The research processes in the elucidation of the causes of general paresis,
the first slow infection in psychiatry, and of Kuru, the first slow virus
infection in man, were considered. The errors and difficulties encountered
may contribute to the formulation of research strategies for contemporary
work on possible persistent infections with unknown viruses as a cause of
psychiatric disorders. Clinical observation, bold hypotheses and method
ological advances appear more valuable than diagnostic categorization
in etiological research into psychiatric disorders. The low heuristic value
of diagnosis is due to the lack of specificity of psychiatric symptoms and
syndromes, especially in low grade organic disturbances.
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