American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association represents 35,000 U.S. and international "medical specialists who are qualified, or in the process of becoming qualified, as psychiatrists." 

The APA and Nicotine Addiction
The American Psychiatric Association has concluded that nicotine is addictive. (Barron's 5/16/95). The APA published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) in 1994 (DSM-IV). The DSM-IV includes nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal, both listed as disorders. Nicotine withdrawal was defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III-R (Third Edition--Revised) in 1987 as an element of tobacco dependence. See Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, TTLA Almanac - Glossary.

Drugs and Doctors
Former New England Journal of Medicine editor Jerome Kassirer noted in February 2006 that the American Psychiatric Association meeting in Toronto in June will feature no fewer than 46 symposia sponsored by drug companies that make antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs.

These symposia are "special events, usually lectures by leaders in the field, sponsored by drug and device companies and typically held before the official program or in the evening following the day's usual program. Nice snacks and drinks are often served and sometimes dinner also," Kassirer wrote. 

Contact details
1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825, Arlington, Va. 22209-3901 phone: 703-907-7300 Email: apa AT psych.org Web: http://www.psych.org/index.cfm