APA Journals Publish New Research on Treating Severe Depression and Suicide Risk

The American Psychiatric Association released its June 2026 journal issues featuring new research on treating severe depression and reducing suicide risk. The publications, the American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services, are available online.

The American Journal of Psychiatry's June issue focuses on ketamine as a treatment for major depressive disorder. One study examined how opioid signaling in the brain may help extend ketamine's effects against suicidal thoughts. Another paper reviewed somatic treatments, meaning physical interventions such as electrical stimulation, for patients at risk of suicide.

A third study addressed relapse prevention after electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. ECT is used for patients with severe depression who have not responded to other treatments. The research drew on expert consensus from clinicians around the world to identify the best strategies for keeping patients well after a successful course of ECT.

Psychiatric Services, the APA's second journal, published research on integrated behavioral health care for depression. One paper examined how embedding mental health services within primary care settings affects patient outcomes. Another study looked at employment trajectories for people with mental disorders.

A notable paper in Psychiatric Services explored the role of religion and spirituality in whether people with psychosis seek mental health care. The research found that religious beliefs and community connections influenced both the decision to seek help and the type of care people pursued.

The APA was founded in 1844 and has more than 39,200 members. Its journals are among the most widely read in psychiatry.