The Scope of the Problem
As described below, and in greater detail in the
Introduction, the strategic planning process began in late 2000 when
NIMH established nine workgroups, each with expertise in an area of
research relevant to some facet of mood disorders, to develop
comprehensive reviews of the state-of-the-science in a given area. That
such a large number of workgroups were judged necessary to assess
research needs and opportunities associated with mood disorders should
not be surprising. Mood disorders occur across the life span, affecting
children, adults, and the elderly. They affect people of all races and
ethnicities, across cultures. Although the brain is the organ most
directly implicated in mood disorders, these illnesses often are
described as “systemic illnesses,” meaning that they affect the body in
its entirety; that is, mood disorders can affect—and be affected by—
one’s general health, behavior, and environment. While responsibility
for treating mood disorders commonly is assigned to psychiatrists,
psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counselors, in
fact, the preponderance of treatment of mood disorders occurs
in the general health
care sector. Accordingly, the reader of this strategic plan who pores
through each of its major sections will find all of the following topics
addressed.