ABSTRACT
The scientifically informed practice of clinical psychology has taken an innovative new direction and is gaining momentum. This progress is largely attributable to the integration of research in affective, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience with traditional clinical psychology. The decade from 1990 until 2000, known as “the Decade of the Brain” (Library of Congress; https://www.loc.gov/loc/brain/" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">www.loc.gov/loc/brain/), produced the first wave of empirical studies on the neural bases of psychopathology. This research was made possible by technical advances in methodology and tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neural tract tracing methods, and behavioral paradigms that correct cognitive deficits or protect against further decline. The knowledge gained during and subsequent to this period is now being applied for the first time to enhance the recognition and treatment of emotional disorders. As a result, the focus on integrating biological and psychological perspectives has never been stronger. This new approach has been termed the neurocognitive perspective.
