In the ongoing quest to improve the reliability of our diagnostic criteria, we are now searching for new approaches to understanding the etiological and pathophysiological mechanisms that can improve the validity of our diagnoses and the consequent power of our preventive and treatment interventions - venturing beyond the contemporary DSM paradigm and DSM-IV framework. This volume is an attempt to stimulate research and discussion in the field in preparation for the start of the DSM-V process, and to integrate information from a wide variety of sources and technologies. The volume examines nomenclature issues; reviews genetic, brain imaging, postmortem and animal model research and includes strategic insights for a new research agenda; outlines contemporary progress in developmental neuroscience, genetics, psychology, psychopathology and epidemiology, focusing on the turbulent first two decades of life; and suggests a research agenda for personality disorders that uses a dimensional rather than the contemporary categorical approach to diagnosis; re-evaluates the relationship between mental disorders and disability.