Why Biological Psychiatry Hasn’t Delivered Yet – and Why Neurology Knows

Abstract

It is increasingly recognized that neuroscience has not delivered the revolutionary clinical possibilities for psychiatry that had been prom-ised. Explanations differ, however: some proponents emphasize the divide between biopsychosocial psychiatry and mechanistic neurolo-gy. Others rely on further basic experimental neuroscience as only the most elementary level of explanation will allow us to fully understand and treat mental disorders. From a clinical-neuropsychological perspective, I shall argue that both views are mistaken. Diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases demands a biopsychosocial perspective similar to psychiatry. Acknowledging this might help to bring both disciplines together and improve clinical outcome.