The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a professional medical organization dedicated to advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health disorders in the United States. Established in 1844, the APA is the largest psychiatric organization in the world and one of the most influential medical associations in the United States. The APA is a leader in the development of diagnostic criteria, practice guidelines, and ethical guidelines for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
The American Psychiatric Association was founded in 1844 by a group of American physicians and psychiatrists who sought to create a professional organization for the advancement of mental health care. They established a code of medical ethics and a code of professional conduct to ensure ethical practice among members of the organization. Since its founding, the APA has been at the forefront of developing diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for mental health disorders. The APA was also instrumental in establishing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is now the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals around the world.
The mission of the APA is to promote the highest quality care and treatment of individuals with mental illness, to ensure access to mental health services, and to advance research, education, and training in the field of psychiatry. The APA also works to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to promote public awareness about mental health and its treatments. The APA holds an annual meeting and publishes a number of journals and publications, including the American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services, and Psychiatric News.
The APA is a leader in the development of practice guidelines for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals and provides continuing education and training opportunities. The APA also works to improve access to mental health services and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/about-apa/history
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Professional Practice Guidelines & Resources. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/professional-practice-guidelines-and-resources
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Publications. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/publications
Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2018). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.