The interface of clinical psychopharmacology and psychopathology.

Four areas of common interest for clinical psychopharmacology and psychopathology are identified: (1) the diagnostic-based approach in clinical psychopharmacology; (2) the characterization of psychotropic drugs according the main psychopathologically defined target symptoms; (3) prediction of treatment response; (4) development of rating scales. The current state of research strategies in these areas is discussed and the need for new strategies is stressed. In particular, diagnosis-based research strategies in clinical psychopharmacology are not fully justified by empirical data; an alternative approach is discussed.

The necessity of placebo application in psychotropic drug trials.