APA Blog

 
Category : Patients and Families

Quitting Smoking: Tips from a Psychiatrist

Tobacco kills some 480,000 people each year in the U.S., more people than alcohol and all other drugs combined. Almost 10 percent of the deaths are related to secondhand smoke. Smita Das, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., answers common questions about quitting.

"The Tale" Dramatizes Trauma from Sexual Assault, but Viewers Should Know that Help is Available

"The Tale," a new movie starring Laura Dern that will air on HBO on May 26, presents a compelling exploration of memory, sexual abuse and the resulting trauma from a patient’s perspective. Viewers should know that treatment options and resources exist and are available for anyone experiencing a similar situation.

"13 Reasons Why" Season 2: Opportunity for an Important Conversation about Mental Health and Suicide

Last year the debut of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, was received with a lot of attention along with concern from mental health professionals. Strong topics of sexual assault, PTSD, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and school bullying drive the storyline in the Netflix series. Season two premieres Friday, May 18 and it deals with the aftermath of the first season.

Positive Beliefs about Aging May Help Lower Risk of Dementia

Facing the challenges of aging, including the potential for declines in memory and thinking skills, can be difficult for many people, especially in a society that often doesn’t value age. But having positive beliefs about aging can lower a person’s risk of dementia, according to a new study.

Lyme Disease May have Mental Health Consequences

Lyme disease, which accounts for 82 percent of tickborne diseases, not only has potentially serious physical health consequences, but is also associated with mental health consequences. As with other infectious diseases, mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, can accompany Lyme disease. New research presented at the APA Annual Meeting in New York City looked at the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with post-treatment Lyme disease.

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