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Published Online: 17 February 2022

Methodologies to Advance a “Science of How”: Identifying and Engaging Intervention Targets and Outcomes

Michelle R. Munson, Ph.D. [email protected], Ramesh Raghavan, Ph.D., Rei Shimizu, Ph.D., Aaron H. Rodwin, L.M.S.W., and James Jaccard, Ph.D.Authors Info & Affiliations

Publication: Psychiatric Services

Volume 73, Number 9

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202100202

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Abstract

Objective:

Although implementation science has taken hold in many areas of psychiatric services research, a need remains for developing effective, low-cost interventions for specific subpopulations with mental health conditions. The experimental therapeutics approach has gained momentum as a framework for developing effective interventions. However, few studies have taken steps to rigorously apply experimental therapeutics. This article provides a blueprint for applying this approach.

Methods:

A focused literature review was conducted to document the frequency of the application of experimental therapeutics among articles published between 2011 and 2021 in some of the American Psychiatric Association’s journals. Independently of the review, the authors delineated a four-component approach for applying experimental therapeutics in research and present practical, innovative strategies to advance psychiatric services research.

Results:

The four-component approach includes outlining prerequisites, identifying target mechanisms, proposing intervention strategies to address target mechanisms, and using advanced analytic methods. The strategies described for each component are not exhaustive; rather, they suggest promising avenues for research that can lead to more effective interventions and deeper understanding of how, and for whom, an intervention works.

Conclusions:

The application of experimental therapeutics in psychiatric services research can lead to increased development, refinement, and implementation of effective interventions for specific populations or conditions.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Psychiatric Services

Go to Psychiatric Services

Psychiatric Services

Volume 73 • Number 9 • September 01, 2022

Pages: 1039 - 1046

PubMed: 35172593

History

Received: 10 April 2021

Revision received: 11 December 2021

Accepted: 17 December 2021

Published online: 17 February 2022

Published in print: September 01, 2022

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Authors

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Michelle R. Munson, Ph.D. [email protected]

Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson, Raghavan, Rodwin, Jaccard); School of Social Work, University of Alaska, Anchorage (Shimizu).

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Ramesh Raghavan, Ph.D.

Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson, Raghavan, Rodwin, Jaccard); School of Social Work, University of Alaska, Anchorage (Shimizu).

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Rei Shimizu, Ph.D.

Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson, Raghavan, Rodwin, Jaccard); School of Social Work, University of Alaska, Anchorage (Shimizu).

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Aaron H. Rodwin, L.M.S.W.

Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson, Raghavan, Rodwin, Jaccard); School of Social Work, University of Alaska, Anchorage (Shimizu).

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James Jaccard, Ph.D.

Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson, Raghavan, Rodwin, Jaccard); School of Social Work, University of Alaska, Anchorage (Shimizu).

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Notes

Send correspondence to Dr. Munson ([email protected]).

Funding Information

The authors report no financial relationships with commercial interests.

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