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Hispanic Heritage Month: Talking about Music, Music Therapy and Sharing Experiences in an Inpatient Setting
During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and Central and South America. I would like to start this article by noting that I am not an expert in music therapy, so my perspective is quite narrow. However, I will share some background, history, my own experience and resources to hopefully spark some ideas for you to incorporate music from this rich and diver
APA Statement on House Passage of FY22 Appropriations Bill Providing Needed Increases for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Programs
The American Psychiatric Association applauds today’s House passage of significant funding increases for key mental health and substance use disorder programs included in the FY 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bills.
Expectations, the Placebo Effect and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth
The phenomenon of high placebo response can be a “formidable challenge in clinical trials but a largely untapped resource in clinical practice,” authors Jeffrey R. Strawn, M.D., and colleagues write in a chapter in a new book from APA Publishing on prescribing mental health medication to youth.
APA Endorses Federal Parity Bill; Urges Congress to Quickly Pass Legislation
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is endorsing “The Mental Health Parity Compliance Act,” a new bipartisan bill introduced today that would enhance the transparency and accountability of insurers’ coverage of mental health and substance use benefits, in compliance with the federal parity law.
Light, Sleep and Mental Health
Light, both natural and artificial, can affect our health and mental health in several different ways. Depending on the time of day, light exposure can promote or disrupt sleep. A persistently disrupted sleep cycle can contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, obesity and mental health disorders. Research is also beginning to clarify non-circadian effects of light – light can have a direct impact on the sleep and mood centers in the brain.
New Polling Data Shows Most Employers Offer Some Form of Mental Health Benefits, But Burnout Impacts Over 40% of Employees
A survey fielded last month by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that most working adults know how to access mental health care services through work (67%). Despite this, two-in-five employed adults worry about retaliation or being fired if they take time off for their mental health (44%) or seek mental health care (39%).
Can a Selfie Video Fight Mental Health Stigma?
Many people with mental health conditions don’t get needed treatment. Despite increased awareness and public discussion of mental health, stigma remains one of the primary barriers to people getting help. The use of brief videos, traditional and “selfie” style, with messages of recovery and hope may help reduce stigma and increase understanding of mental illness, as well as young people’s willingness to seek help, according to a recent study published in Psychiatric Services
August Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover Alcohol Use Disorder, Interventions for PTSD and Psychedelics in Psychiatry
The latest issues of three of the American Psychiatric Association’s journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services and Focus are now available online.
Social-Emotional Learning Interventions in Preschool Can Help Long-term Mental Well-being
When young children don't have the opportunity to develop social, emotional and self-regulation skills they begin at a disadvantage and the challenges they face as a result can compound with the demands of school and growing up. But a social-emotional learning intervention in preschool can benefit disadvantaged children's mental well-being into their teens, according to a new study published in APA's American Journal of Psychiatry.
Addiction: Treatment, Recovery, and the Role of Family & Friends
A conversation with Monica Taylor-Desir, M.D., M.P.H., a member of the board of the APA Foundation, and Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., APA president-elect on what addiction looks like, what treatment looks like, and how family and friends can help a person in recovery.
Taking on the Public Health Threat of Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness is a significant and growing problem with substantial physical health and mental health impacts. Research has found that loneliness and social isolation may be as bad for your health as obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day and significantly impacts mental health. (1) The restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the problem and increased public awareness of the issue.
How to Help Those with Opioid Use Disorder in Jails & Prisons
By now we all know that opioids like heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl are deadly. What doesn’t get as much attention is the wider damage done by problem use of these substances, including losses of relationships and jobs, declining health, and financial strain. These concerns affect not only the individual but also every person close to them.