What Is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable.
Depression
Learn about depression, including symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and answers to your questions.
994 Results
Two New Studies in American Journal of Psychiatry Explore Risk Prediction for Postpartum Mental Health Conditions
Two new studies examining mental health risks postpartum were published online today in the American Journal of Psychiatry in conjunction with Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). One study sought to estimate the risk of postpartum depression in people without a history of depression, and the other looked at the familial contribution to the risk of postpartum psychosis. Researchers from both studies were on hand to disc
Perinatal Depression (formerly Postpartum)
Learn about Peripartum Depression (formerly Postpartum), including symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and answers to your questions.
Group Music Therapy: A Promising Approach
Group music therapy, delivered in person or online, may be effective in helping address symptoms of mental health conditions, according to several recent studies. The studies looked at the use of group music therapy in women with depression, older adults with dementia, and college students experiencing stress. One consistent theme in this research is that participants have improved quality of life.
Rumination: A Cycle of Negative Thinking
Rumination involves repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings and distress and their causes and consequences. The repetitive, negative aspect of rumination can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety and can worsen existing conditions.
Chronic Pain and Mental Health Often Interconnected
Chronic pain and mental health disorders often occur together. In fact, research suggests that chronic pain and mental health problems can contribute to and exacerbate the other.
New Review Study: Neuromodulation Advances Offer Promise for Treating Depression
A new review study looking at the current state of neuromodulation therapies being used to treat depression, including rTMS, ECT and others, is available online today in the December issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Social Connections Key to Maintaining Mental Well-being
Positive social connections have consistently been shown to support mental health and well-being. New research finds that social support is also key to coping with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has upended life for most of us, and the uncertainty, economic strain and isolation have left many struggling with stress, anxiety or depression.
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.
The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness
There are many reasons acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver. New research looks at the mental health benefits, finding that performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.(1) “Acts of kindness” refer to benevolent and helpful actions intentionally directed towards another person, motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain reward or to avoid punishment
March Issues of APA Journals Feature Research on Treatment of Depression and OCD, Digital Mental Health Innovations, and More
The latest issues of two American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services, are now available online.
New Research Highlights the Expanding and Valuable Role Telepsychiatry is Playing in Improving Mental Health Care
Two studies released today in the journal Psychiatric Services add to the growing evidence of telepsychiatry’s contribution to improved mental health care. One study examined the use of telepsychiatry in emergency departments nationwide and a second looked at the use of telepsychiatry to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related depression.
Personal Perspectives on Major Depressive Disorder, Part 1
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.