Research Domain Criteria Project (RDoC)
an initiative that aims to guide the classification and understanding of mental disorders by revealing the basic processes that give rise to them
The Research Domain Criteria Project (RDoC) is an initiative launched by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2009, aimed at developing a new framework for researching mental disorders. The traditional diagnostic classification systems, such as the DSM, are based on descriptive diagnoses, which group together symptoms and behaviors into well-defined categories. However, such systems do not necessarily reflect the underlying mechanisms or causes of the disorders, and may not be consistently reliable or predictive.
The RDoC framework aims to move towards a more comprehensive, dimensional approach, based on the identification of specific, measurable domains of mental function, such as cognition, emotion, social behavior, and motor control. These domains are further broken down into specific constructs, such as working memory, response inhibition, reward processing, and anxiety. Each construct is defined by a set of observable features or functions, and can be assessed using a range of methods and tools, such as behavioral tasks, self-report measures, imaging, and genetic testing.
The ultimate goal of the RDoC is to create a taxonomy of mental function that can be used to more accurately identify subtypes of mental illness, predict outcomes, and inform treatment development. The framework is still a work in progress, and has been subject to criticism and debate. However, it represents a promising step towards a more interdisciplinary, scientific approach to understanding and treating mental disorders.
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