Could Psychedelics be Used to Treat Mental Illness?

• Anxiety, Depression, Patients and Families, Trauma

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).

Climate and Disasters: Taking Action Helps Address Anxiety

As we head toward the peaks of the hurricane and wildfire seasons, disasters and their impacts are in the news and on people’s minds. Almost three in 10 Americans are worried about being personally impacted by a natural disaster, according to a recent APA poll. 

The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness

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

There are many reasons acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver. New research looks at the mental health benefits, finding that performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.(1) “Acts of kindness” refer to benevolent and helpful actions intentionally directed towards another person, motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain reward or to avoid punishment

Infertility: The Impact of Stress and Mental Health

• Anxiety, Depression, Patients and Families, Women

Infertility, though often not talked about, is common. An estimated one in eight couples (or 12% of married women) have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. There are a range of complex connections between mental health and infertility.

Chronic Pain and Mental Health Often Interconnected

• Anxiety, Depression, Patients and Families

Chronic pain and mental health disorders often occur together. In fact, research suggests that chronic pain and mental health problems can contribute to and exacerbate the other.

New APA Poll: American Adults Largely Support Mental Health Programming in Schools Gun Violence is a Top Worry as Children Return to School

The majority of adults agree that it is important for schools to play a key role in mental health, through educating students about the topic (86%), staff training (87%), or connecting students to mental health support (84%)

The Mental Health Impacts of Wildfires

Wildfires, like other natural disasters and traumatic events, take a toll on the mental health of those directly affected and in the community. Whether the impact is the loss of a home, having to flee unexpectedly, dealing with the uncertainty of a fire’s path or worrying over smoke-filled skies, wildfires can lead to emotional distress.

New APA Poll Shows Sustained Anxiety Among Americans; More than Half of Parents are Concerned About the Mental Well-being of Their Children

Learn more about New APA Poll Shows Sustained Anxiety Among Americans; More than Half of Parents are Concerned About the Mental Well-being of Their Children at psychiatry.org

Expanding Mental Health Uses for Virtual Reality

• Anxiety, Patients and Families, Serious mental illness, Trauma

Virtual reality technology is increasingly being used to support mental health and treat a variety of mental health disorders, especially as the technology becomes more familiar and more affordable. Virtual reality (VR) offers several advantages, including convenience and the ability to adapt and individualize it. Among the conditions being effectively treated with VR are PTSD, anxiety and phobias.

Simple Tips to Help You Get Moving and Boost Mental Well-Being

• Depression, Patients and Families

Among the many consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns are limitations on physical activity. New research reinforces the mental health benefits of physical activity and exercise as pandemic restrictions continue.

New Study: Expatriates Experience Anxiety, Helplessness, When Traumatic Events Occur in Their Home Country 

A new study presented today at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting found that traumatic incidents in their home countries can harm the mental health of expatriates months after the traumatic incident, regardless of how long they have been away from their country, and even if they did not witness the traumatic incident firsthand. The mental health impact was larger among female and younger expatriates.

Yoga as a Mental Health Treatment

• Anxiety, Depression, Patients and Families

In a recent review in the journal Focus, Maren Nyer, Ph.D., and colleagues highlight the mounting evidence that yoga is helpful for a variety of mental health conditions and support integrating yoga into conventional mental health treatment.