American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the main professional organization of psychiatrists in the United States, founded in 1844 as the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane by thirteen superintendents in Philadelphia.[1][2][3] It changed names to the American Medico-Psychological Association in 1893 and adopted its current name in 1921, becoming incorporated in 1927.[1] The APA advances psychiatric practice, research, and education, notably through its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).[3][4]