The great revolution that took place in physics at the beginning of this century, which led to a total reshaping of the science and a different approach to natural phenomena, could serve as a model for future developments in other disciplines such as neuroscience. When investigated by traditional methods, the complexity of brain mechanisms remains quite elusive; the use of new strategies should, therefore, be a high priority.

Although holistic interpretations of brain functions and dysfunctions still seem futuristic, the application of chaos theories may be one way of making these interpretations more understandable. In fact, chaos mathematics can be applied to brain activity, such as that recorded, by electroencephalogram (EEG), and to the interpretation of psychopathology. Similarly, clinical phenomena could be explained in terms of nonlinear dynamics. Moreover, the application of chaos theories to psychiatry might permit the study of the relationships between genetic and environmental factors in determining syndromes and symptoms. This could encourage the development of a nonlinear dynamic psychiatry which, in turn, would allow a better understanding of research findings and, perhaps, open new horizons to psychiatric intervention.

A definition of the objects of a science in terms of precise measuring operations M gives the objects a set-theoretical character whereby complexity, seen as a multiplicity of possible final outcomes, emerges. An adaptive strategy introduces a frequent readjustment of the M settings, which reduces that multiplicity. This way, an adaptive cognitive task can be seen as the extraction of a simple map out of a complex landscape.

Psychoneuroendocrinology (PNE) has been a method used in the past to investigate brain biochemical functions in normal and pathological mentation. These studies have subsequently uncovered variations in normal biochemical functioning. It is still being debated, however, how these variations correlate with well-defined psychopathologies.

Future studies in PNE shows promise in many areas of contemporary neurospychiatry. For example, research focusing on variations in neurotransmitter, neuropeptide, and neurohormone secretory tonus might enhance our understanding of specific personality characteristics and behavior. PNE may also be essential in investigating the correlation between hormonal variations and symptoms observed across various psychiatric disorders. PNE might likewise be important for new therapeutic approaches. Finally, PNE can be used to investigate psychoneuroimmunoendocrine relationships.

New PNE methodologies must be developed to make this branch of neuroscience more appropriate for the study of localized brain functions.

The application of computers in psychiatry affords clinicians endless possibilities in terms of information gathering, processing, and sharing. Some systems have been designed and are currently in use, expanding the knowledge of psychiatric pathology and its treatment. This review highlights the uses of computers in psychiatry and the progress being made in this area.