NIMH Pages about NIMH

Publications about NIMH

About NIMH: This fact sheet describes the mission of NIMH and provides an overview of its work to reduce the burden of mental illness through research training, and information dissemination. Highlights major research areas and gives examples of clinical trials funded through NIMH
The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction: Learn about changes in the brain that occur during the teen years, and the significance of this stage of development.
NIMH Strategic Plan (Flyer): A summary of the National Institute of Mental Health Strategic Plan objectives.

Science News about NIMH

New NIH Funding for Two Autism Centers of Excellence: Press Release • April 02, 2013

The National Institutes of Health announced new funding for two Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE), bringing to eleven the number of ACE centers now being funded for up to five years.
NIH Study Shows People with Serious Mental Illnesses Can Lose Weight: Press Release • March 21, 2013

Losing weight is challenging for everyone. It can be particularly difficult for someone with a serious mental illness. An NIMH-funded clinical study proves that a modified diet and exercise program can work for people with serious mental illnesses. Participants lost 7 pounds more than controls—and continued to lose weight.
Twitter Chat on The Teen Brain—NIMH Experts Discuss Brain Awareness Week: Science Update • March 12, 2013

Miss the Twitter chat on the teen brain and Brain Awareness Week? Read the transcript.
Students Explore the Wonders of the Brain: Press Release • March 11, 2013

As part of the National Museum of Health and Medicine museum’s 14th annual Brain Awareness Week celebration, several hundred curious students from the Washington, D.C., area will have a chance to learn about what goes on inside the human brain, through a series of interactive exhibits led by scientists from eight institutes of the National Institutes of Health.
NIMH’s Dr. Aleksandra Vicentic: Sleep Brain Wave Key to Conquering Fear Memories: Science Update • March 08, 2013

An NIMH-funded research study in rats identifies a specific group of cells in the brainstem whose activation during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep helped in eradicating unwanted memories, paving the way for future therapeutics for these disorders.

Posts about NIMH

NIMH is committed to new and better treatments, but this will only happen by developing a more precise diagnostic system. Going forward, we will be supporting research projects that look across current categories – or sub-divide current categories – to begin to develop a better system. RDoC is nothing less than a plan to transform clinical practice by bringing a new generation of research to inform how we diagnose and treat mental disorders.

The Top Ten Research Advances of 2012

By Thomas Insel on December 10, 2012

Dr. Insel describes his top picks in research advances for 2012.

Preventing Suicide, One Employer at a Time

By Thomas Insel on August 01, 2012

Dr. Insel discusses recent efforts made by the NFL and other employers to help prevent suicides, and the importance of suicide prevention research.

Experimental Medicine

By Thomas Insel on June 12, 2012

Dr. Insel discusses the crisis of medication development for mental disorders.

Spotlight on Eating Disorders

By Thomas Insel on February 24, 2012

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week starts February 26. Dr. Insel discusses some surprising facts about these disorders, which are among the most fatal.

Meeting Summaries about NIMH

Using Stem Cells for Biological and Therapeutics Discovery in Mental Illness: April 24, 2012 – April 25, 2012
Bethesda, Maryland
On April 24-25, 2012, scientists from academia, government and the private sector met to discuss advances and challenges in using patient-derived reprogrammed cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced neuronal cells (iNCs), to identify molecular, cellular, and developmental alterations relevant to mental illnesses and possible utility in diagnostics and drug development.
Cognitive Training in Mental Disorders: Advancing the Science: April 09, 2012
Bethesda, Maryland
On April 9-10, 2012, NIMH convened a group of experts in cognitive training (CT) (also often referred to as cognitive remediation, CR), to review the current state of evidence for efficacy of CT approaches, discuss interventions currently in development, identify challenges to this line of research and research gaps, and learn of efforts to adopt CT interventions in clinical practice.
Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health: Integration and Implementation in Research, Policy, and Practice: April 02, 2012
Bethesda, Maryland
Summary of Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health: Integration and Implementation in Research, Policy, and Practice meeting.
Navigating Your Way through a Successful Research Career: An NIMH Workshop for Early Stage Investigators: July 05, 2011 – July 06, 2011
Rockville, Maryland
On July 5-6, 2011, the Office for Research on Disparities and Global Mental Health (ORDGMH), in the Office of the Director of NIMH, sponsored a workshop for early stage investigators currently supported by Diversity and Re-entry Supplements, to provide the investigators with the tools necessary to continue along the path of competitive research support and the transition to independence. The workshop aimed to instill the importance of producing innovative research within the overall mission of the NIMH in these promising early career researchers. Content of the workshop emphasized issues relating to grantsmanship and strategies for successfully navigating obstacles and developing potential solutions on the journey to a successful research career.
Professional Coalition for Research Progress: 2011 Meeting: April 13, 2011
Washington, D.C.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) convened the seventh annual Professional Coalition for Research Progress Meeting (Coalition) on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The meeting served as an opportunity for representatives from professional organizations with an interest in NIMH research to hear about advances in mental health research and current and new research directions and strategies for NIMH; to network with colleagues; and, to interact with and express their views directly to the NIMH Director, Thomas Insel, M.D. and senior-level staff.

Director’s Updates about NIMH

Mental Disorders as Brain Disorders: Thomas Insel at TEDxCaltech

April 23, 2013

NIMH Director Thomas Insel discusses recent advances in neuroscience in a TED Talk presentation delivered at Caltech in January 2013.

Continue Reading… »

NIMH on the National Dialogue on Mental Health

January 17, 2013

NIMH on the National Dialogue on Mental Health

Continue Reading… »

NIMH Clinical Director Receives Prestigious Leadership Award

November 15, 2012

NIMH clinical director Dr. Maryland Pao has been named the 2012 recipient of the Simon Wile Leadership in Consultation Award by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

Continue Reading… »

NIMH Employees Honored with 2012 NIH Director’s Awards