A formal framework of knowledge to support rational psychoactive drug selection

Rational psychoactive drug selection is a data and knowledge intensive task which requires true expertise from clinical, pathophysiological and pharma cotherapeutic knowledge. This paper presents a framework of knowledge, whic h relates concepts from several disciplines required for psychoactive drug selection in a formal way. A framework, when based on formal semantics, avo ids ambiguity and gives conceptual clarity and supports precise use of term inology which is required when many domain experts (clinicians, pharmacolog ists and basic science researchers) are involved. A formal framework permit s linking of existing classification systems. It furthermore can serve as a knowledge base for drug selection decision support systems. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.