For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
COVID-19 and mental health: Eighteen months in, the story is only just beginning
COVID-19 and mental health: Eighteen months in, the story is only just beginning

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant psychological impact on people around the world, including the general population and health providers here in New Zealand. This article outlines some practical approaches and resources that can help
Tony Dowell
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
1. Prati G, Mancini AD. The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns: a review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies and natural experiments. Psychol Med 2021;51(2):201–11.
2. Passavanti M, Argentieri A, Barbieri DM, et al. The psychological impact of COVID-19 and restrictive measures in the world. J Affect Disord 2021;283:36–51.
3. Gasteiger N, Vedhara K, Massey A, et al. Depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a New Zealand cohort study on mental well-being. BMJ Open 2021;11(5):e045325.
4. Every-Palmer S, Jenkins M, Gendall P, et al. Psychological distress, anxiety, family violence, suicidality, and wellbeing in New Zealand during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2020;15(11):e0241658.
5. Lockett H, Koning A, Lacey C, et al. Addressing structural discrimination: prioritising people with mental health and addiction issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. N Z Med J 2021;134(1538):128–34.