The Research Domain Criteria Project: Integrative Translation for Psychopathology

Abstract This chapter provides an introduction to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project. RDoC is a framework for psychopathology research created in 2009 by the US National Institute of Mental Health in order to foster innovative research that transcends the reliance on current disorder categories in studying mental illness. RDoC takes a translational approach that considers psychopathology in terms of deviations in normal dimensions of functioning (such as cognitive processes or motivational systems) that often reflect transdiagnostic effects across multiple disorder classes. The framework calls for studies that integrate multiple data types (e.g., behavioral, physiological, and self-report measures) and emphasizes developmental trajectories and the impact of various environmental influences. Fundamental issues regarding relevant philosophy of science issues are discussed, and selected recent studies are reviewed that illustrate exemplars of research designs. The conclusion briefly summarizes RDoC’s current status and potential future directions.