Figure 2. Hierarchical approach for optimal targeted therapies in psychiatric disorders.

The theoretical framework of social functioning is the foundation of targeted therapies. It delineates the different domains of the fundamental process of social learning that underlies all adaptive high-order behaviors. By using a battery of objective outcome measures, subdomains of sociobehavioral diversity (SBD) can be defined based on the different domains of the social framework. This can lead to a better understanding of neural and molecular underpinnings of these subdomains (N-SBD) and of neurobehavioral mechanisms of treatments (e.g., pharmacologic and behavioral therapies), including intranasal oxytocin. The goal of this approach is to create domain-specific therapies that are targeted toward patients’ specific social and neural deficits.