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Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders affect millions globally. The National Academies study prevention, diagnosis, and access to care to improve outcomes and reduce stigma. 

What's happening

Trading Secrets: What Brain Science and AI Can Learn from Each Other

Impact Story

Due to the rapid rise and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, ClaudeAI, and DeepSeek over the past several years, the National Academies’ Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders (Neuroscience Forum) set out to explore how knowledge about the brain could potentially shape better AI models, and, conversely, how AI models might help us learn more about the brain.

Mar 19, 2025

Is it true that cannabis can treat diverse diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to cancer to PTSD?

Based on Science

For most health conditions, not enough research has been done to know whether cannabis can help treat disease or improve associated symptoms.

Apr 15, 2020
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Can cannabis use cause schizophrenia?

Based on Science

The relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia is complex. Research indicates that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, but it’s not clear if cannabis causes the condition.

Apr 15, 2020
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Featured Publications

Featured work

Adaptive Capacities for Transformation (ACT) Initiative

Educational/Outreach Activity

In Formation

Strategies to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care Services through Medicare and Medicaid

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Assessment of NIH Research on Women's Health

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Evaluating the Effects of Opioids and Benzodiazepines on All-Cause Mortality in Veterans

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Peer Review of A Report Commissioned by the Social Security Administration on Required Mental Health Requirements for Selected Occupations

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Investigating the Potential Impact of COVID-19 on the Careers of Women in Academic Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Committee on Integrating New Behavioral Health Measures into the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Data Collection Programs

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Selected Health Conditions and Likelihood of Improvement with Treatment

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

The Science of Changing Behavioral Health Social Norms

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Workplace Barriers, Solutions, and Policies for STEM and STEM Education Professionals and Postsecondary Students with Disabilities

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Units

Standing Committee on the Use of Emerging Science for Environmental Health Decisions

Standing Committee

Completed

Committee on Toxicology

Standing Committee

Completed

Environmental Health Matters Initiative

Initiative

Completed

Center for Health, People, and Places (CHPP)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Biomedical and Health Sciences Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Health Care and Public Health Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Extensive series of patients, doctors and nurses of various ages and ethnicities in a modern exam room. Used for: A Long COVID Definition A Chronic, Systemic Disease State with Profound Consequences

Committee on Science, Technology, and Law

Standing Committee

In Progress

Social and Economic Systems Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Happy and smiling multiracial family with grandparents by the beach in New England

Forum to Address Attacks on Health Professionals

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress
Forum to Address Attacks on Health Professionals banner.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT61176917E511453DA4D62CCB836FBFEF/native?cb=_cache_daba&format=webp&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Magnified body's raw materials, stem cells
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