All articles tagged with #american psychiatric association
The piece argues that autism cannot be captured by a single spectrum or severity line; rather, autism is a constellation of traits and support needs that vary between individuals and across life stages (for example menopause can increase needs). It also notes that DSM-5 levels are vague and argues for moving away from spectrum-based labels like Asperger’s toward recognizing autism’s diverse manifestations.
Leaders of the DSM have been divided for years over whether postpartum psychosis should be recognized as a distinct disorder, a move with broad implications for diagnosis, treatment, and research; the piece follows Emily Sliwinski’s postpartum deterioration after birth to illustrate the real-world stakes of adding a separate diagnosis to psychiatry’s guiding manual.
A report from the American Psychiatric Association and ecoAmerica highlights the significant impact of climate change on the mental health of young people. Environmental events linked to climate change, such as weather disasters, extreme heat, and poor air quality, can trigger or worsen mental health issues in children and teenagers. Natural disasters can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, while long-term exposure to heat, drought, and poor air quality increases the risks of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, aggression, and cognitive impairment. The report emphasizes the urgent need for action and recommends measures such as protective facilities in schools, climate change education, and early screening for climate-related distress among youth.