Project for a scientific psychiatry in the 21st century.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss potential advances in neuroscientific knowledge in the 21st century, enabling the realization of Freud's original vision of a basic biological science and an associated metapsychology.


RESULTS
The Australian Twin Study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has demonstrated the high heritability of the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as showing important genetic and environmental influences on comorbid conditions. Brain mapping techniques suggest that working memory, as measured by an A-X Continuous Performance Task, is important in ADHD.


METHODS
To outline the development of our own clinical research into ADHD, and the potential for future behaviour and molecular genetic approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
The 21st century promises new and exciting developments in phenomenology, genetics, and neuroscientific understandings in Child Psychiatry.
Levy
Florence
F
Avoca Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. f.levy@unsw.edu.au
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000639:trends*