How to Treat

Implementation of the Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction programme across metro Auckland is well under way. This article, written by David Codyre, Ainsleigh Cribb-Su’a and David Todd, outlines progress in rollout, challenges faced and what is being learnt

This is the second of a four-part series, where Jo Scott-Jones provides resources around equity, planetary health, continuity of care and technology – essentially, a toolkit to help you plan for the year ahead

Are you more like Ebenezer Scrooge or Bob Cratchit? Either way, you should think about finding joy this holiday season, writes Jo Scott-Jones. Not only does happiness improve your wellbeing but it also has flow-on effects to your professional life and to the lives of your patients

This article, written by Sze-Lin Peng, Suzanne Marshall and Nicole Falkner, describes some common changes in bowel function after colorectal surgery, particularly for colorectal cancer. It also discusses management options, which are further illustrated by some case scenarios

All GPs have patients with fertility problems who, at some point, may need advice, investigations organised and appropriate referral. This article, written by Olivia Stuart, provides an overview of the optimal lifestyle and medical advice for men and women, discusses the best predictors of fertility, and presents the relevant investigations and latest treatment options

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, have dramatically increased both in New Zealand and overseas. Young people with anorexia are most likely to present to primary care services. In this article, Hiran Thabrew offers new ideas for supporting this group of young people during the COVID-19 era

Historically, rheumatoid arthritis was a major cause of chronic pain, disability, loss of independence and even reduced life expectancy. With the widespread use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, it is now a very treatable chronic disease with a life expectancy and quality of life approaching that of the general population, explain Kate O’Mahony and Ravi Suppiah

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, neurobehavioural disease with metabolic, biomechanical and psychosocial health consequences. However, even when changes are gradual, small and stepwise, they can have long-lasting positive effects. This article by Ole Schmiedel provides evidence-based tools for the successful management of people with obesity

This article covers the symptoms of concussion and the key roles that GPs play in early management. It discusses factors that affect recovery and the advice GPs should give to patients to help prevent escalation of symptoms and to promote earlier recovery. Finally, it describes the ACC funded Concussion Service

This article by Alex Bartle examines the underlying pathology of restless legs syndrome, while acknowledging many facets remain unknown. Up to one in 10 people are affected by RLS to some degree, but it is often undiagnosed. GPs are in an ideal position to identify and treat this condition, which may be idiopathic or due to secondary conditions that may be correctable