Which framework explores symptom domains with their own etiologies, mechanisms, and treatments?

• A. DSM-5-TR diagnostic framework
• B. ICD-11 criteria
• C. RDoC framework
• D. NIMH framework

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is a framework that studies symptom domains as separate units, each with its own causes, mechanisms, and treatment implications. This describes the RDoC framework, which stands for Research Domain Criteria and was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. RDoC organizes mental phenomena into domains (like negative valence, cognitive systems, social processes, and arousal/regulation) and investigates the underlying constructs within each domain—how genes, brain circuits, and behavior interact to produce dysfunction. The emphasis is on understanding and mapping mechanisms across traditional diagnostic labels, aiming to link etiology and biology to targeted interventions, rather than simply classifying symptoms into discrete disorders. In contrast, DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 focus on diagnostic criteria and labeling for clinical diagnosis and coding, not on cross-cutting mechanisms or domain-specific treatments. The NIMH framework mentioned here refers to the same RDoC approach, since it was created to guide this mechanism‑focused, cross-diagnostic research.