J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2014 May;53(3):137-143.

Activation Plans for Psychiatric Research

• Roh S
• Han H
• Kim Y
• Jeon HJ
• Kim T
• Kim HS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Dealing with mental diseases is an overriding concern which could bring about improvement in mental health, social equity, and quality of life. This paper analyzes the current state of research infrastructure of national mental health research in Korea and other developed countries and suggests activation plans for psychiatric research.
METHODS
After performance of comparative analysis, shortcomings of Korean infrastructure are examined and activation plans are suggested.
RESULTS
Korea is comparatively and absolutely lagging behind in terms of mental health Research and Development (R&D), owing to the small investment in R&D, inadequate government-led long-term developmental strategy and supporting system, absence of industrialization of developed techniques and government-led R&D project, and insufficient human resources, which impedes facilitation of mental health research. Thus, in order to facilitate mental health research, 1) Reinforce international cooperation and research capability through cultivation of professionals equipped with international competitiveness. 2) Construct a government-led R&D system by establishment of a comprehensive R&D system and mental health research institutes. 3) Build cooperative systems between industry and academic circles and promote translational research and its practical use in order to lay the cornerstone for industrialization.
CONCLUSION
Developed countries have achieved significant growth and superb investment performance in the mental health industry due to constant and active investment by government. In addition, basic-clinical-mental health research regarding early diagnosis, early intervention, and tailored treatment, is actively being put into practice. In Korea, government-led long-term investment plans in psychiatric research and researcher cultivation programs should be implemented. In addition, infrastructure for application of developed techniques should also be established. If so, it will provide momentum for growth and facilitation of psychiatric research.

Keyword

Psychiatric research; Research and Development (R&D); Activation

MeSH Terms

Academies and Institutes
Developed Countries
Early Diagnosis
Early Intervention (Education)
Humans
International Cooperation
Investments
Korea
Mental Health
Quality of Life
Translational Medical Research

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Outlook of major disease burden (Disability-Sdjusted Life Year, DALY).2)

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