The interface of clinical psychopharmacology and psychopathology.
Four areas of common interest for clinical psychopharmacology and psychopathology are identified: (1) the diagnostic-based approach in clinical psychopharmacology; (2) the characterization of psychotropic drugs according the main psychopathologically defined target symptoms; (3) prediction of treatment response; (4) development of rating scales. The current state of research strategies in these areas is discussed and the need for new strategies is stressed. In particular, diagnosis-based research strategies in clinical psychopharmacology are not fully justified by empirical data; an alternative approach is discussed.
Benkert
O
O
Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.
Maier
W
W
D006801:Humans; D011599:Psychopathology; D011600:Psychopharmacology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs