Aims and methodTo assess junior doctors' knowledge of the procedures involved in involuntary admission of patients detained under Sections 5(2), 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. A semi-quantitative research study of junior trainees affiliated to two psychiatry training schemes was carried out.ResultsTrainees' knowledge of professionally relevant sections of the Mental Health Act was patchy. Knowledge correlated significantly with experience in clinical practice and with experience of using mental health legislation. Surprisingly, in-service training in mental health legislation had no effect on participants' knowledge.Clinical implicationsLack of knowledge and understanding raises the possibility of inappropriate use of the mental health legislation. This threatens patients' fundamental rights and can lead to complaints or litigation. There is a clear need to address this at an early stage in psychiatry training.

SummaryMedications prescribed by psychiatrists are known to elevate serum prolactin levels, but hyperprolactinaemia remains underrecognised, as the adverse effects of an elevated prolactin are mostly not visible. Hyperprolactinaemia can lead to adverse health outcomes, so clinicians need not only to be alert to its symptoms, but to manage the consequences as well. In this article we provide a brief overview of prolactin physiology, regulation and function. We list various factors that can lead to elevated serum prolactin. We discuss the interpretation of blood results and the management of psychotropic-induced hyperprolactinaemia. We include a flow diagram to assist clinicians in decision-making in the clinical management of hyperprolactinaemia.Learning Objectives• Understand prolactin physiology and regulation• Understand hyperprolactinaemia and its causes• Know the consequences of hyperprolactinaemia and appropriately manage it in clinical practice

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