953 Results
NIDA Sessions to Examine Treating Substance Use During Pandemic
In addition to a lecture from NIDA Director Nora Volkow, M.D., on the social determinants of substance use disorders (SUDs), the NIDA research track will feature sessions on the potential of psychedelics for treating SUDs and the connections between SUDs and sleep disorders.
New Study Tests a Curriculum for Medical Students on Detecting and Treating Opioid Use Disorder
From December 2020 to December 2021 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by nearly 15%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2019, 70% involved opioids. A presentation at this year’s American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting examined one approach to ending this crisis: offering focused training as part of the medical student curriculum.
Mental Health Equity Champion Spotlight: Dr. Bernardo Ng
Each quarter we highlight an individual in the field of psychiatry who is a champion for mental health equity—whether through their work in direct care, research, advocacy, or in the community. Our Mental Health Equity Champion This Quarter is Dr. Bernardo Ng!
Family Involvement in Treatment Can Improve Outcomes
A recent column in APA’s journal Psychiatric Services recommends that patients and caregivers be involved in the decision making regarding the patients’ care. Authors Johannes Harmann, M.D., and Stephan Heres, M.D., concluded that “caregiver involvement might improve clinical decision making and health outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
APA Offers Tips for Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder
Americans are currently facing several ongoing disasters that have caused death and suffering, such as COVID-19, the wind-down in Afghanistan, floods, fires, hurricanes and gun violence. While many Americans are mourning, some may experience prolonged grief disorder, which is characterized by incapacitating feelings of grief.
Participating in Social Groups to Help Manage Depression
Participation in social groups may be an effective way to manage mild to moderate depression, according to a new study from researchers at The University of Queensland, Australia. It can be especially for useful for people seeking to stop using antidepressants, they note.
Clinical Guidelines on Eating Disorders: A Practical Tool for Trainees and Clinicians Alike
The lifetime prevalence for all eating disorders worldwide is estimated to be 7.8%, according to a systematic review covering 2000-2018.(1) The total economic cost in the United States alone in 2018-2019 was estimated to be nearly $65 billion dollars.(2) These statistics are prior to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been associated with a significant rise in the reported frequency of eating disorders, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
As Americans Turn Increasingly to Internet Betting, APA Releases New Edition of Gambling Disorder Guide
More Americans than ever are placing bets on sports online, according to many recent reports. The vast majority of people who gamble are able to do so without any long-lasting problems, but research has shown that up to 1 percent of the population currently has a gambling disorder. Gambling disorder involves repeated, problem gambling. Despite significant personal and familial problems caused by the individual’s behavior, those with gambling disorder struggle to control their gambling.
Eating Disorders, Weight-Shaming and “Clean” Eating
Eating disorders affect all kinds of people: women, men, young and old and from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Many factors likely contribute to developing eating disorders, including a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Having a close relative with an eating disorder or a history of dieting are risk factors. High levels of body image dissatisfaction and setting unrealistically high expectations for oneself (perfectionism) also increase the risk
New Research Affirms Effectiveness of AA and Other 12-Step Programs in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been helping people recover from alcohol use disorder for more than 80 years. There has been very little rigorous research to date, but a new review study finds AA is effective in helping treat alcohol use disorder and reduces health care costs.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Personality refers to peoples’ thoughts and views on how they relate to their world, and how they relate to others. All people have personality traits that make them unique, such as “shy” or “outgoing” or “humble” or “self-assured.” A personality disorder, however, is deeper and more severe and can cause problems in how a person thinks and feels, which can impact their perceptions and interactions with others. People with personality disorders may not realize that they are thinking or acting in
How Common are Mental Health Disorders Among Children and Teens?
An estimated 15% of children and adolescents will be diagnosed with a mental disorder before age 18, according to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry last month.