meetara-lab/vectorstore-mental_health huggingface dataset:
NIMH celebrated its 75th anniversary. A yearlong program of events launched with the inaugural scientific symposium, “The Evolution of Mental Health Research.” Over the anniversary year, NIMH sponsored numerous activities, including symposiums, lectures, and sessions at scientific meetings. NIMH also shared stories of discovery and inspiration from its past, present, and future.

For more information, stories, and highlighted research, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/75years

2021

2022

2023

34 Future Directions O ver the last 75 years, NIMH has been at the forefront of scientific 

advances that have transformed our understanding of mental illnesses and generated evidence-based approaches to mental health care. Our successes are a testament to the hard work, bright minds, and innovative 

spirit of those contributing to the institute’s mission.
spirit of those contributing to the institute’s mission.

Looking back on the many NIMH-supported advancements gives reason to celebrate and provides perspective for moving forward. Mental illnesses are common, affecting tens of millions of people in the United States—and worldwide— each year. Suicide remains an urgent public health concern and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. 

We need to continue to drive research that defines the biological underpinnings of these disorders and the ongoing translational and clinical research to turn that knowledge into effective treatment options. Although we cannot predict the next public health emergency or the complex scientific questions that will arise, we can prepare to meet such challenges by setting an ambitious research agenda and building a talented, diverse cohort of mental health researchers to see it through.
The evolving NIMH Strategic Plan for Research maps our path. We have charted numerous routes—from basic research to translational efforts to clinical studies testing novel approaches in community settings. We are also ready to adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Over the next 75 years and beyond, NIMH will continue to prioritize excellent science that brings hope and solutions to people with mental illnesses, their families, and their communities. We remain mindful of the journey ahead and draw strength from the hope that drives us forward. 

Learn more about the NIMH Strategic Plan for Research at www.nimh.nih.gov/strategicplan

35 NIMH Directors

Name

Robert H. Felix

Stanley F. Yolles

Bertram S. Brown

Francis N. Waldrop (Acting)

Herbert Pardes

Larry Silver (Acting)

Shervert H. Frazier

Frank J. Sullivan (Acting)

Lewis L. Judd

Alan I. Leshner (Acting)

Frederick K. Goodwin

Rex William Cowdry (Acting)

Steven E. Hyman

Richard K. Nakamura (Acting)
Shervert H. Frazier

Frank J. Sullivan (Acting)

Lewis L. Judd

Alan I. Leshner (Acting)

Frederick K. Goodwin

Rex William Cowdry (Acting)

Steven E. Hyman

Richard K. Nakamura (Acting)

Thomas R. Insel

Bruce Cuthbert (Acting)

Joshua A. Gordon

Tenure

1949–1964

1964–1970

1970–1977

1977–1978

1978–1984

1984

1984–1986

1986–1988

1988–1990

1990–1992

1992–1994

1994–1996

1996–2001

2001–2002

2002–2015

2015–2016

2016–Present

36 Learn More About NIMH History

The following sources provide more information on NIMH and its history:

Origin Story Brand, J. L. (1965). The National Mental Health Act of 1946: A retrospect. Bulletin of the History of 

Medicine, 39(3), 231−245.

Grob, G. N. (1996). Creation of the National Institute of Mental Health. Public Health Reports, 111(4), 

378−381.

Scientific Research Axelrod, J. (1986). Doing research in the intramural program of the National Institutes of Health. 

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 29(3), 131−137.
378−381.

Scientific Research Axelrod, J. (1986). Doing research in the intramural program of the National Institutes of Health. 

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 29(3), 131−137.

Cohen, R. A. (1984). Studies on the etiology of schizophrenia. In DeWitt Stetten, Jr., & W.T. Carrigan (Eds.), NIH: An account of research in its laboratories and clinics (pp. 13−34). Academic Press.

Ellenberg, J. H. (1997). A conversation with Morton Kramer. Statistical Science, 12(2), 103−107. Ferreras, I. G. (Ed.). (2004). Mind, brain, body, and behavior: Foundations of neuroscience and 

behavioral research at the National Institutes of Health. IOS Press. 

Insel, T. R., & Landis, S. C. (2013). Twenty-five years of progress: The view from NIMH and NINDS. 

Neuron. 80(3), 561−567.

Kopin, I. J. (1984). Neurotransmitters and neuropsychopharmacology. In DeWitt Stetten, Jr., & 

W. T. Carrigan (Eds.), NIH: An account of research in its laboratories and clinics (pp. 36−47). Academic Press.
W. T. Carrigan (Eds.), NIH: An account of research in its laboratories and clinics (pp. 36−47). Academic Press.

