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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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.
Teachers’ Mental Health and Well-being Linked to Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Teachers have important roles in the lives of the children they teach. That influence extends into the realm of mental health and well-being, according to research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Researchers found that teachers’ mental health and well-being was associated with the mental health and well-being of their students.
Pet Robots Helping Dementia Patients
We increasingly hear of robots taking over humans’ jobs, but could robots fill in for dogs in pet therapy? Pet robots are increasingly being used in assisted living facilities and day care centers to help patients with dementia.
Air Pollution and Mental Health
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health: the link between air pollution and health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are well established. Outdoor air pollution in cities and rural areas is estimated to cause more than 4 million premature deaths a year worldwide, primarily due to heart disease, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lower respiratory infections. Recent research is also making a connection between air pollution and mental h
January Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover New Research on Cannabis and Alcohol Use, Disparities in Coercive Treatment for Psychosis, and More
The January issues of two of the American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services are available online. Also available is the latest issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy.
Researchers See an Increase in Self-Harm During the Pandemic
Non-suicidal self-harm is common, particularly among youth and young adults, and new research says it may have become more common during the pandemic.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Psychotherapy Outcomes
Artificial intelligence, the ability of a computer program or a machine to think and learn, is increasingly being used in many areas, including mental health treatment. A new study uses artificial intelligence to measure psychotherapy treatment and to examine links between specific aspects of the therapy and outcomes. This information could potentially lead to improvements in psychotherapy.
New Survey Shows Increasing Loneliness, Including on the Job
Loneliness is a major public health concern and, according to a new national survey more Americans are saying they are lonely. Loneliness is associated with increased risk for both physical and mental health problems. The health impacts of loneliness are similar to that of other well-known health risks, such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and air pollution.
Coping with Isolation and Social Distancing
In these unprecedented, uncertain times when many of us are isolated, stuck at home and separated from friends and family, fear and stress are natural reactions. With so much of what is happening out of our control, it’s helpful to focus on what you can do to take of yourself and your family. Keep in mind people react to stressful situations in different ways.