Descriptive study of mental health care users 12 months pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted on a range of physical, mental and societal health indices. Increased levels of psychological stress are often reported following pandemics.

Aim: To describe and compare the presentations of mental health care users pre- and post-initiation of the lockdown, with an emphasis on demographic profiles and final diagnoses.

Assessing the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in epileptic patients at a tertiary clinic.

Background: The International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) defines epilepsy as a brain disorder characterised by an enduring risk to generate seizures with neurobiological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences. Psychotic disorders in epilepsy are a serious psychiatric complication affecting the prognosis, morbidity and mortality of patients. There is a paucity in literature with regard to the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in epileptic patients in low- to middle-income countries.

Neurocognitive improvement in HIV-positive patients treated with dolutegravir-based regimens.

Background: Neurocognitive disorders due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain highly prevalent, specifically mild forms despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Dolutegravir-based regimens are the first line of treatment for adult HIV-positive patients. Controversies exist regarding the neurocognitive effects of dolutegravir.

Assessing HIV transmission knowledge in psychiatric patients in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Background: The bidirectional relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and psychiatric illnesses is well documented. Misinformation about HIV transmission and prevention is associated with high rates of HIV-related risky behaviours, and therefore, HIV infection risk.

Aim: To assess basic HIV transmission knowledge in psychiatric patients.

Assessing attitudes of fourth year medical students towards psychiatry and mental illness.

Background: Research revealed a high prevalence of negative attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness among medical students prior to formal psychiatric education. Anti-stigma interventions at the medical student level have been postulated to reduce the risk of negative attitudes, which may drive stigmatization impacting recruitment into training posts and overall medical care.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of negative attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness in a sample of fourth-year medical students prior to formal psychiatric teaching.

Study of burnout and depressive symptoms in doctors at a central level, state hospital.

Background: Doctors are at high risk of burnout, which has far-reaching consequences on an individual and organisational level. Several studies have shown an association between burnout and depression.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the rate of burnout and depressive symptoms among doctors, as well as factors associated with both conditions.

Case study: New onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms following switching to a dolutegravir regimen.

Although reports of neuropsychiatric side effects have been reported with efavirenz, these have been limited in comparison with regard to the now recommended dolutegravir regimens. We present a patient with new onset neuropsychiatric manifestations secondary to dolutegravir that resulted in significant physical injuries. The patient was initiated on risperidone for symptomatic control which was subsequently weaned and discontinued following reverting to an original efavirenz antiretroviral regimen, with resolution of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Assessing the clinical utility of the severity dependence scale for benzodiazepine use disorder.

Background: Benzodiazepines are often used as a part of mental health pharmacological management; however, often when prescribed for extended periods, they increase the risk of benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD). Clinical interviews are at the centre of diagnosing this disorder. However, in addition to clinical assessment a simple, validated questionnaire conducted by any healthcare professional may aid in screening for BUD and referral for further management.