Pickren, W. E., & Schneider, S. F. (Eds.). (2005). Psychology and the National Institute of 

Mental Health: A historical analysis of science, practice, and policy. American Psychological Association.

Organizational History Brown, B. S. (1998). NIMH before (1946-1970) and during the tenure of director Bertram S. 

Brown, M.D. (1970-1978): The early years and the public health mission. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 9−13.

Brown, B. S., & Okura, K. P. (1995). A brief history of the center for minority group mental health programs at the National Institute of Mental Health. In Charles V. Willie, Patricia Perri Rieker, Bernard M. Kramer, & Bertram S. Brown (Eds.), Mental health racism and sexism (pp. 397−426). Taylor & Francis.
37 Frazier, S. H. (1998). NIMH during the tenure of director Shervert H. Frazier, M.D. (1984-1986): The mental disorder-based reorganization and research on schizophrenia and severe mental disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 20−24.

Goodwin, F. K. (1998). NIMH during the tenure of director Frederick K. Goodwin, M.D. (1992-1994): The 

return to NIH and the fight for parity. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 32−35.

Hyman, S. E. (1998). NIMH during the tenure of director Steven E. Hyman, M.D. (1996-present): 

The now and future of NIMH. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 36−40.

Judd, L. L. (1998). Historical highlights of the National Institute of Mental Health from 1946 to the 

present. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 3−8.
Judd, L. L. (1998). Historical highlights of the National Institute of Mental Health from 1946 to the 

present. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 3−8.

Judd, L. L. (1998). NIMH during the tenure of director Lewis L. Judd, M.D. (1987-1990): The decade of the brain and the four national research plans. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 25−31. Pardes, H. (1998). NIMH during the tenure of director Herbert Pardes, M.D. (1978-1984): The 

president’s commission on mental health and the reemergence of NIMH’s scientific mission. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(9), 14−19.

Segal, J. (Ed.). (1975). Research in the service of mental health: Report of the research task force 

of the National Institute of Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health.
Segal, J. (Ed.). (1975). Research in the service of mental health: Report of the research task force 

of the National Institute of Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health.

Shaping National Mental Health Policy Foley, H. A. (1975). Community mental health legislation: The formative process. Lexington Books. Foley, H. A., & Sharfstein, S. S. (1983). Madness and government: Who cares for the mentally ill? 

American Psychiatric Press.

Grob, G. N. (1987). The forging of mental health policy in America: World War II to new frontier. 

Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, 42(4), 410−446.

Grob, G. N. (2000). Mental health policy in late twentieth century America. In Roy W. Menninger & John C. Nemiah (Eds.), American psychiatry after World War II (1944-1994) (pp. 232−258). American Psychiatric Press.

Grob, G. N., & Goldman, H. H. (2006). The dilemma of federal mental health policy: Radical 

reform or incremental change? Rutgers University Press.
Grob, G. N., & Goldman, H. H. (2006). The dilemma of federal mental health policy: Radical 

reform or incremental change? Rutgers University Press.

Insel, T. (2022). Healing: Our path from mental illness to mental health. Penguin Press. Kolb, L. C., Frazier, S. H., & Sirovatka, P. (2000). The National Institute of Mental Health: Its influence on psychiatry and the nation’s mental health. In Roy W. Menninger & John C. Nemiah (Eds.), American psychiatry after World War II (1944-1994) (pp. 207−231). American Psychiatric Press.

For complete documentation of the information in this publication, consult:

Office of NIH History & Stetten Museum https://history.nih.gov 

National Library of Medicine www.nlm.nih.gov

38 The following are registered service marks and trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

• Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study 

• Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® 

and The BRAIN Initiative®
• Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study 

• Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® 

and The BRAIN Initiative®

• ACCELERATING MEDICINES PARTNERSHIP®

• Helping to End Addiction Long-term®

This publication was made possible by the NIMH 75th Anniversary Steering Committee and Working Groups; former and current NIMH staff; the NIMH research community; and those who shared their expertise, experience, and stories.

This information was reviewed by historical consultant and historian Dr. Kenneth Durr.

With the exception of the images, the information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. You may not reuse or copy the images. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright.

