Aims and method To evaluate whether a brief training using a Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) model improves attitudes of trainee psychiatrists working with patients with personality disorder. Trainee psychiatrists (n = 49) completed the Attitudes to Personality Disorder Questionnaire before and after a training consisting of two 3 h lectures on (a) theory of personality disorder and (b) practical skills using an MBT role-play. Results There was a significant improvement on composite scores of attitude, with small to moderate effect size (Wilcoxon signed-rank test Z = 3.961, P < 0.001, r = 0.40). Clinical implications Brief MBT-informed teaching oriented to the clinical situation appears to have a positive effect on attitudes towards people with personality disorder.

Aims & method Learning psychotherapy can be difficult and stressful. We explore core trainees’ (n = 5) views on undertaking a psychodynamic psychotherapy training case using transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), in an East London NHS Foundation Trust supervision group. We used framework analysis of focus group interviews to examine trainees’ concerns, their views about this experience and its impact on general psychiatric practice. Results Trainees described various concerns on starting: providing an effective intervention, insufficient experience and training-related pressures. However, they found that TFP addressed some of them and was helpful for learning psychodynamic psychotherapy. Difficulties around the countertransference remained at end-point. Trainees suggested that introductory teaching and learning through observation might be worthwhile. Clinical implications Trainees’ experience suggests that an evidence-based operationalised approach such as TFP can be integrated into the core psychiatry curriculum as a psychodynamic psychotherapy learning method. Trainees report benefits extending to other areas of their practice.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that is receiving increasingly attention for new clinical applications. Through electromagnetic induction cortical activity can be modulated and therapeutic effects can be achieved in a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) depression is the most disabling disease in the world and 350 million people suffer from depression globally. Major depression is the most common disorder to be treated with TMS and the first mental disorder for which TMS received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We here introduce the basic principles of TMS, discuss the latest data on safety and side effects, and present various TMS treatment protocols as well as treatment response predictors in major depressive disorder.

Smoking tobacco is a major public health issue and a significant cause of increased mortality. People with a first episode of psychosis are more likely to smoke and the subgroup that goes on to have schizophrenia will have a significantly reduced life expectancy to the general population. The City & Hackney Early and Quick Intervention in Psychosis Team is a community mental health team at East London NHS Foundation Trust, providing outpatient care for adults presenting with first episode psychosis. This project aimed to increase the number of smoking cessation referrals from EQUIP to national smoking cessation services to 15% of the total team caseload over 6 months initially. A secondary measure was to complete an assessment of the smoking status for 90% of the caseload at all times. Change ideas were tested using plan-do-study-act cycles. A smoking cessation referral pathway was created and disseminated to the outpatient and inpatient services. The project was discussed at least monthly at the clinical team meeting. An education and skills building session was organised and took place at the team away day and an education drop-in session for patients was organised. The project was slow to take-off and patient participation was essential in driving progress. The aim was achieved at 23 months. A collateral benefit indicated that 25.7% of the total number of smokers had been recorded as having stopped smoking during the course of this project. This project demonstrates the effectiveness of quality improvement methodology facilitated by efficient leadership, collaborative teamwork, patient participation and persistence to address a complex problem that has significant consequences to patient health.