Biological psychiatry in Korea

Abstract

Since the mid 1980s, the biological field of psychiatry has developed rapidly in Korea. Currently there are more than ten research societies in field of biological psychiatry including the Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry, the Korean Academy of Schizophrenia, and the Korean Society for Depressive and Bipolar disorders. These societies are actively engaged in research work and building close international relationships. Entering the 1990s, along with the development of basic science, such as molecular biology, genetics, electrophysiology, and neuroimaging, various diagnostic and treatment skills were introduced, and the growth of biological psychiatry was accelerated. And many Korean researchers are conducting active research work and communications with related professionals in these fields. In the near future, further fruitful results are anticipated.