Living with Autism: Journey to Adulthood

• Anxiety, Autism, Patients and Families

A new report from Drexel University highlights some of the challenges faced by many teens and young adults with autism. The 2018 National Autism Indicators Report presents an updated look at the characteristics and experiences of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. More than three in four teens and young adults with autism were male. The report notes that high schoolers on the autism spectrum today are growing up at a time when awareness is increasing and expectations for full inclusi

Understanding Warning Signs of Mental Illness in the AAPI Community

In the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, mental illness warning signs can be difficult to identify because of stigma and lack of culturally competent care. These barriers can make it difficult for people to seek out help. AAPIs are less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to seek help for mental health conditions

Antisocial Personality Disorder: Often Overlooked and Untreated

• Mental health disorders, Patients and Families

Antisocial personality disorder may be one of the most misunderstood mental disorders. It is also often undiagnosed and untreated, according to a recent special report by Donald Black, M.D. in Psychiatric News.1 He referred to it as “psychiatry’s forgotten disorder,” noting that few clinicians diagnose or treat it.

Half of Young Workers Report Mental Health Challenges

• Depression, New research, Patients and Families, Teens and young adults

A new survey of young professional workers finds that just over half (51%) reported needing help for emotional or mental health problems in the past year. While many recognize employer efforts to address mental health in the workplace, the majority feel more could be done. More than a third (38%) of young professionals say their workplace negatively impacts employee mental health and wellbeing.

February Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover Risk Factors for Mental Illness, Substance Use in Psychiatric Care, Emergency Psychiatry and More

The issues of three of the American Psychiatric Association’s journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services, and Focus, are now available online.

September Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Cover New Solutions Addressing Structural Racism, Childhood Trauma, Suicidal Behaviors, and More

The September 2023 issues of two of the American Psychiatric Association’s journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services are now available online.

APA Celebrates One Year of LaSaludMental.org, Spanish-language Mental Health Resource Site, During Hispanic Heritage Month

The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month this year marks one year since the American Psychiatric Association (APA) launched LaSaludMental.org, the organization’s first website dedicated to providing evidence-based information and culturally competent resources in Spanish on mental health and addiction.

December Issues of APA Journals Cover Childhood Resilience and Adult Outcomes, Genetics and Postpartum Depression, Increasing Rates of Suicide Among Black Women, and More

The latest issues of two American Psychiatric Association journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services are now available online.

Older Americans Month: Highlighting Challenges and Opportunities

• Older adults, Patients and Families

An estimated one in eight older adults had a mental illness and one in 11 had a substance use disorder in the past year according to a new report on mental health and substance use concerns among older adults (adults aged 60 or older).

The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being

• Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families, Treatment

Music has always held a special place in our lives, forming an integral part of human culture for centuries. Whether we passively listen to our favorite songs or actively engage in music-making by singing or playing instruments, music can have a profound influence on our socio-emotional development and overall well-being.

Pregnancy, Mental and Substance Use Conditions and Treatment: Advice from Mental Health Experts

• Patients and Families, Treatment, Women

An estimated one in five childbearing persons in the U.S. experience a mental or substance use disorder before, during, or after pregnancy each year. With support from the CDC Foundation, APA has developed a series of educational materials for addressing perinatal mental health. This toolkit includes four fact sheets for patients: for people planning to become pregnant, for pregnant persons, for postpartum people, and suggestions for preparing for medical appointments.

Positive Psychiatry: Promoting Well-Being

Positive psychiatry focuses on the positive aspects of mental health. It is defined as the “science and practice of psychiatry that focuses on the study and promotion of mental health and well-being through enhancement of positive psychosocial factors,” in a recent special report in Psychiatric News by former APA President Dilip V. Jeste, M.D. As Dr. Jeste notes, while about 20% of people are affected by mental disorders, “100% of people have mental health including some positive traits. Positiv