5 Key Things to Know About Kids and Climate Change 

• Anxiety

Many adults are anxious and concerned about the potential impacts of climate change – and many kids are too. Younger adults are more likely to be concerned that older adults, according to a recent APA poll, specifically More than half (57%) of young adults (18-34 years) feel climate change is already impacting the mental health of Americans compared to 41% of those 65 and older. Just over half (51%) of 18–34-year-olds are anxious about the impact of climate change on their own mental health compared to 24% of adults 65 and older. In addition, about half of adults are somewhat or very anxious about the impact of climate change on future generations.

Exploring a Strengths-Based Approach to Neurodiversity

April is Autism Acceptance Month, drawing attention to the needs and concerns of people on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse individuals. A new book, “Neurodiversity: From Phenomenology to Neurobiology and Enhancing Technologies,” explores a strengths-based approach to a broad array of neurodiversity.

Cataract Surgery and Hearing Aids May Help Reduce the Risk of Dementia in Older Adults

• Patients and Families

Dementia affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide and about 4 million in the U.S., about 9% of adults 65 or older. In the past, several factors have been identified that reduce the risk of dementia, including educational level, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, depression, social isolation. Recent research says that in older adults, treatments for hearing and vision problems can also help reduce the risk of dementia.

Caring for Pregnant Women: A Psychiatrist’s Guide

• Depression, Patients and Families, Treatment, Women

Every psychiatrist will see a pregnant woman or other patient who is pregnant someday. When that person presents to your office, will you be ready? Many of us received little if any training on the subject, so the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Women’s Mental Health would like to help. Read on for five things every psychiatrist needs to know before a pregnant patient walks in your door.

Kickoff of APA’s “Looking Beyond Series” Explores the Social Determinants of Mental Health

• What APA is Doing For You

The social determinants of health and mental health were the focus of a recent APA Mental Health Equity Fireside Chat hosted by APA’s Division of Diversity and Health Equity and moderated by Division Chief and Deputy Medical Director Regina James, M.D.