyone considering how to go about planning and conducting such research. He discusses the implications and practicalities of working in an area where psychiatric health is under-studied, some of the limitations, as well as the many rewards.

Dr Steven Marwaha discusses some of the issues surrounding the topic of employment and schizophrenia, including different kinds of employment services and support available to those with schizophrenia, and also rates and correlates of employment for people with the illness.

Dr Lisa Page discusses the provision of public health services in the UK and the implications of environmental hazards and incidents on psychiatry and psychogenic illness.

Professor Peter Woodruff discusses the latest research findings and neuroimaging techniques which uncover the underlying neurobiological processes behind auditory hallucinations.

Dr Helen Minnis discusses the issue of attachment in psychiatry and the importance of attunement in the caregiving relationship, taking a look at the current controversies over child care and giving guidance for psychiatrists on how to work with attachment difficulties.

Dr Frank Holloway discusses his new book 'Enabling Recovery: The Principles and Practice of Rehabilitation Psychiatry', which focuses on the patient-centred approach and emphasises the importance of incorporating the medical model of psychiatry with a more socio-psychological model.

Professor Graham Thornicroft discusses the issue of stigma, looking at the current research and asking what can be done at local and national levels as well as by psychiatrists themselves to combat the stigmatisation of people with mental illness.