Psychiatrists and neuroscientists have launched a central reference database for biomarkers in psychiatry. The project aims to bundle research on measurable physiological markers and thus contribute to more objective diagnoses of mental illnesses. The initiative is led by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology and funded by the British foundation Wellcome. The launch took place on January 16, 2026 in Amsterdam.

Unlike other medical disciplines, psychiatry has so far been largely based on patient-reported symptoms, behavioral observations, and standardized diagnostic manuals. Biomarkers that enable physiological tests are largely lacking. Ongoing research on such markers is fragmented. The new database aims to close this gap by systematically cataloging and making accessible biomarker studies on anxiety disorders, depression and psychosis. The goal is precision psychiatry that integrates biological, behavioral and clinical data. This is intended to focus on the causes of diseases instead of just symptoms in order to enable personalized treatments.

The database will be set up as a freely accessible online resource. It allows researchers to place their work in the overall context, identify related projects, and share insights or challenges. As part of the project, the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology organises meetings and workshops with stakeholders from research, patient organisations, regulators and the pharmaceutical industry. Previous events have included representatives from organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, the European Psychiatric Association, and the American Psychiatric Association.

The funding from Wellcome includes a 30-month project to map and build consensus around biomarkers in psychiatry. The initiative is considered the basis for establishing precision psychiatry. In the long term, it is intended to change the view of mental health and make diagnoses and treatments more testable. The database helps to navigate complex and fast-growing fields of research and to improve the quality of care. Those affected should benefit from more suitable therapies at the right time.

The project addresses a central deficit in psychiatry: the dependence on subjective criteria makes progress difficult. The collection of quantitative data on biological mechanisms creates opportunities to identify subgroups of diseases and to address them in a targeted manner. The participation of international stakeholders underlines the breadth of the approach. Patient advocacy groups such as the European Organisation for the Mentally Ill contribute to the alignment in order to ensure practical relevance.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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