New Research Finds Greater Continuity of Psychotherapy After Shift to Telehealth

The rapid transition to virtual care that occurred with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in better continuity of psychotherapy visits compared to prior to the pandemic when almost all visits were in-person, according to new research published in Psychiatric Services, a journal of the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, the time between appointments grew shorter after the transition to virtual care. The study results highlight the benefits of continued availability of virtua

The Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health

• Patients and Families, Suicide and self-harm, Women

Premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of psychiatric symptoms (worsening of mental health conditions just prior to a woman’s period), is not a new term or idea. Yet PME of psychiatric symptoms such as depression, mania, and psychosis, to name a few, has been understudied compared to other illnesses related to the menstrual cycle. The work that has been done surrounding this idea has mostly asked women to report past experience of worsening psychiatric symptoms around their menstrual cycle. This is pro

Suicide Prevention is a Community Effort

• Depression, Patients and Families

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and all month long you’ll see the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and our allied groups sharing their knowledge and resources to foster education and confront the stigma around this topic.

Honoring Women’s Contributions to Psychiatry Research

All across the field of psychiatry, women make an impact every day in furthering our understanding of the brain and how to treat mental health and substance use disorders. In recognition of Women’s History Month, APA is highlighting six women whose research contributions have meant better outcomes for people with mental illness.

July Issues of APA Journals Cover New Research on Pharmacogenomics, ADHD Medication Use, Associations Between Mental Health and Cardiometabolic Complications Later in Life, and More

The latest issues of four American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services, American Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice are now available online.

Maternal Mental Health: A Brief Look at the Impact of Birth Trauma

• Diverse populations, Patients and Families, Trauma

For some women, childbirth can be a traumatic event often associated with birth complications or a near miss for maternal mortality 1. A traumatic birth involves a perceived or life-threatening series of events that result in severe injury or death of the infant or mother. This traumatic experience increases the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after birth and can lead to challenges with attachment between the birthing parent and their infant

Personal Perspectives on Care and Recovery

Ken Duckworth, M.D., chief medical officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) leads a deep and personal discussion with individuals who have years of lived experience with serious mental illness (SMI).

Recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In 2008, Congress passed a resolution that established the month of July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month highlights the following aims: To improve access to mental health treatment and services. To address the need for improved access to care, treatment, and services for those diagnosed with severe and persistent mental health disorders. To enhance public awareness of mental illness and mental illness among minorities.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Talking about Music, Music Therapy and Sharing Experiences in an Inpatient Setting

• Diverse populations, Patients and Families, Treatment

During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and Central and South America. I would like to start this article by noting that I am not an expert in music therapy, so my perspective is quite narrow. However, I will share some background, history, my own experience and resources to hopefully spark some ideas for you to incorporate music from this rich and diver

Decriminalizing Mental Illness and Promoting Mental Health Equity 

• Diverse populations, Serious mental illness, Teens and young adults, Trauma

A poll commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that only 1 in 5 Americans believe that those in jails and prisons are getting the mental health care they need while 75% believe mental health support should be provided for incarcerated people. 

Advocacy in Action: An Update on Maternal Mental Health

• Diversity News and Updates

As a core component of APA’s advocacy strategy, promoting federal legislation that improves health and mental health outcomes for minority and underserved populations is central to combating the current lack of equitable healthcare available to all Americans.

October Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover Diabetes and Depression Connection; Schizophrenia Treatment; Mental Health of Community College Students and more

The October issues of two of the American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services are available online. The American Journal of Psychiatry is the most widely read psychiatric journal in the world. The October issue presents findings that extend and validate salient results from previous studies relevant to clinical psychiatry. Among the research featured: