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How Do Companion Animals and Therapy Animals Support Mental Well-being?
Companion animals are increasingly being used to support mental wellbeing and to augment mental health treatment. A new book from APA Publishing, The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders, reviews recent research and highlights the variety of ways mental health professionals are working with companion animals to support treatment and promote mental health.
Are there Mental Health Benefits to Being a Morning Person?
Many of us identify ourselves as either a morning person or a night owl, and these preferences are at least partly the result of our genes. New research finds associations between the timing of your sleep/wake preferences and your mental health.The study from researchers at the University of Exeter and Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that being genetically programmed to rise early may lead to greater well-being and a lower risk of depression and schizophrenia.
Mental Health Parity: New Proposed Rule
On July 25, 2023, the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services released a proposed rule intended to strengthen enforcement of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and improve patients’ ability to access care for mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD). At the same time, the agencies also released a Technical Release, seeking feedback on data requirements related to network composition and a possible enforcement safe harbor; a second Report to Congr
How Pets Can Protect Cognitive Health in Older Adults
Pets offer a range of benefits for our physical and mental health. Several recent studies add to the list, finding that pet ownership can help slow cognitive decline and prevent dementia in older adults.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care
Learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence into psychiatric care.
More Evidence of the Benefits of Trees in Urban Areas
Previous research has tied people’s exposure to natural environments, such as urban green spaces, to better health and mental health. A new study looks at whether a specific type of green space— trees, grass or low-lying vegetation— provides benefits.
Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll; Dogs and Cats Equally Beneficial
The findings of the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll are clear: in addition to feeling like part of the family, Americans’ furry friends offer many mental health benefits.
More Benefits of Exercise: Preventing and Treating Anxiety
There are many reasons we should all be getting out to exercise– improved sleep, increased energy, reduced risk of chronic disease and more. Preventing anxiety is one more reason to keep up your exercise routine, according to new research published in June in the journal Depression and Anxiety.
APA Congratulates Its Members Elected as Officers to the Executive Committee and Board of the World Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today announced that three of its members have been elected to leadership positions at the World Psychiatric Association (WPA). Two will join the Executive Committee for six-year terms as officers of the WPA: APA Past President Paul Summergrad, M.D., will serve as the WPA Secretary for Finances; and Edmond Pi, M.D., who previously served as the WPA USA Zone 2 Representative and vice chair of the APA Scientific Program Committee will serve as WPA Secreta
New Poll: Small Acts of Kindness Make Most Americans Feel Better
As the holiday season approaches, most Americans say that small acts of kindness make them feel better, and that is true for both giving and receiving those acts. And acts of kindness were happening: in the past three months, 93% of Americans reported having done something kind, including 69% who had said hello to a stranger, 68% who reported holding a door open for someone, and 65% who had given someone a compliment. Among other options surveyed:
Parental Leave Brings Mental Health Benefits, Especially for Mothers
Along with all the excitement and anticipation, becoming a new parent comes with a great deal of change and potential stress, such as the challenges of childrearing, financial pressure and career uncertainties. This elevated stress can contribute to mental health problems, including peripartum depression. New research published in the Lancet finds that access to employer-provided parental leave may help protect mothers’ mental health in the months after childbirth.
Service Dogs Can Be Invaluable in Helping People with PTSD
​​​​​​​Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects an estimated one in seven adults at some time in their lives and it affects a large proportion of military members and veterans. In addition to the variety of effective treatments available, people often also use complementary interventions, such as the use of trained PTSD service dogs. These service dogs perform specific tasks that help address PTSD symptoms, such as applying pressure to alleviate anxiety and nudging to interrupt flashbacks