40 Contact the National Institute of Mental Health 6001 Executive Boulevard
40 Contact the National Institute of Mental Health 6001 Executive Boulevard 

MSC 9663 

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov www.nimh.nih.gov

Follow us on social media:

www.nimh.nih.gov/socialmedia

NIH Publication No. 23-MH-8213

[Table Data]


[Table: table_2_1] | About NIMH The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Vision NIMH envisions a world in which mental illnesses are prevented and cured. Mission NIMH aims to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. | Col1 | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | |



[Table: table_39_1] | Col0 | 36 | | --- | --- |
[Table: table_39_1] | Col0 | 36 | | --- | --- |



[Table: table_39_2] | Name | Tenure | | --- | --- | | Robert H. Felix | 1949–1964 | | Stanley F. Yolles | 1964–1970 | | Bertram S. Brown | 1970–1977 | | Francis N. Waldrop (Acting) | 1977–1978 | | Herbert Pardes | 1978–1984 | | Larry Silver (Acting) | 1984 | | Shervert H. Frazier | 1984–1986 | | Frank J. Sullivan (Acting) | 1986–1988 | | Lewis L. Judd | 1988–1990 | | Alan I. Leshner (Acting) | 1990–1992 | | Frederick K. Goodwin | 1992–1994 | | Rex William Cowdry (Acting) | 1994–1996 | | Steven E. Hyman | 1996–2001 | | Richard K. Nakamura (Acting) | 2001–2002 | | Thomas R. Insel | 2002–2015 | | Bruce Cuthbert (Acting) | 2015–2016 | | Joshua A. Gordon | 2016–Present |
[Table: table_42_1] | Col0 | The following are registered service marks and trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): • Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study • Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® and The BRAIN Initiative® • ACCELERATING MEDICINES PARTNERSHIP® • Helping to End Addiction Long-term® This publication was made possible by the NIMH 75th Anniversary Steering Committee and Working Groups; former and current NIMH staff; the NIMH research community; and those who shared their expertise, experience, and stories. This information was reviewed by historical consultant and historian Dr. Kenneth Durr. With the exception of the images, the information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. You may not reuse or copy the images. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our
the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. You may not reuse or copy the images. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright. 40 | | --- | --- |
Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health

Don’t wait for a health care provider to ask about your mental health. 

Start the conversation. Here are five tips to help prepare and guide you 

on talking to a health care provider about your mental health and getting 

the most out of your visit.

1. Talk to a primary care provider.

If you don’t know where to start for help, you may want to consider bringing up your mental health concerns during your appointment with a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP is a health care practitioner people see for common medical problems, and this person is often a doctor. However, a PCP may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner.
Mental health is an integral part of health, and people with mental disorders can often be at risk for other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. In many primary care settings, you may be asked if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, or if you have had thoughts of suicide. Even if your PCP doesn’t ask you first, take this opportunity to talk to your PCP, who can help refer you to a mental health professional. You also can visit the NIMH Find Help for Mental Illnesses webpage for help finding a health care provider or treatment.

2. Prepare ahead of your visit.

Health care providers have a limited time for each appointment, so it may be helpful to think of your questions or concerns beforehand. ● Prepare your questions. Make a list of what you want to discuss and any questions or concerns

you might have. This worksheet may help you prepare your questions or concerns.
you might have. This worksheet may help you prepare your questions or concerns.

● Prepare a list of your medications. It’s important to tell your health care provider about all the

medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. This worksheet can help you track your medications.

● Review your family history. Certain mental illnesses tend to run in families and having a relative

with a mental disorder could mean you’re at higher risk. Knowing your family mental health history can help determine your risk for certain disorders. It can also help your health care provider recommend actions for reducing your risk and enable you and your provider to look for early warning signs. 3. Consider bringing a friend or relative.
It can be difficult to absorb all the information your health care provider shares, especially if you are not feeling well. Sometimes it’s helpful to bring a close friend or relative to your appointment. A companion can be there for support, help you take notes, and remember what you and the provider discussed. They also might be able to offer input to your provider about how they think you are doing. Some people like having a friend or family member there throughout an appointment, while others prefer to first meet alone with a health care provider and then have a trusted friend or relative join them when recommendations for treatments are discussed.

4. Be honest.
4. Be honest.

Your health care provider can help you get better only if you have open and honest communication. It is important to remember that discussions between you and a health care provider are private and cannot be shared with anyone without your expressed permission. Describe all your symptoms to your provider and be specific about when they started, how severe they are, and how often they occur. You should also share any major stressors or recent life changes that could be triggering or exacerbating your symptoms.
Symptoms of mental illnesses may include: ● Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood ● Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism ● Irritability ● Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness ● Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities ● Decreased energy or fatigue ● Moving or talking more slowly ● Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still ● Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions ● Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping ● Appetite or weight changes (or both) ● Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts ● Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear

physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

5. Ask questions.
physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

5. Ask questions.

If you have questions or concerns, ask the health care provider for more information about the mental health diagnosis or treatment. If a provider suggests a treatment option that you’re not comfortable or familiar with, express your concerns and ask if there are other options. You may decide to try a combination of treatment approaches and want to consider getting another opinion from a different health care provider. It’s important to remember that there is no “one- size-fits-all” treatment. To find one that works best for you, you may need to talk to a few other health care providers to find someone you are comfortable with and try several different treatments or a combination of treatments.

