Mental health professionals working with adolescents are conducting research studies related to etiological factors, diagnostic and assessment factors, and treatment modalities including psychosocial, group, family, and pharmacologic. There is also a growing emphasis on followup and outcome studies to find more efficient and specific treatment approaches to respond to the increasing treatment needs of the emotionally-disturbed adolescent population. Although research lags behind the need for information, the following areas are currently being addressed: risk factors, family studies, diagnostic and evaluation studies, treatment studies, and followup/outcome studies. There is a clear need for additional research in various areas, particularly the assessment and delineation of valid diagnostic categories that can be used for research purposes. 34 references.