Research
Information derived from research underpins the variety of interventions used in treating mental and addictive disorders and in promoting mental and behavioral health. Research guides innovations in the organization and structure of mental and addictive health service delivery systems. To a greater extent than ever before, research informs public and private sector policies that affect persons with mental illness and their families, as well as mental health care providers, insurers, and agencies at all levels of government.
As described in the links below, the American Psychiatric Association maintains a strong and growing in-house research capacity, one vital part of which draws on the expertise and energy of psychiatrists around the Nation who are participating members of APA’s Practice Research Network.
Through the two arms of APA’s research program described here – the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education (APIRE) and the Division of Research (DoR) – APA conducts mental health services and policy research. We play a key role in administering diverse research training programs for psychiatrists, support for which is provided by components of the federal National Institutes of Health, as well as by private sector sources. APA’s own American Psychiatric Foundation also provides support for certain research activities conducted and administered by the APIRE and DoR.
Research that is of interest to individuals in all of the mental health disciplines and professions as well as to readers outside the field involves studies and related activities relevant to refining the classification, or diagnostic, system for mental disorders as currently embodied in DSM-IV. APIRE now is engaged in a multi-year evaluation of scientific needs and opportunities to update future editions of the DSM. Continuous updates of this exciting research planning effort may be viewed at DSM-V.
We appreciate your visit to our research pages. Please contact us at apire@psych.org if you would like additional information on programs or activities described here.
Darrel A. Regier, M.D., M.P.H.
Executive Director, American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education
Director, American Psychiatric Association Division of Research
