Federal News & Issues

APA Expresses Great Disappointment in the Supreme Court Decision to Lift the Injunctions on the Administration’s Ban on Transgender Servicemembers

Washington, D.C. – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is greatly disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunctions on the Administration’s ban on transgender servicemembers before all the lower court cases are decided.

“The APA continues to stand firmly against discrimination against anyone,” said APA President Altha Stewart, M.D. “We are extremely concerned that the military will discriminate against transgender Americans who want to serve their country while these lower court cases are being decided. Banning transgender service members from serving our country harms not just those transgender Americans who have dedicated themselves to service of others, but it unfairly casts a pall over all transgender Americans. And as psychiatrists, we know all too well the negative impact that...

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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

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

APA Supports Participants in March for Our Lives Event

Washington, D.C. – In advance of the March for Our Lives event on Saturday, March 24, in Washington, D.C., the American Psychiatric Association (APA) today released this statement:

The American Psychiatric Association commends the students and families taking part in the March for Our Lives on March 24th in Washington D.C. for their participation in political discourse. We agree with the students that separating gun violence from mental illness reduces stigma and encourages people with mental health and/or substance use disorders to seek treatment. We encourage all young people to be politically active in seeking improved access to mental health care and eliminating the unnecessary and harmful stigma surrounding these illnesses.

American Psychiatric Association...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Mar 19, 2018

APA Celebrates New Headquarters in District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) hosted a Grand Opening celebration today at its new Washington, D.C. headquarters. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Monty Hoffman, Founder and CEO of PN Hoffman, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with APA leadership and addressed a crowd of nearly 200 leaders in mental health, business and government. 

“APA’s new headquarters reflect both the past and future of psychiatry,” APA President Anita Everett, M.D., said. “The offices use the latest technology to help connect with and serve our members, but they also highlight rare books and artifacts from the organization’s 174 years in operation. I hope all of our members will take the time to visit when they are in the District – this office is as much for them as for the employees of the...

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Author: mbourdase - Published: Mar 19, 2018

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