Adult psychopathology: Issues and controversies

This review discusses issues and controversies with respect to the construc t of a mental disorder, models of etiology and pathology, and domains of ps ychopathology. Fundamental to the science of psychopathology is a conceptua lization of mental disorder, yet inadequate attention is being given to the differentiation of normal and abnormal psychological functioning in curren t research. The boundaries between mental and physical disorders are equall y problematic. Neurophysiological models are receiving particular emphasis in large part because of the substantial progress being made in documenting and clarifying the important role of neurophysiological structures and mec hanisms in etiology and pathology. However, this attention might be at the expense of the recognition of equally valid psychological models. Problemat ic diagnostic boundaries are also considered, including those within and be tween different classes of disorder. Dimensional models may offer a more pr ecise and comprehensive classification of psychopathology.