[Arousal and regulatory systems in the system of research domain criteria]

The RDoC (research domain criteria) domain arousal and regulatory systems plays an important role for psychiatric disorders.

What is the association between physiology and function of arousal, sleep and circadian rhythms and psychiatric disorders? What are the therapeutic consequences?

In this narrative review the most important findings related to the topic are presented briefly and concisely. First, the physiology and function of the systems are described. Then the association with various psychiatric disorders is elucidated and therapeutic approaches are discussed.

The treatment of disorders of the arousal system plays a role in a broad group of psychiatric disorders. It is especially important to incorporate the disturbance of the arousal system into therapeutic concepts of affective disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance abuse.

The dimensional concept of RDoC is reflected in DSM‑5 in the simultaneous registration of sleep disturbances and psychiatric disorders, which has important therapeutic consequences. The relationship between sleep function and the development of psychiatric disorders needs continued intensive research.