Federal News & Issues

APA and Illinois Psychiatric Society Joint Statement on Shooting in Aurora, Ill.

Washington, DC – The American Psychiatric Association and the Illinois Psychiatry Society release the following joint statement in response to the deadly shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Ill.

“Our deepest condolences to victims of yesterday’s deadly shooting and their families and loved ones. The victims of this act of violence and their loved ones should know that help is available to cope with the trauma and psychological distress caused by the shooting. Our members are available to help the community in Aurora heal.

We at the American Psychiatric Association and the Illinois Psychiatric Society are concerned about the mental health impact of the epidemic of gun violence, which exacts a terrible toll on American families each year. We stand ready to work with local and federal lawmakers to...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Feb 18, 2019

APA Elects Dr. Jeffrey Geller as President-Elect


Jeffrey-Geller-headshot.jpg

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The members of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) have chosen Jeffrey Geller, M.D., M.P.H., as the medical society’s next president-elect. The results were released today but are not official until the APA Board of Trustees confirms the election results at its March meeting.

Geller is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Public Sector Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He has served numerous APA leadership positions, including as Area 1...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Feb 12, 2019

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media Encouraged to Attend APA Annual Meeting in San Francisco

WHAT:

The American Psychiatric Association's 2019 Annual Meeting features nationally recognized experts in psychiatry and mental health policy, research and clinical practice. The meeting will feature more than 650 sessions and specialized tracks, including addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and more. It will also include a Mental Health Innovation Zone highlighting advances in mental health technology and a special track highlighting APA’s 175th Anniversary. This year's Annual Meeting theme is Revitalize Psychiatry: Disrupt, Include, Engage & Innovate.

WHO:

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Feb 5, 2019

Study Finds Increasing Use, and Misuse, of Benzodiazepines

Washington, D.C. – More than one in eight U.S. adults (12.6 percent) used benzodiazepines in the past year, up from previous reports. Misuse of the prescription drugs accounted for more than 17 percent of overall use, according to a study published online today in Psychiatric Services in Advance. The researchers defined misuse as any way a doctor did not direct, including using the drug without a prescription or more often or longer than prescribed. Misuse was highest among young adults 18 to 25 (5.6 percent) and was as common as prescribed use.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to treat conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. They include Alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam) diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan) and others. Researchers analyzed data from the 2015 and 2016 National...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Feb 1, 2019

America’s Frontline Physicians Call for Texas vs. Azar Decision on Affordable Care Act to Be Reversed on Appeal

In response to the ruling to overturn the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Texas vs. Azar, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and American Psychiatric Association (APA), collectively representing America's frontline physicians, issued this statement:

“Our organizations, which represent more than 560,000 physicians and medical students, stand together in strong disagreement with the Texas vs. Azar decision. If upheld, this ruling would be devastating to our patients. Not only would it put coverage in jeopardy for 20 million Americans and eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, the ruling would also:

  • End funding for...
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Author: mbourdase - Published: Feb 1, 2019

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