News and Notes for APA District Branches/State Associations
April 2022
What’s New at the APA
- APA released the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). DSM-5-TR includes the fully revised text and references of the DSM-5, as well as updated diagnostic criteria and ICD-10-CM insurance codes. It features a new disorder, Prolonged Grief Disorder, as well as codes for suicidal behavior and nonsuicidal self-injury. The DSM-5-TR will continue to be updated online via the same process used for the DSM-5 since 2013. Read more about the DSM-5-TR here and purchase a copy here.
- APA released a statement calling for fair and equitable treatment for patients with mental health and substance use disorders in the wake of the Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling that overturned a February 2019 decision in Wit v. United Behavioral Health. The 2019 decision that found United Behavioral Health (UBH) had violated its fiduciary duty by making coverage decisions based on financial interests rather than medical standards was seen as a victory for mental health parity enforcement. You can read APA’s full statement on the Wit decision here.
- APA is part of a full nationwide preparedness campaign aimed at easing the transition from the current National Suicide Hotline to the new 988 crisis hotline. APA and other members of the CEO Alliance for Mental Health will push for the adoption of a roadmap for mental health crisis response before the launch of the 988 hotline on July 16th. You can read more about 988 and the preparedness roadmap from the CEO Alliance for Mental Health here.
- As pandemic restrictions are being lifted in many localities, a majority of Americans report their mood remaining stable and adopting better habits, according to the latest Healthy Minds Monthly administered by APA and Morning Consult. Some people have adopted bad habits however, with 1 in 5 respondents reporting an increase in smoking or drinking. You can read more about America's changing habits as pandemic restrictions are lifted here, and read the results in Spanish here.
Key Dates and Observances
APA Communications staff maintains a calendar of key dates, observances and events at APA and in the world of mental health in general. The calendar is kept up to date a few months in advance. You can view the calendar and keep track of important mental health dates and observances here.
Social Media Assets
APA is sharing infographics on disorders and its Healthy Minds Monthly polls for distribution on social media. Take a look at what’s available here.
April Course of the Month – Climate Psychiatry: What Every Psychiatrist Should Know
This course will review pertinent topics at the interface between climate change and mental health, including acute and chronic stress disorders after climate disasters, relationships between heat and aggression, mental health emergencies, and suicide, impacts of air pollution on anxiety, neuropsychiatric developmental disorders, and dementia, as well as define emerging terms in the field and discuss their clinical implications, such as “eco-anxiety” and "nature deficit disorder.”
Click here to access the Course of the Month and sign up for updates about this free member benefit.
Registration Now Open
APA is gathering in-person for the first time since 2019, in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans! Join APA in-person May 21-25 for the 2022 Annual Meeting, the premier psychiatry event of the year. With more than 300 educational sessions covering 50+ topics, and up to 30 CME, APA’s Annual Meeting is the best place to connect with colleagues, get the latest in scientific advances, explore new exhibitor products and services, and meet your certification and licensure requirements.
This year's in-person program includes:
- 3 plenary sessions featuring distinguished keynote speakers
- 300 scientific sessions with live Q&A with presenters
- A new Clinical Updates Track featuring renowned experts presenting on the clinical issues within the field of psychiatry
- Poster Hall with up to 1,000 posters
Why attend the APA Annual Meeting? Hear from this year’s Scientific Program Committee in the SPC Launch Video.
Royal College International Congress
The American Psychiatric Association proudly supports the International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists—one of the most prestigious mental health events in the world. This year’s Congress will be the first in-person Congress in three years and a welcome chance to meet and network with colleagues again.
Please have a quick browse of the full program to fully appreciate the breadth and strength of what is on offer.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/events/congress/registration
Save the Date: Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K: Run, Walk, or Roll on July 9th
Save the date and get involved as we work to address mental health inequities facing young people of color, while honoring mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. Participate in the 5K in Washington, D.C on Saturday, July 9, 2022, when APA will host an in-person 5K run, walk, and roll at Anacostia Park, or join us virtually! More information is coming soon.
Advocate/Protégé Program (part of Leadership, Equity, and Diversity Institute)
the Advocate/Protégée Program of the LEAD Institute aims to refine APA/APAF SAMHSA Fellows' leadership skills by pairing them with APA leaders who share similar interests and will help foster professional growth and career development. Hallmarks of the program include: networking; technical and professional skill development; exposure to leadership experience; and first-in-line consideration to be advocated for opportunities to become APA leaders. Leaders within APA are a key part of the Fellows’ experience and are critical to the overall success of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program.
Just Released: APA DSM-5-TR – 20% Discount for Members
Developed with the help of more than 200 subject matter experts, DSM-5-TR includes revised text, clarifications to diagnostic criteria, incorporation of information on the impact of racism and discrimination on mental disorders, and updates to ICD-10-CM codes since 2013.
https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.03.3.28
Self-Assessment in Psychiatry
Practicing psychiatrists and residents interested in assessing their level of knowledge regarding current psychiatric practice and clinical advances can complete the 2022 APA Annual Meeting Self-Assessment in Psychiatry . The self-assessment is a series of 100 questions developed to self-assess current knowledge in major topics in psychiatry, providing feedback that can be used to streamline your experience at the APA Annual Meeting. Members who complete the activity will be able to earn a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and self-assessment credit for MOC Part II.
https://education.psychiatry.org/diweb/catalog/item/eid/C2200101
Now Accepting Applications for Fellows of the APA (FAPA) – Deadline September 1
Fellows of the APA (FAPA) are members of a select group dedicated to shaping the role of psychiatry in our healthcare system. Becoming a Fellow is an honor that reflects your dedication to the profession and is recognized by your peers as a mark of your leadership in the field of psychiatry. Learn more and, if eligible, apply today.
Review Qualification Requirements
Watch APA’s Video Series on Common Mental Health Disorders
This year, APA is releasing a new series of videos on common mental health disorders. Watch the current videos on anxiety, depression, knowing the signs of addiction, and the latest video on climate change and mental health.