Research has transformed many areas of medicine, with profound
effects on morbidity and mortality. Exciting advances in
neuroscience and genomics have transformed research but have not
yet been translated to public health impact in psychiatry.
Current treatments are necessary but not sufficient for most
patients. To improve outcomes we will need to (1) identify the
neural circuitry of mental disorders, (2) detect the earliest
manifestations of risk or illness even before cognition or
behavior appear abnormal, (3) personalize care based on
individual responses, and (4) implement broader use of effective
psychosocial interventions. To address these objectives, NIMH,
working with its many stakeholders, developed a strategic plan
for research. The plan calls for research that will (1) define
the pathophysiology of disorders from genes to behavior, (2) map
the trajectory of illness to determine when, where, and how to
intervene to preempt disability, (3) develop new interventions
based on a personalized approach t