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.
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APA Statement on Addressing Veteran and Refugee Mental Health in Evacuation from Afghanistan
Learn more about APA Statement on Addressing U.S. Veteran and Refugee Mental Health in Evacuation from Afghanistan at psychiatry.org
August Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover Use of Neuroimaging; Addressing Service Inequities in Underserved Groups
The August issues of two of the American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services, are available online. The American Journal of Psychiatry is the most widely read psychiatric journal in the world. The August issue offers a collection of articles on the use of neuroimaging and machine learning, highlighting both the potential to advance understanding and practice in psychiatry and limitations. Among the research featured in the August issue
Extreme Heat Contributes to Worsening Mental Health, Especially Among Vulnerable Populations
The extreme heat that much of thethe country is experiencing has significant impacts on mental health alongside serious physical health impacts. Some groups, including people with pre-existing mental health conditions, are especially vulnerable.
APA Urges Action to End Disparities in Mental Health Coverage
People seeking treatment for mental illness and substance use disorders continue to pay more and face more barriers to accessing care than those seeking care for physical illness, according to a report released today from Milliman, Inc., and the disparity has worsened over the past two years.
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.
Is Social Jet Lag Dragging You Down?
Social jet lag refers to the mismatch between a person’s internal clock and their daily schedules. For most people that means the difference in sleep schedules between weekdays (school or workdays) and weekends (non-workdays).
Advanced Care Planning – It’s Not Just for Your Grandparents
Many people have heard of the term “advanced care planning.” Advanced care planning is the process of making and documenting decisions about the medical care you want to receive if you ever become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. However, it is a common misbelief that advanced care planning is meant only for people who are nearing the end of their life. Medical crises happen every day, leaving people either temporarily or permanently unable to make their own medical decisions. The
Sense of Smell, Memories and Emotions
Many people have had the experience of a familiar smell bringing up a memory or a feeling. That is just one of several ways our sense of smell is associated with mental health and emotions. Memories associated with a specific odor may be particularly strong. In writing about the relation of these odor-evoked memories to our mental health, psychologist Rachel Herz, Ph.D., concludes that “from numerous perspectives it is evident that the autobiographical memories and emotional associations that ar
Lifestyle Psychiatry
We are often reminded that exercise, good nutrition and enough sleep are good for your physical and mental health. Those are among the lifestyle aspects that are part of an approach to psychiatry called lifestyle psychiatry. Lifestyle psychiatry focuses on addressing psychiatric disorders through an integrated, holistic approach to health, which includes recommendations for exercise, diet, sleep and mindfulness practice for helping people manage their psychiatric disorders.
Video-based Program Helps Reduce Anxiety
Technology is increasingly being used in many ways to help meet needs for mental health services and support. For example, apps can help track your mood or symptoms and can help connect you to providers or other support. Among the barriers that technology may help overcome are access to care, cost and stigma. Despite increased awareness and acceptance of mental health care, many people are reluctant to seek help.