The American Psychopathological Association, founded in 1910, is one of the oldest research organizations in North America. APPA is devoted to the scientific investigation of disordered human behavior, and its biological and psychosocial substrates. Its primary function is to sponsor an annual conference on a specific topic relevant to research in psychopathology. Leading investigators from the U.S. and abroad are invited to give original papers on the topic, which are later published as a book by the American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. (APPI).

This annual conference provides a unique opportunity for mental health specialists to learn about, discuss, and debate cutting edge issues in the topic area. It is open to all mental health professionals and trainees, as well as APPA members.

The annual conference is held in Manhattan beginning the first Thursday of March and ending on the following Saturday at noon. The next meeting, CAUSALITY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: FINDING THE DETERMINANTS OF DISORDERS AND THEIR CURES, will take place March 6-8, 2008. Click "2008 Program" link to view the program. Click "Registration form" to download the form in pdf format.

TRAVEL SUPPORT- Through an R13 grant submitted to NIMH, we hope to be able to help defray travel/housing expenses for a limited number of junior investigators (doctoral/medical students, and persons within 10 years of the receipt of their doctorate.). Although the award for the grant is not yet in hand, the prospects for funding are said to be good. Those interested in submitting requests for these travel/housing grant should see our travel support website.

The theme of the 2007 annual meeting was, GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND WELLNESS. Click "Past Programs" link to view the programs from prior years. The papers from this meeting are due to be published in the Spring of 2007.

Participants at the annual conference include students, mental health scientists and practitioners. Therefore another important APPA function is to provide a forum for high level professional and social contact between established investigators, younger researchers, interested clinicians, and trainees. Special registration rates are available for students attending the meeting.

Comprehensive Psychiatry is the official journal of the APPA. It is an international journal of research in psychopathology and publishes six issues annually. Reduced subscription rates are available to members of the APPA. For more information on this journal click Comprehensive Psychiatry link.