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The use of psychotropic medications in autistic individuals (21 years and younger) in Western Australia: A preliminary investigation

Prescriptions and use of medications to treat mental health conditions in young autistic populations are inconsistent worldwide. This makes it hard to compare findings from international studies to the Australian autistic population, where there are limited relevant studies. Apart from risperidone, there are no other medications specified for direct use in autistic persons. This study aims to gain initial broad understanding of the use of medications, commonly prescribed for mental health conditions, specifically by autistics under the age of 21 years.

Nutritional Criminology: Why the Emerging Research on Ultra-Processed Food Matters to Health and Justice

There is mounting concern over the potential harms associated with ultra-processed foods, including poor mental health and antisocial behavior. Cutting-edge research provides an enhanced understanding of biophysiological mechanisms, including microbiome pathways, and invites a historical reexamination of earlier work that investigated the relationship between nutrition and criminal behavior. Here, in this perspective article, we explore how this emergent research casts new light and greater significance on previous key observations.

Self-Compassion in University Students With ADHD: A Qualitative Exploration

This study explored the lived experience of university students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identified factors that help or hinder their capacity for self-compassion in higher education. Fourteen university students with ADHD aged 18–25 participated in individual semi-structured interviews exploring experiences of self-compassion in academic contexts.

Quantitative measures of subjective wellbeing for adolescents: a scoping review and synthesis of comparable data

Efforts to promote adolescent wellbeing are of increasing global interest. Although the ability to measure wellbeing is essential for identifying disparities between and within populations, and for tracking progress in improving wellbeing, the best way to measure this elusive concept in adolescents is unclear.

The role of childhood illness in shaping relationships through to young adulthood

To explore how those with a physical illness in childhood are managing in relationships across childhood to young adulthood.

Coping Compass: co-designing a brief online positive psychology programme for youth with chronic conditions

This article presents a case study of a 12-month co-design process with young people (16–25) living with chronic health conditions to create an online, self-guided intervention based on positive psychology. Following an established framework for co-designing with vulnerable consumers, the co-design process was designed with stakeholders to promote accessibility and maximise youth engagement in the design of the programme. 

Trends in incident acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease in Indigenous youth in Western Australia: a retrospective cohort study

To determine age-specific and age-standardised incidence trends of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Indigenous Western Australians aged less than 35 years of age.

The Luminos Project: Co-Designing a Short-Stay Suicide Support Model for Young People

Suicide was the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24 years old in 2023, with 392 lives lost. The continued high numbers of youth suicide demand urgent exploration of alternative approaches to suicide intervention in this population. The United Kingdom-based suicide service Maytree offers an innovative short-term stay for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Grounded by the Maytree model-of-care, the aim of the current study was to co-design a short-stay service responsive to the specific needs of suicidal young people.

Young people with prior health service contacts have increased risk of repeated alcohol-related harm hospitalisations

After a first alcohol-related hospitalisation in youth, subsequent hospitalisations may demonstrate an increased risk of further alcohol-related hospitalisations, but there is no existing data on this.

A rural ecosystem of recovery: Lessons from substance users' experiences of accessing services in Western Australia's South West

Substance use is a public health issue with a greater burden in rural areas. Barriers to accessing services are exacerbated for rural substance users, with confidentiality concerns, longer travel distances, workforce issues and limited availability of services. This paper presents results from a study exploring substance users' experiences of accessing services in Western Australia's South West.