Research Resources

• Published in: Schizophrenia bulletin 1988, Vol.14 (3), p.439-470
• Main Authors: Barchas, Jack David, Hadley, Suzanne W, Detre, Thomas, Endicott, Jean, Glover, Robert, King, Roy, Meltzer, Herbert Y, Sackeim, Harold, Strauss, John S, Wahl, Patricia, Williams, Donald
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Biological and medical sciences; Health Care Costs; Human; Medical sciences; Mental Health Services; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychoses; Schizophrenia
• ISSN: 0586-7614; 1745-1701
• DOI: 10.1093/schbul/14.3.439

Presents recommendations of the 'Research Resources Panel.' Some of the findings of the 'Research Resources Panel' are broadly applicable to all the serious mental and emotional disorders. Other issues, however, are especially relevant to schizophrenia research. The Panel identified fundamental deficiencies in the research infrastructure which require urgent attention, but cannot be remedied overnight. Rather, there must be an intense "gearing up" process over the next several years to address longstanding needs. The Panel anticipates that many of its recommendations will become an enduring part of the programs of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and, thus, may enrich mental health research for years to come. The Panel pursued its efforts on two tracks: (1) an examination of major needs in the scientific infrastructure and (2) an examination of existing resources within and beyond NIMH. The Panel identified areas where new programs or policies may be needed, but equally, it identified areas of existing programs that might be better designed to meet major needs. With this in mind, the Panel examined aspects of support programs administered by other agencies, especially the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These programs often provide excellent models for NIMH planning. The Panel formulated recommendations at varying levels of specificity. In some cases, especially on more complex issues, the Panel recommended that the Institute work with advisors to explore particular issues in depth and make recommendations for specific actions. In other cases, the Panel recommended specific actions to be undertaken as well as specific responsibilities that should be assumed by different agencies, entities, or systems involved in mental health research. A special effort was made, wherever appropriate, to identify opportunities for creative linkages or collaborative efforts with potential for notable payoffs. The Panel also recommends that NIMH consider the possibility and desirability of changes in the process for allocating fiscal resources among areas within the NIMH. Issues that need to be examined include the balance of funding between extramural and intramural programs and how financial resources should be allocated among different intramural and extramural programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)