APA Blogs
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Women’s History Month: The Rise of Reproductive Psychiatry
During Women’s History Month, we invite you to reflect on the history of women’s mental health and the rapid advancement of the field of reproductive psychiatry over the past several decades. While our understanding of women’s mental health has thankfully progressed from Hippocrates’ attribution of psychological distress to a “wandering uterus,” much of this development has been surprisingly recent.
Pets and Mental Health: Social Media Toolkit
In March, The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is focusing on promoting celebrating the mental health impact of our cats, dogs and other furry (and not furry) friends with #Paws4MentalHealth. During the month we are encouraging everyone to take a break, get up, stretch, and share a pic of their pet and how they positively impact their mental health
Clinical Guidelines on Eating Disorders: A Practical Tool for Trainees and Clinicians Alike
- By Catherine Crone, M.D., Laura J. Fochtmann, M.D., M.B.I.
The lifetime prevalence for all eating disorders worldwide is estimated to be 7.8%, according to a systematic review covering 2000-2018.(1) The total economic cost in the United States alone in 2018-2019 was estimated to be nearly $65 billion dollars.(2) These statistics are prior to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been associated with a significant rise in the reported frequency of eating disorders, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Discrimination and Racial Injustice: Are We Moving Forward, Backwards, or Marching in Place?
- By Jonathan J. Shepherd, M.D., FAPA, DFAACAP
Are we moving forward, backwards, or marching in place? Within a two-week time span, the United States of America celebrated the birth of the great civil rights leader, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the start of Black History Month recognizing the achievements and contributions of Black individuals to the growth of our society. Ironic enough, our country witnessed the brutal beating and murder of an unarmed Black male during that same time frame by officers who pledged to serve and protect the citizens of our communities. Many people struggle with how such atrocities could take place when anti-racism conversations are gaining momentum in various corporate and institutional settings.
The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness
There are many reasons acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver. New research looks at the mental health benefits, finding that performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.(1) “Acts of kindness” refer to benevolent and helpful actions intentionally directed towards another person, motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain reward or to avoid punishment