Ethics at the Interface of Religion, Spirituality, and Psychiatric Practice

Historically, psychiatry has had a fraught relationship with religion. One example can be found in the writings of Sigmund Freud, who was dismissive of religion and viewed it as a form of mental illness, drawing parallels between the rituals of obsessional patients and those of very religious people (Breakey 2001). However, there are also works throughout history demonstrating the harmonious relationship between psychiatry and religion, suggesting that the notion of an adversarial relationship b

The Interface of Religion, Spirituality, and Psychiatric Practice

Psychiatry has historically been known to have an adversarial relationship with religion. One example can be found in the writings of Sigmund Freud, who was dismissive of religion and viewed it as a form of mental illness. Freud drew parallels between the rituals of obsessional patients and those of very religious people and concluded that religion was a universal obsessional neurosis (Breakey 2001). However, there are also works throughout history demonstrating the harmonious relationship betwe

Mental Health Issues Pertaining to Restoring Access to Firearms

Mental health courts (MHCs) are one of a range of “problem-solving courts” operated on the premise that the criminal law can be used to therapeutic ends to the benefit of both individual defendants and society as a whole, a concept known as therapeutic jurisprudence (Winick 2003). Other examples of problem-solving courts include homelessness courts, veterans’ treatment courts, and domestic violence courts. Many psychiatrists are unfamiliar with MHCs despite their rapid expansion in recent years.

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) white paper

Vagal nerve stimulation for treatment resistant epilepsy has been available in the United States since 1997, and improved mood noted in epilepsy patients led to studies examining the use of VNS for treatment resistant depression. VNS implantation consists of placement of the stimulator in the chest wall that is attached by wires tunneled through the skin to the left vagus nerve in the carotid sheath. Potential side effects include voice alteration, hoarseness, coughing, paresthesia, dyspnea and

Position Statement on Psychotherapy by Psychiatrists

Position Statement on Psychotherapy by Psychiatrists

PositionStatement on Psychiatrist Input into the Design and Construction of Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Facilities

PositionStatement on Psychiatrist Input into the Design and Construction of Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Facilities

Position Statement on Hospital Privileges for Psychologists and Other Non-Psychiatrist Mental Health Professionals

Position Statement on Hospital Privileges for Psychologists and Other Non-Psychiatrist Mental Health Professionals

Telemedicine Synchronous Video-conferencing in Psychiatry

Synchronous video-conferencing in psychiatry began during the 1950s. Synchronous video-conferencing became increasingly common during the 1970s and 1980s. By the early 2000s, the Department of Veterans Affairs was building a national telemedicine program including video-conferencing.

Syringe Exchange Programs

According to the office of the United States Surgeon General, syringe exchange programs are an effective public health intervention strategy that reduces the transmission of HIV and hepatitis. Syringe exchange programs do not encourage the use of illegal drugs, but seek to prevent the harm caused by unsafe drug use.

Implementation of Measurement-Based Care

A guide to develop resources to help solo as well as small-group psychiatrist practices and health systems including psychiatric care implement measurement-based care into routine practice.

Acute Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of COVID-19 Infection

This resource document will describe acute neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19 infection. Importantly, the literature on neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, and many of the largest and best studies were based on early waves and variants.

Psychiatry and Military Service

The APA Resource Document on Psychiatry and Military Services was prepared as part of an APA Action Paper to improve the awareness of all APA members regarding military implications of psychiatric diagnoses and treatments. This resource document outlines the key considerations for civilian psychiatrists treating active-duty military personnel.