999 Results
Addressing Loneliness in Older Adults through Empathetic Conversations, Health and Fitness Classes
The COVID-19 pandemic and social-distancing focused much attention on impacts of social isolation particularly for older adults, but even before the pandemic, loneliness had been increasingly of concern. Researchers are looking at the relationship between social disconnectedness and mental illness, effective interventions and prevention.
New Research: The Long-term Physical-Psychiatric Effects of Childhood Trauma
Exposure to trauma in childhood is associated with both psychiatric and physical problems for decades afterward, according to new research presented here today at the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Annual Meeting. Researchers are longitudinally assessing more than 1,000 individuals who were directly exposed to the 9/11 terror attack as children, as well as a matched control group of 500 individuals who were not.
Creating Spanish/English Networks to Support Mental Health of Hispanic/Latinx Communities
“You are an agent of change,” emphasized Tatiana Falcone, M.D., a panelist on the 2023 APA Annual Meeting session “Creating Spanish/English Networks to Support Mental Health of Hispanic/Latinx Communities.”
Hispanic Heritage Month: How One Psychiatrist Explored Culturally Competent Care
One in five (22%) Hispanics/Latinos have a mental illness and one in 20 have a serious mental illness, according to the latest federal government data (SAMHSA 2023). Yet only 36% of Hispanics/Latinos received mental health services, compared to 52% of whites. During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), we can celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanics/Latinos while also acknowledging the equity work that still needs to be done to increase access to care and decrease stigm
APA Condemns Unethical Sharing of Therapist Records in Immigration Cases
Recent news reports have brought to light that the therapy records of children detained by immigration officials have been used against them by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation cases. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) condemns the unethical usage of children’s confidential therapy records in a courtroom setting and calls on the government to immediately end this harmful practice.
New for 2024! Participate in MindGames Masters
MindGames Masters is a three-part educational experience that allows psychiatrists to show off their knowledge and learn more about five subspecialties in an engaging, fun, and competitive atmosphere.
New Research: Faith Leaders Play Important Role in Aiding Mental Health of Seniors
New research presented today at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting indicates that older people with multiple chronic health conditions who are more religious are more likely to seek mental health services from a faith leader than a mental health professional.
APA’s Goldwater Rule Remains a Guiding Principle for Physician Members
APA released the following statement regarding The Goldwater Rule.
Preventing Depression with an Online Self-help Program
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry in May finds that an online guided self-help program significantly reduced the risk of depression in a group of people at high risk for the mental disorder.
LGBT Primary Care and Gender Affirming Care for Children and Adolescents
In her 2023 APA Annual Meeting session “LGBT Primary Care and Gender Affirming Care for Children and Adolescents,” Dr. Shamieka Dixon provided a comprehensive look at gender-affirming care for youths and what that entails not only for young patients, but also for their families and caregivers.
The Opioid Crisis: Impact, Challenges, and Paths to Recovery
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, illegal drugs like heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing pain relief and euphoria. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction, characteristic of opioid use disorder (OUD). Fentanyl, due to its potency, has played a particularly lethal role in the opioid crisis.
Culture Corner: Book and Film Recommendations from APA Member Francis G. Lu, M.D.
Dr. Lu provides tailored recommendations that tie into the theme of the social determinants of mental health. These recommendations establish the importance for mental health professionals in understanding, diagnosing and including social determinants of mental health in treatment planning, as well as mobilizing social action to advocate for policy changes.