282 Results
Irritability in Children Can be More than Just a Bad Mood
Irritability, defined as a low threshold to experience anger in response to frustration, is one of the main reasons children are referred to a mental health evaluation. Irritability can appear as age-inappropriate temper outbursts and a sullen, grouchy mood and is associated with several child and adolescent mental health conditions.
Men, Women, and Differing Responses to Stress
Stress affects people in several ways—it activates adrenaline and other hormones, the nervous system and immune system. While not all stress is harmful, and some can even be beneficial, chronic or toxic stress can contribute to health problems. “Men and women react differently to toxic stress because their brains are wired differently,” notes Bruce McEwen, Ph.D., of The Rockefeller University, * “and therefore they may be at risk for different stress-related illnesses.” For example, as a result
Talking about Veteran’s Mental Health
The questions and answers below are some adapted from a recent Twitter chat APA hosted on veteran’s mental health.
VIDEO: Richard Kogan, M.D., on The Mind and Music of Tchaikovsky
Richard Kogan, M.D., was scheduled to deliver a talk on “Tchaikovsky: Music and Melancholy,” at the APA Annual Meeting in April. It was to be part of a series of lecture-performances that he has presented over the years at APA’s Annual Meetings on the connections between musical artistry and mental illness.
Latino Youth: Overcoming Challenges to Mental Health and Access to Care
Latino youth are more likely than their peers to have mental health issues, which often go unaddressed and untreated, according to a recent review of research by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Many Latino youth face several stressors related to family life and to community/school that can impact their mental health.
On the Phone, In a Group, Online: New Study Evaluates Effectiveness of Different Therapy Delivery Methods
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown an effective treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. CBT helps people identify and change thinking and behaviors that are harmful or ineffective and, instead, focus on solving current problems. In addition to being delivered in individual therapy, CBT can be offered in other ways, such as group therapy and self-help programs. A new meta-analysis examining various delivery formats found group, telephone-administered, and gui
100 Day Step Challenge for Mental Health
Many employers offer wellness programs for their employees. A team of researchers in Australia wanted to explore the potential mental health benefits of a short-term workplace wellness program. Their study involved nearly 2,000 participants in a 100-day, 10,000-step challenge program. They found a small, but consistent effect on several measures of mental health over the term of the program. The positive mental health effect appeared regardless of whether a person reached the 10,000-step goal
Could Psychedelics be Used to Treat Mental Illness?
There has been increased interest and research in psychedelics as a treatment for mental illness in recent years. A new review study concludes that while research is still preliminary, psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), show promise for treating conditions including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being
What is purpose in life? It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health. For example, having greater purpose in life was significantly associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.
New Patient Guide for Mood and Anxiety Disorders Available to the Public
A new book developed by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides readers with the evidence-based knowledge and tools to understand mood disorders and make informed decisions toward lasting mental health and wellbeing.
Eating Healthy for Brain Health and Staying on Budget
We know that what we eat affects our physical health, but evidence continues to mount that what we eat significantly impacts our mental health also. For example, a healthy diet may be able to help prevent and treat depression, reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, and help maintain the mental health of children and adolescents.
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.