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Review
. 2016 Jul 15;80(2):100-111.
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.12.015. Epub 2015 Dec 18.

Moving Toward Integrative, Multidimensional Research in Modern Psychiatry: Lessons Learned From Fragile X Syndrome

Lawrence K Fung  1 , Allan L Reiss  2
Affiliations
Review

Moving Toward Integrative, Multidimensional Research in Modern Psychiatry: Lessons Learned From Fragile X Syndrome

Lawrence K Fung et al. Biol Psychiatry. .

Abstract

The field of psychiatry is approaching a major inflection point. The basic science behind cognition, emotion, behavior, and social processes has been advancing rapidly in the past 20 years. However, clinical research supporting the classification system in psychiatry has not kept up with these scientific advances. To begin organizing the basic science of psychiatry in a comprehensive manner, we begin by selecting fragile X syndrome, a neurogenetic disease with cognitive-behavioral manifestations, to illustrate key concepts in an integrative, multidimensional model. Specifically, we describe key genetic and molecular mechanisms (e.g., gamma-aminobutyric acidergic dysfunction and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-associated long-term depression) relevant to the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome as well as neural correlates of cognitive-behavioral symptoms. We then describe what we have learned from fragile X syndrome that may be applicable to other psychiatric disorders. We conclude this review by discussing current and future opportunities in diagnosing and treating psychiatric diseases.

Keywords: Behavior; DSM5; Fragile X syndrome; GABA; Multidimensional research; RDoC.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURES

Drs. Fung and Reiss report no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Internalization of AMPA receptors via mGluR5 stimulation in (A) neurotypical individuals and (B) individuals with fragile X syndrome.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Conceptual framework for GABAergic dysfunction in fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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