Aims and MethodNeuroleptic medication is often used in excess of the BNF maximum. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of neuroleptic dose to patient, prescriber and environmental factors, by using a cross sectional ‘snapshot’ study of psychiatric in-patient prescriptions combined with a retrospective case note survey.ResultsIt was found that certain consultants prescribe higher doses of neuroleptics than others. Patients with a history of aggression had a nine and a half times higher chance of being prescribed higher doses of neuroleptics. Patients with a greater than 5-year history of neuroleptic prescription received higher doses.Clinical ImplicationsHigh neuroleptic prescription is related more to patients' past reputation and prescriber differences than to patients' current behaviour.

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There have been two recent accounts in the Psychiatric Bulletin (Harrison, 1989; Kisely, 1993) which have given some practical advice about getting work in Australia. They did, however, rather gloss over the details. With clear memories of the difficulties of arranging a one year training post in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) and having been approached by numerous mainly junior colleagues asking about details of arranging a similar trip, I am writing what I hope will be a useful and accurate “Getting your Australian visa and medical registration made easy” guide.

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