Past expectations, present disappointments, future hopes or psychopathology as the rate-limiting step of progress in psychopharmacology.
In 1974 I published a paper in which we predicted that biological depression research would lead to new, innovative antidepressants, to more sophisticated prescription of antidepressants and ultimately to 'functional psychopharmacology'. These expectations have not materialized. The reasons why are discussed and the conclusion is reached that there are reasons to believe that, belated, they will come true. I consider it no bold venture to uphold them. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & sons, Ltd.
Van Praag
H. M
HM
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.