APA Blogs
234 Results
Among LGBTQ+ Adults, Mental Health Improves with Age
Many years of research have identified health and mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals, showing they experience higher rates of mental health problems compared to the heterosexual, cisgender population. A recent APA national poll found that LGBTQ+ adults are more likely than adults overall to be anxious about a number of current issues, including gun violence, climate change and the future of reproductive rights. They are twice as likely (62% vs 31%) to be anxious about the future of LGBTQ+ rights.
Working Towards Health Equity: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
In 2005, Bebe Moore Campbell and longtime friend Linda Wharton Boyd, Ph.D., suggested dedicating a month that would educate and address mental health stigma and improve mental health services for people of color. Due to their hard work and dedication and with the help of Representatives Albert Wynn and Diane Watson, a resolution was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2008 to establish July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (after Campbell passed in 2006). In honor of Campbell, a mental health advocate and award-winning author, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) celebrates each July with a series of events focused on mental health equity through education and action.
‘Outbreak’ of Sudden Tics Among Teen Girls
Researchers in several countries are reporting that the pandemic has triggered an increase in the number of teen girls with tic-like behaviors that are severe, frequent and disabling.
Maintaining Mental Well-being: Exercise and Access to Outdoor Spaces
Recent research is supporting what many people reported during the stressful times of the pandemic: physical activity/exercise and access to parks and green spaces have a positive effect on mental health.
New Study Looks at What it Means to Recover from Mental Illness
A new study examining recovery after first-episode psychosis found that based on a standard definition of recovery, 32% of people are in clinical recovery, including 50% of those with bipolar disorder and 23% of those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (Asbo et al., 2022). The study authors also found that, “as most of our participants were in psychotic symptom remission, psychosis appears well managed for most.”