Advancing Pediatric Psychiatry Research: Linking Neurobiological Processes to Novel Treatment and Diagnosis Through the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Project

This article reviews the literature related to progress in child psychiatry, development of RDoC, and the role of genetic research in the advancement of other areas of medicine. Limited diagnostic and treatment advances have occurred in child psychiatry over recent decades, particularly in comparison to other medical fields. The rapidly evolving fields of molecular genetics, neurobiology, and behavioral science offer substantial promise for refining diagnosis and treatment modalities. Utilizing the advancement of care for other pediatric conditions such as cystic fibrosis and pediatric cancer as guides, this article outlines how RDoC may contribute to similar advancements for pediatric mental illness. Although requiring a paradigm shift and the building of novel transdisciplinary collaborations that incorporate clinicians, basic scientists, pharmaceutical companies, families and advocacy groups, the integration of RDoC into child psychiatry clinical research offers significant potential to advance diagnostic specificity, improve treatment, and decrease mental health stigma.
Source: Therapeutic Innovation and Regulatory Science - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Special Section on Pediatrics Source Type: research