946 Results
Americans’ Pets Offer Mental Health Support to Their Owners, 1 out of 5 Pet Owners Has an Emotional Support Animal
They say in Washington, if you want a friend, get a dog. The results of an American Psychiatric Association Healthy Minds Monthly Poll released jointly with the American Veterinary Medical Association seem to align with that adage: Among the many mental health benefits of pets, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say that their animals offer companionship (65%), are a true friend (65%) and provide unconditional love and support (64%).
Mental Health and Faith Community Partnerships Can Help Improve Access to Care
For many people, faith or spirituality are strongly connected to their mental health and emotional well-being, though it may not be directly addressed within the faith community. According to a recent survey from APA, about 60% of adults say that faith or spirituality is an important factor in supporting their mental wellness. However, just half of those who belong to a religious community say that mental health is discussed openly and without stigma.
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.
Kleptomania
Most people are familiar with the term kleptomania, a real, but rare, mental health condition. The key feature of kleptomania is the repeatedly acting on impulses to steal items even though the items are not needed. A person with kleptomania does not usually preplan the theft and does not work with others. The stolen objects typically have little value and the person often gives or throws them away. Kleptomania is different from ordinary theft or shoplifting.
College Students Benefit from Wellness Training
Demand for mental health services at college counseling centers has been on the rise in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a greater mental health impact on young adults than other age groups. A new study examines the potential of a proactive, preventative approach to building resilience and promoting psychological thriving in students before they experience mental health symptoms.
APA Leadership Statement on Anti-Asian American Racism and Mental Health
The APA strongly condemns racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against the AAPI community. Racism is considered an adverse event, and an assault to the mental health and wellbeing of individuals. In our role as physicians, we back efforts to eliminate bigotry and discrimination.
Experts Offer Tips for Navigating Mental Health Apps for Youth
Mobile apps for mental health and wellness have changed the way that people—particularly youth—track and care for their mental health. With more than 10,000 mental health–related apps on the market today, d how can mental health professionals help youth navigate their options and decide what usage, if any, is appropriate?
Get Outside: The Many Ways Nature Can Boost Your Mental Well-Being
‘Go outside and get some fresh air’ has long been common advice for staying healthy. Although the calming, mood-boosting and inspirational effects of spending time in nature have long-been championed, recent research has strengthened the case in support of nature's therapeutic benefits.
PsychNews Special Report: Nutrition's Role in Mental Health
In the inaugural episode of PsychNews Special Report, Dr. Adrian Preda interviews Dr. Marta Mudd, author of the Special Report featured in the January 2025 issue of Psychiatric News, discussing the intersection of nutrition and mental health.
January Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover Childhood and Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Disorders, Suicide Screening and Technological Advances in CBT
The issues of three of the American Psychiatric Association’s journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services, and The American Journal of Psychotherapy, are now available online.
School-Based Program Brings Mental Health Services to Children in Rural Areas
A program in West Virginia is using an innovative approach to bring much needed mental health services to children in rural communities. In 2016, the West Virginia Children’s Access Network began providing mental health services in rural schools via telepsychiatry.
Personal Perspectives on Major Depressive Disorder, Part 2
These podcasts include the real-life experiences of people with mental illness and family members. Some of the content includes discussions of topics such as suicide attempts and may be triggering.