January Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover New Research on Cannabis and Alcohol Use, Disparities in Coercive Treatment for Psychosis, and More

The January issues of two of the American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services are available online. Also available is the latest issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy.

Researchers See an Increase in Self-Harm During the Pandemic

• Patients and Families

Non-suicidal self-harm is common, particularly among youth and young adults, and new research says it may have become more common during the pandemic.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Psychotherapy Outcomes

• Patients and Families

Artificial intelligence, the ability of a computer program or a machine to think and learn, is increasingly being used in many areas, including mental health treatment. A new study uses artificial intelligence to measure psychotherapy treatment and to examine links between specific aspects of the therapy and outcomes. This information could potentially lead to improvements in psychotherapy.

New Survey Shows Increasing Loneliness, Including on the Job

• Patients and Families

Loneliness is a major public health concern and, according to a new national survey more Americans are saying they are lonely. Loneliness is associated with increased risk for both physical and mental health problems. The health impacts of loneliness are similar to that of other well-known health risks, such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and air pollution.

Coping with Isolation and Social Distancing

• Anxiety, Patients and Families

In these unprecedented, uncertain times when many of us are isolated, stuck at home and separated from friends and family, fear and stress are natural reactions.  With so much of what is happening out of our control, it’s helpful to focus on what you can do to take of yourself and your family. Keep in mind people react to stressful situations in different ways.  

Podcast: The COVID-19 Crisis and Behavioral Health

• APA Leadership, What APA is Doing For You

The public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on virtually all facets of our daily lives, especially health care. While the ultimate effects of COVID-19 on both individuals and populations are unclear, we know we will have to navigate the impact of the pandemic on the behavioral health system. The rates of depression, suicide, and substance use are expected to surge as communities continue to struggle with COVID-19 cases—along with the fear, isolation, ch

Grieving During a Pandemic

• Patients and Families

Coronavirus has taken the lives of more than 130,000 Americans and it continues devastating communities across the nation. It has also drastically changed the way families and friends can grieve their losses—those lost to COVID-19 and deaths from other causes that are also continuing during the pandemic.

Practicing Gratitude to Boost Mental Well-being

• Patients and Families

Good mental health means emotional, social and psychological well-being, healthy relationships, effective functioning and productive activities, and an ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. One approach that has been shown to foster mental well-being is focusing on gratitude. Many studies have found an association between being more grateful and a greater sense  of overall well-being.

The Psychological Hurdle of Sports Retirement

• Depression, Patients and Families

For that athlete who viewed the 2020 Olympics as the pinnacle of their career, or for that senior in college who was excited to share their last championship with their teammates, the pandemic has brought about an anti-climactic and disappointing end to their season and a forced break from training, and, for some, forced premature retirement. Sports retirement is often a major life transition for an athlete and can therefore be a major psychological challenge.

Sleeping Like a Pro

• Patients and Families, Sleep Disorders

Athletes are particularly adept at combining mind and body to maximize performance in sport. However, the same does not always apply to performance in sleep. Most researchers and doctors recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night at a minimum, and less than that is considered insufficient sleep. While the overall rate of insufficient sleep in the general population is high, athletes are even more likely to suffer from lack of shut eye. Whether it’s due to traveling, practice schedules, or balanci

Nature’s Benefits for Mental Health May Not Work So Well When Pressured

• Anxiety, Depression, Patients and Families

During the more than a year of pandemic restrictions, access to parks and other green spaces have been very important escapes for many, offering a place to go for exercise and social interaction when other options weren’t available. Fifteen national parks set new recreation visitation records in 2020, despite temporary park closures and restrictions in response to the pandemic.

Brain Fog Tied to Long COVID, Other Conditions

"Brain fog” is not a medical term, but it may seem familiar or intuitive. It refers to what people feel in any condition that causes confusion, memory loss, difficulty finding words, and loss of focus or inability to concentrate. These problems affect their day-to-day functioning and diminish their quality of life.