Serious Mental Illness
Serious Mental Illness
In an editorial discussing serious mental illness, Dr. Richard McCarthy, the American Psychological Association Executive Director for Science, points out that "serious mental illness is a neglected research topic among all but a few psychological scientists." He describes the preface to the volume, "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General," which was published in December 1999, in which Dr. David Satcher clearly summarized the current state of affairs. Dr. Satcher wrote, "This report makes evident that the neuroscience of mental health -- a term that encompasses studies extending from molecular events to psychological, behavioral, and societal phenomena -- has emerged as one of the most exciting arenas of scientific activity and human inquiry."
Continuing the task of dedicated research into serious mental illness is vital to the health of our nation as we move into the 21st century. The effects of serious mental illness can be quite an imposing force on the health status of many Americans and is in many ways a well-kept secret. The Global Burden of Disease study indicates that mental illness, including suicide, was second only to cardiovascular disease in its impact on disability in the developed nations of the world in 1990. Looking ahead to the next decade, the impact of mental illnesses on disability throughout the world will be even greater.
Dr. McCarthy supports "advancing a balanced research agenda at NIMH that promotes the application of basic behavioral research findings to address the challenges of serious mental illness." A recent report, entitled "Translating Behavioral Science Into Action," was prepared for the National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC) by its Behavioral Science Workgroup. This report provides a clear and compelling blueprint for fostering greater involvement of basic behavioral scientists in clinical research questions. The report may be found at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/tbsia/tbsiatoc.cfm. Soon after completion of the report, NIMH issued a program announcement on "Integrating the Basic Behavioral Sciences and Public Mental Health."
Three areas for translational research included in the report are:
Finally, Dr. McCarthy suggests that "researchers have much to learn by reaching out to consumers and family members for their unique perspectives on these devastating illnesses. The greatest hope for the future involves an active partnership between funders, scientists, consumers and family members such that research projects are firmly grounded in the real life experiences of those whose lives have been so profoundly affected by these diagnoses and the health-care system's treatment responses to them."
In an editorial discussing serious mental illness, Dr. Richard McCarthy, the American Psychological Association Executive Director for Science, points out that "serious mental illness is a neglected research topic among all but a few psychological scientists." He describes the preface to the volume, "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General," which was published in December 1999, in which Dr. David Satcher clearly summarized the current state of affairs. Dr. Satcher wrote, "This report makes evident that the neuroscience of mental health -- a term that encompasses studies extending from molecular events to psychological, behavioral, and societal phenomena -- has emerged as one of the most exciting arenas of scientific activity and human inquiry."
Continuing the task of dedicated research into serious mental illness is vital to the health of our nation as we move into the 21st century. The effects of serious mental illness can be quite an imposing force on the health status of many Americans and is in many ways a well-kept secret. The Global Burden of Disease study indicates that mental illness, including suicide, was second only to cardiovascular disease in its impact on disability in the developed nations of the world in 1990. Looking ahead to the next decade, the impact of mental illnesses on disability throughout the world will be even greater.
Dr. McCarthy supports "advancing a balanced research agenda at NIMH that promotes the application of basic behavioral research findings to address the challenges of serious mental illness." A recent report, entitled "Translating Behavioral Science Into Action," was prepared for the National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC) by its Behavioral Science Workgroup. This report provides a clear and compelling blueprint for fostering greater involvement of basic behavioral scientists in clinical research questions. The report may be found at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/tbsia/tbsiatoc.cfm. Soon after completion of the report, NIMH issued a program announcement on "Integrating the Basic Behavioral Sciences and Public Mental Health."
Three areas for translational research included in the report are:
How are basic behavioral processes altered in mental illnesses and how are these processes critical for improving diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention?
What impact do mental illnesses and various treatments have on the ability of people to function within their families and in school or the workplace?
What is the impact of social, cultural, and other environmental contexts on the etiology, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses?
Finally, Dr. McCarthy suggests that "researchers have much to learn by reaching out to consumers and family members for their unique perspectives on these devastating illnesses. The greatest hope for the future involves an active partnership between funders, scientists, consumers and family members such that research projects are firmly grounded in the real life experiences of those whose lives have been so profoundly affected by these diagnoses and the health-care system's treatment responses to them."