New patient guide for mood and anxiety disorders available to the public

A new book developed by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides readers with the evidence-based knowledge and tools to understand mood disorders and make informed decisions toward lasting mental health and well-being.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 21% of U.S. adults will experience a mood disorder at some point in their lives and 31% will experience an anxiety disorder. Despite the prevalence of mental illness in American society, many patients and families do not have access to evidence-based information on mental health.

Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D., and W. Edward Craighead, Ph.D., ABPP, in collaboration with the ADAA and APA, created the ADAA Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders to empower patients and their support networks.

“One in five Americans deals with a mood disorder at some point in their lives, and anxiety disorders are even more prevalent,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “Sharing the science behind anxiety and mood disorders will help more people understand that these are medical ailments, and they can be treated. We were pleased to team up with the ADAA to publish this important resource for patients and their families.”

“We are excited that ADAA experts in the fields of anxiety, depression, and related disorders have written an evidence-based, easy to read and comprehensive guide for the public that provides the knowledge and tools to help those struggling with these disorders and their support network to make informed decisions about treatment options. So many people in the U.S. and abroad suffer from a mood disorder, yet so few have the tools they need to find the right help. This guide provides those critical tools,” said Susan K. Gurley, ADAA Executive Director.

Throughout the guide, case studies illustrate important scientific information. Divided into six sections, the book features:

• Thorough descriptions of the various mental health disorders.
• A summary of evidence-based treatments, including pharmacological, neuromodulation (gentle electrical stimulation targeting nerves that help block pain signals from reaching the brain), and psychological.
• Detailed analysis of FDA-approved medications for psychiatric disorders.
• An exploration of emerging treatments, such as psychedelics, virtual reality therapy, and caring for special populations.

The ADAA’s Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders is available for purchase through APA Publishing.