The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) plays a crucial role in advancing research and understanding of mental health disorders. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIMH focuses on both the biological and behavioral aspects of mental illness and behavioral disorders. It was established to address the growing awareness of mental health issues, especially among returning World War II soldiers, and to promote research that leads to the prevention, recovery, and treatment of mental illnesses. Understanding how to properly cite NIMH resources is essential for individuals and professionals who rely on its publications and online materials for information and research.
The Role and History of NIMH
The National Institute of Mental Health was created in response to a significant need for psychiatric care in the United States. The National Mental Health Act of 1946, signed by President Harry S. Truman, authorized the Surgeon General to conduct research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This act marked a pivotal moment in the recognition of mental health as a critical public health issue. The National Institute of Mental Health was officially established on April 15, 1949, with the goal of becoming a leading force in mental health research and policy.
Since its inception, NIMH has been at the forefront of research on mental health. It supports and conducts studies that explore the biological and behavioral factors contributing to mental illness. The institute's mission is not only to understand these conditions but also to develop effective treatments and interventions that can be applied in clinical settings. This commitment to research and evidence-based practices has made NIMH a trusted and authoritative source of information on mental health in the United States.
Citing NIMH Resources
When using NIMH publications or webpages, it is important to follow specific guidelines for proper citation. These guidelines ensure that the information is attributed correctly and that readers can access the original sources if needed. NIMH materials are authored by the “National Institute of Mental Health” unless an individual is specified, such as in the case of the Director’s Messages. The publisher for all NIMH materials should be listed as “U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health.” If an individual is the author, such as the Director’s Messages, the citation should also include “National Institute of Mental Health” at the end.
For print or digital publications, such as brochures, fact sheets, and infographics, the publication name and identifier number should be included. The identifier number can typically be found on the back cover or last page of the publication. For webpages, it is necessary to provide the page title, URL, and retrieval date. If the webpage has a “Last Reviewed” date, this should also be included. It is important to note that the retrieval date is particularly relevant for webpages, as the content may change over time.
When citing a publication or identifier number, if the date is not explicitly shown on the work, it can usually be found in the first two digits of the publication or identifier number. For example, if the publication number is 25-MH-8090, the publication date is 2025. For webpages, the date should be taken from the “Last Reviewed” date located at the bottom of the page.
It is also important to remember that images from NIMH content cannot be copied or used for other purposes, even if properly cited. If you need to use images from NIMH materials, you should contact the NIMH Information Resource Center at 1-866-615-6464 or [email protected] for further information and permission.
Examples of NIMH Citations
To help illustrate how to cite NIMH resources, several examples are provided. For online publications, the citation should include the title of the publication, the author (National Institute of Mental Health), the year of publication, and the URL. For example, an online publication titled “I’m So Stressed Out!” would be cited as follows:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). I’m So Stressed Out! Infographic (NIMH Identifier No. OM 20-4319). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic/so-stressed-out-infographic.pdf
For a strategic plan publication, the citation would include the publication title, the year it was published, and the URL. An example of this would be:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, May). National Institute of Mental Health Strategic Plan for Research (NIH Publication No. 20-MH-8096). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/about/strategic-planning-reports/NIMHStrategicPlanforResearch2023Update.pdf
Print publications should also be cited with the title, the author, the year of publication, and the URL where it can be accessed. For example, a publication on depression would be cited as follows:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression
Ensuring Credibility and Peer Review
The credibility of NIMH resources is enhanced by the institute's commitment to peer-reviewed research and evidence-based practices. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the NIH, which is the largest biomedical research agency in the world. The institute conducts peer review meetings for special initiatives and programs, and it is responsible for the award and oversight of NIMH grants and cooperative agreements. This rigorous process ensures that the information disseminated by NIMH is reliable and based on scientific evidence.
Additionally, the NIMH Data Archive (NDA) provides access to human subjects data collected from numerous research projects. This archive serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals in the field of mental health. The availability of this data supports the development of new treatments and interventions by allowing for in-depth analysis and comparison of findings across different studies.
Conclusion
The National Institute of Mental Health plays a vital role in the field of mental health by conducting and supporting research that leads to the prevention, recovery, and treatment of mental illnesses. Understanding how to properly cite NIMH resources is essential for individuals and professionals who rely on its publications and online materials. By following the guidelines provided, users can ensure that their citations are accurate and that they give proper credit to the source of the information. This not only upholds academic integrity but also allows for the continued dissemination of reliable and credible information in the field of mental health.