Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. It affects around 3 to 5% of adults. The main pharmacotherapies for adults with ADHD include psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines (dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine), and non-psychostimulants such as atomoxetine. In Australia, the eligibility for subsidy under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme varies depending on whether the patient was diagnosed with ADHD during childhood or adulthood. Individuals prescribed ADHD drugs should be monitored for both physical (e.g. cardiac symptoms, appetite changes, seizures) and psychiatric (e.g. mood disturbances, anxiety, psychosis) adverse effects. While pharmacological treatment is effective for adults with ADHD, it should be integrated into a broader, multidisciplinary approach that also includes nonpharmacological strategies such as psychological therapies and allied health support.

Royal Commissions into the aged-care and disability sectors revealed significant concerns about the inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines as chemical restraint in people with cognitive disability or impairment. In response, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care developed the Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard (the Standard), aiming to guide psychotropic use and ensure best practice in supporting people with cognitive disability or impairment. This article provides an overview of the Standard and its application in the aged-care and disability sectors. The Standard promotes person-centred care and prioritises thorough assessment, non-medication strategies, and the development of individual behaviour support plans before considering psychotropic medicines. It encourages healthcare services to have clear policies around psychotropic use, including the need for documentation of non-medication strategies trialled before such use, and for monitoring the effectiveness of any psychotropic medicine prescribed. Informed consent is a regulatory requirement before using psychotropic medicines as a form of restrictive practice. Clear treatment goals, clinical handover during transitions of care, and regular psychotropic review and deprescribing are emphasised in the Standard to minimise harm, particularly in cases of long-term use and psychotropic polypharmacy.

Immunosuppressed patients are vulnerable to infections which can cause significant mortality and morbidity. A dedicated evaluation, performed prior to immunosuppression where possible, can improve infection-related outcomes for these complex patients. Strategies to reduce infection risk include individualised risk assessment, targeted screening investigations, antimicrobial prophylaxis, vaccination and education to reduce future exposures to infectious pathogens.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remain a significant cause of disability and death in Australia. Following an initial acute coronary event, there is a significant risk of recurrence, particularly in the first 90 days. In April 2025, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand launched a new Australian clinical guideline for diagnosing and managing ACS. The guideline includes recommendations for the secondary prevention of ACS. Pharmacotherapies for secondary prevention of ACS include antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, lipid-modifying therapy, beta blockers and renin-angiotensin antagonist therapies, plus - in select groups - colchicine and other therapies. Vaccination against influenza and other respiratory pathogens is recommended. Nonpharmacological interventions include cardiac rehabilitation, healthy behaviour changes and screening for mental health conditions. The importance of providing strategies to support adherence to long-term therapies is also emphasised.

Viscosupplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid derivatives and cross-linked polymers of hyaluronic acid is increasingly used to treat symptomatic osteoarthritis in the knee, hip and other joints. Most guidelines conditionally recommend against its use to treat knee osteoarthritis, and strongly or conditionally recommend against its use for other joints, indicating a large evidence-to-practice gap. Conclusive evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials indicates that intra-articular hyaluronic acid provides no important benefits for people with knee (and other joints) osteoarthritis, and may have potentially serious harms including septic arthritis and severe inflammatory joint and cutaneous reactions. Use of computed tomography scans to guide hyaluronic acid injection exposes the patient to unnecessary radiation and has an unwarranted financial and environmental cost. When the topic arises in clinical practice, prescribers should use a shared decision-making approach that includes an explanation as to why hyaluronic acid injection is not recommended care for osteoarthritis and offer alternatives, taking into consideration the patient's values and preferences.