It was a busy week for National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), with the National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC) convening on September 17-18, 2024, followed by the final 75th Anniversary Symposium, Inspiration and Aspiration: Future Perspectives in Mental Health Research, on September 20th.
NAMHC advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and the Director of NIMH on policies and activities related to mental health research, training, and programs. During the meeting, crucial updates were shared on NIMH’s funding trends, research activities, emerging mental health challenges, and leadership transitions within the institute.
[Review the NAMHC Agenda] [Watch the recorded VideoCast]
NIMH Budget Update
NIMH’s Legislative Director, Phyllis Ampofo, MPH provided an update on FY25 appropriations. NIMH is facing uncertain federal funding, with the FY25 budget expected to begin under a continuing resolution. The House has proposed $2.3B for NIMH, while the Senate is considering $2.7B, including a notable $275M increase for mental health research. Acting Director Shelli Avenevoli, PhD, noted that NIMH expects to fund over 600 new or competing research project awards in FY24, with a projected success rate of 22 percent, similar to FY23.
Science Highlights
- Early Psychosis Detection: A new study has identified cognitive and brain network connections that may help in the early detection and intervention of schizophrenia.
- PTSD Interventions: A large-scale trial demonstrated that collaborative care interventions were particularly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms among non-White patients.
- Preteen Suicide Trends: NIMH data revealed a troubling rise in preteen suicide rates, especially among Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native youths, with a notable increase in firearm-related suicides.
DSIR’s Role in Translational Research
The Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR) continues to play a key role in testing mental health treatments and transforming care systems. With 13 percent of NIMH’s extramural budget, DSIR has seen a steady increase in application submissions since 2016, with success rates comparable to other NIMH divisions. DSIR’s priorities include:
- Implementation Science and Health Equity: Developing interventions that address challenges in rural and underserved communities.
- Workforce Development: Supporting early-career researchers and ensuring a diverse research pipeline.
FABBS will continue to monitor the search for the new director and updates to the strategic plan.
75th Anniversary Symposium
On September 20, 2024, the NIMH hosted its final 75th Anniversary Symposium, “Inspiration and Aspiration: Future Perspectives in Mental Health Research.” Held at the National Archives building, the event attracted a diverse audience and featured presentations from emerging leaders and experts, showcasing innovative approaches to mental health challenges and discussing the future of mental health research.
Chyrell Bellamy, PhD, MSW, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, was the keynote speaker at the symposium. Bellamy gave an enriching speech titled “Embracing Lived Experience as the Future for Research,” emphasizing the importance of incorporating personal experiences into research methodologies.
