Not “Just a Teenage Girl in Her Twenties”: A New Approach to Human Development

At the turn of the 21st century, research by developmental scientist Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, Ph.D., led to his proposal of the term “emerging adulthood” to describe the interval from the end of compulsory high school to adulthood (ages 18-30). A new American Psychiatric Association publication authored by Karen J. Gilmore, M.D., and Pamela Meersand, Ph.D., of Columbia University builds on Arnett’s work, arguing for the value of distinguishing two phases within this period: early emerging adulthood/late adolescence (ages 18–23) and emerging adulthood proper (ages 24–30).

Experts Offer Tips for Navigating Mental Health Apps for Youth

• Children and Youth, Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families

Mobile apps for mental health and wellness have changed the way that people—particularly youth—track and care for their mental health. With more than 10,000 mental health–related apps on the market today, d how can mental health professionals help youth navigate their options and decide what usage, if any, is appropriate?

APA Board of Trustees Voting Is Open Until Jan. 31

• What APA is Doing For You

APA members are encouraged to do their part to steer the future of the organization and psychiatry by casting their ballots for open positions on the APA Board of Trustees, including national and area offices. The Board sets APA’s priorities, policies, and budgets.

What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?

• Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families

For many people, a walk in the forest has long been a relaxing and rejuvenating escape from daily stresses. There is growing medical evidence that immersing oneself in a forest environment can have significant physical and mental health benefits.

The Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health

• Patients and Families, Suicide and self-harm, Women

Premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of psychiatric symptoms (worsening of mental health conditions just prior to a woman’s period), is not a new term or idea. Yet PME of psychiatric symptoms such as depression, mania, and psychosis, to name a few, has been understudied compared to other illnesses related to the menstrual cycle. The work that has been done surrounding this idea has mostly asked women to report past experience of worsening psychiatric symptoms around their menstrual cycle. This is problematic in research because it can be difficult to remember specifics of symptom changes