APA Celebrates 175th Anniversary Today

APA is 175 years old today.On October 16, 1844, 13 superintendents of U.S. institutions for people with mental illness came together in Philadelphia for a four-day meeting that led to the creation of the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane. In 1892, the Association ’s name was changed to the American Medico-Psychological Association, and in 1921 it became the American Psychiatric Association.“APA’s founders were determined to provide their patients with psychosocial care in a humane environment,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “They gathered to talk about the common challenges they faced and to advance treatments to improve the lives of their patients. In the 175 years since, APA and its members have worked to promote the highest quality of care for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.” Over the past 175 years, APA has advanced the field of psychiatry by promoting research, advocating at the federal and state levels for equitable treatment of people with mental illness and substance use disorders, standing up for the rights of people with mental illness in the courts, and educating the public about mental illness and the effectiveness of treatment. Documents and other resources related to APA ’s rich history are preserved in the Melvin Sabshin, M.D. Library& Archives at APA headquarters in Washington, D.C.Highlights of APA ’s history include the following:In 1917 the American ...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: 175th Anniversary 1844 American Psychiatric Association APA APA History October 16 Philadelphia Source Type: research