NIH Publication No. 22-MH-8094

www.nimh.nih.gov Follow NIMH on Social Media @NIMHgov
PDF file: PANS AND PANDAS.pdf (content extraction failed)
PDF file: boarderline personality disorder.pdf (content extraction failed)
Schizophrenia

National Institute of Mental Health What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may appear to have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and their family and friends. The symptoms of schizophrenia can make it difficult to participate in usual, everyday activities, but effective treatments are available. Treatment can help people remain in school, maintain employment, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.

What are the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?
What are the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia and seek help as early as possible. People with schizophrenia are usually diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of psychosis. Starting treatment as soon as possible following the first episode of psychosis is an important step toward recovery. However, research shows that gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often appear before the first episode of psychosis. Schizophrenia is rare in younger children.

Schizophrenia symptoms can differ from person to person, but they generally fall into three main categories: psychotic, negative, and cognitive.

Psychotic symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms can differ from person to person, but they generally fall into three main categories: psychotic, negative, and cognitive.

Psychotic symptoms

Psychotic symptoms include changes in the way a person thinks, acts, and experiences the world. A person experiencing psychotic symptoms often has disrupted thoughts and perceptions, and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not. For some people, these symptoms come and go. For others, the symptoms become stable over time. Psychotic symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder.

 ► Hallucinations are when a person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels 

things that are not there. Hearing voices is common among people with schizophrenia. People who hear voices may hear them for a long time before family or friends notice a problem.

 ► Delusions are when a person has strong beliefs that are not objectively
► Delusions are when a person has strong beliefs that are not objectively 

true and may seem irrational to others. For example, individuals experiencing delusions may believe that people on the radio and television are sending special messages that require a certain response, or they may believe that they are in danger or that others are trying to hurt them. ► Thought disorder is when a person has ways of thinking that are unusual 

or illogical. People with thought disorder may have trouble organizing their thoughts and speech. They may stop talking in the middle of a thought, jump from topic to topic, or make up words that have no meaning.

Negative symptoms

Negative symptoms include loss of motivation, loss of interest or enjoyment in daily activities, withdrawal from social life, difficulty showing emotions, and difficulty functioning normally. Negative symptoms include:

 ► Having trouble planning and sticking with routine activities, such as 

grocery shopping
► Having trouble planning and sticking with routine activities, such as 

grocery shopping

 ► Having trouble anticipating and being motivated by pleasure in 

everyday life

 ► Talking in a dull voice and showing limited facial expression

 ► Avoiding social interaction or interacting in socially awkward ways

 ► Having very low energy and spending a lot of time in passive activities. In extreme cases, a person might stop moving or talking for periods of time, which is a rare condition called catatonia.

These negative symptoms are sometimes mistaken for symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses.

Cognitive symptoms
These negative symptoms are sometimes mistaken for symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses.

Cognitive symptoms

Cognitive symptoms include problems with attention, concentration, and memory. These symptoms can make it hard to follow a conversation, learn new things, or remember appointments. A person’s level of cognitive functioning is one of the best predictors of their day-to-day functioning. Health care providers use specific tests to evaluate cognitive functioning. Cognitive symptoms include:

 ► Having trouble processing information to make decisions

 ► Having trouble using information immediately after learning it

 ► Having trouble focusing or paying attention Risk of violence
► Having trouble processing information to make decisions

 ► Having trouble using information immediately after learning it

 ► Having trouble focusing or paying attention Risk of violence

Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. Overall, people with schizophrenia are more likely than those without the illness to be harmed by others. For people with schizophrenia, the risk of self-harm and violence to others is most significant when the illness is untreated or co-occurs with alcohol or substance misuse. It is important to help people who are showing symptoms get treatment as quickly as possible.

Schizophrenia vs. dissociative identity disorder

Although some of the symptoms may seem similar on the surface, schizophrenia is not dissociative identity disorder (which used to be called multiple personality disorder or split personality). People with dissociative identity disorder have two or more independent identities with distinct behaviors and memories.