Studying psycho-pathology using clinical registries enables a birds-eye view of all mental illness, and allows researchers to look at each illness in the context of other mental illnesses. The papers presented in this issue indicate that at least some of the symptoms commonly present in schizophrenia are actually present in other mental disorders and may even be present in individuals without diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Although there are some disadvantages to research based on clinical registries, this method enables study designs not be possible with conventional research paradigms.