EDITORIAL Solutions for patients depend on whether we can bridge the divide between social and natural science research approaches

Research aimed at understanding the basis of mental disorders has expanded exponentially in the last decades. While many interesting findings have been produced, there have been no major breakthroughs in treatment over the last 20 years, and treatments that once were considered breakthroughs, later were shown effective only in particular subgroups or not more effective than simpler non-specific interventions. Despite extensive research involving genetic, immunological, hormonal, cognitive, neurophysiological and neuroradiological variables, no diagnostic test, biological or other, exists for any mental disorder. Two approaches can be envisaged to overcome this state of affairs. The first can be characterised as ‘‘focussed’’, i.e. to select a specific natural science focus that, coupled