FDA Approves Novel Depression Treatment

• Depression, Patients and Families

Last month, esketamine nasal spray became the first treatment for depression with a new mechanism of action approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) was approved in the late 1980s. Esketamine (sold as Spravato) has the potential to be extremely useful for people who have not responded to other treatments. Used in combination with an oral anti-depressant, it can take effect much faster than many common antidepressant medications. However, it comes

Lifestyle Factors Key to Reducing Risk for Dementia, Late Life Depression

• Depression, Healthy living for mental well-being, Older adults, Patients and Families

A recent study highlights the lifestyle factors that can be protective against age-related brain conditions, including depression and late life depression. The research used the “Brain Care Score,” measuring lifestyle factors, and found that a higher Brain Care Score is associated with a lower risk of age-related brain disease, including stroke, late-life depression, and dementia.

Pets and Mental Health: Social Media Toolkit

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

In March, The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is focusing on promoting celebrating the mental health impact of our cats, dogs and other furry (and not furry) friends with #Paws4MentalHealth. During the month we are encouraging everyone to take a break, get up, stretch, and share a pic of their pet and how they positively impact their mental health

Joseph C. Napoli, M.D., Assumes Post as APA Assembly Speaker

t the close of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Virtual Highlights Meeting, Joseph C. Napoli, M.D., assumed the role of Speaker of the APA Assembly of District Branches.

Elevating Bebe Moore Campbell's Legacy in 2023: APA's Dynamic Approach to National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

• Diverse populations, Patients and Families, Suicide and self-harm, Teens and young adults

In July American Psychiatric Association (APA) embarked on its annual effort to honor of the late renowned author and mental health advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell. Established by Congress in 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a call to action and reminder of the mental health inequities affecting communities, and in particular, young people of color. This month-long recognition is especially important considering the prevalent mental health inequities fac

Computer-Assisted Treatment and Mobile Apps for Depression

• Depression, Patients and Families

Technology is increasingly assisting us in many aspects of our lives, and mental health treatment is no exception. Research continues to show the benefits of computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for treating depression and the potential of mental health mobile apps to help.

Update on Developments with Ryan Haight and Online Prescribing

Those of us involved in Telepsychiatry have been living with the Ryan Haight Act (RHA) since 2009. During this time, it has been more or less successful in achieving its original goal of reining in rogue internet pharmacies.

Suicide and Self-Harm: Cultural Connections May Help Protect Hispanic/Latino Youth

• Diverse populations, Suicide and self-harm, Teens and young adults

Suicide is a growing concern among the Hispanic/Latino population, especially among youth. Research finds that aspects of Hispanic/Latino culture and their associated familial and community connections may help in preventing suicide

Mental Health Equity on a Global Scale: An Interview with Dr. Pamela Collins

• Diversity News and Updates

There are more universals in the global fight to achieve mental health equity than there are differences, according to Dr. Pamela Collins, the Director of the Consortium for Global Mental Health at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Intersectionality and Crisis Intervention

• Suicide and self-harm, Teens and young adults, Trauma

Officer for Crisis Text Line. “We are losing children of color at rates that are epidemic,” says Shairi Turner, M.D., M.P.H., an internist and pediatrician with a background in trauma.  She is Chief Health Officer for Crisis Text Line, a national non-profit providing 24/7 crisis counseling via text in both English and Spanish. 

What to Do About Workplace Bullying

• Patients and Families

Bullying is often thought of as a kids’ problem. But it also often happens to adults in the workplace. Workplace bullying involves multiple, repeated, intentional acts of aggression, hostility, social isolation, disrespect or mistreatment of an employee by another employee(s). It can include work sabotage or behaviors perceived as threatening, intimidating, or humiliating. These acts often happen in person but also can occur through email, text messaging, and social media.

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%).