To wit, just days after Dr. Gordon assumed NIMH leadership, “Psychosocial Research at NIMH: A Primer” appeared on the institute’s website. Written by numerous staffers from across the NIMH, and overseen by interim director Bruce Cuthbert, PhD, the “primer” reiterates a commitment to neuroscience and the RDoC, while detailing how it is focused on patients’ needs now. There is a particular emphasis on expanded use of digital technologies to screen for and treat a variety of mental illnesses, and on the measurement of behavior, cognitive/affective processes, and patient self-reports as conducted by the NIMH’s cross-disciplinary mental health council. The document was created in response to pressure from researchers and clinicians alike who asked the institute for clarification and reassurance about the NIMH’s attention to psychosocial concerns, according to an NIMH spokesperson.
This kind of dialogue over roadblocks to care will characterize his leadership, particularly at the start, Dr. Gordon said. He encourages clinicians to communicate directly with him, particularly around where they think money should be spent in the short term. “I would love to hear that from them,” he said.
Although Dr. Gordon said that Dr. Insel hasn’t specifically told him what to do, he has offered his counsel. “I [have spoken] with Tom several times. He has given me wonderful advice, and the best piece was to take the first 6 months to a year and just listen. That’s what I intend on doing.”
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