"We need to translate basic science discoveries into biomarkers, diagnostic tests, and new treatments clinicians can use to improve the lives of patients with mental disorders," said NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D., (photo) this past week at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatry Association. In addition to Insel, the NIMH track featured other plenary lectures by Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel, Michael Meaney, Ranja Krishnan,, Bruce McEwen, Robert Freedman, and Daniel Weinberger on genes, cognition and emotion.

Institute staff Wayne Fenton, Ellen Stover, Mayada Akil, and Catherine Roca, also underscored the priority that NIMH attaches to translational research at multiple levels, from clinically relevant basic science to clinical trials. For example, two symposia entitled "Neuroscience for the Clinician," chaired by Dr. Akil, familiarized practitioners with the latest advances in genetics and functional brain imaging, with potential relevance to clinical practice. Maybe they should also join the DSM-V working group.

"We view our research track at the APA meeting as an extraordinary opportunity to inform the psychiatric profession, and the larger mental health field, about NIMH's commitment to work toward a long-term goal of personalized care for every individual who lives with a mental disorder," added Insel.

With a $1.4B annual budget, the NIMH will need to leverage market forces to help accelerate translational efforts. In short, the NIMH needs neurotech.