Bridging bench and practice: translational research for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

Translational research is urgently needed to turn basic scientific discoveries into widespread health gains and nowhere are these needs greater than in conditions such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. In this article, we discuss one type of translational research--called T1--which is needed to take advantage of developments in the basic neurosciences and translate them into more efficacious diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic interventions. However, ensuring that interventions from T1 research actually benefit patients will require a second form of translational research--called T2--to turn innovations into everyday clinical practice and health decision-making. Recent examples of T1 and T2 research in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders as well as strategies for better linking T1 and T2 research agendas are covered.