This book is another in a series prepared in connection with the Survey of the Behavioral Social Sciences (BASS) conducted between 1967 and 1969. The task here is to provide several illustrative lines of research in sufficient depth to convey the flavor of scientific work on psychiatric problems to a wide range of readers. The report is primarily concerned with ways of obtaining or utilizing research. Chapter 1 sketches the scope and nature of psychiatry, psychiatic problems, and clinical innovations being tried. The remainder of the book describes the various scientific ways of attempting solution. There is considerable emphasis on the biological sciences which are depicted as emerging into full partnership with the better-known psychological and social approaches with efforts toward understanding the brain and behavior. The range of public attitudes toward the field are discussed with respect to psychoanalysis, group therapy, drugs that affect brain and behavior, drug abuse, comprehensive community mental health centers, and interpersonal relationships. The vital needs for the continuing education of psychiatrists, nonpsychiatric physicians, and mental health professionals is also discussed. In addition, nine-pages of selected references are appended. (Author/SBE)