This work describes the basic principles and methodologic issues involving CT, MRI, and PET techniques, respectively. It covers the findings of studies in patients with primary affective disorders utilizing each of these techniques. Further discussions focus on brain imaging studies in two related subgroups within the affective disorders spectrum: patients with an affective syndrome secondary to a focal lesion caused by cerebrovascular accident; and elderly patients with a mood disorder believed to be associated with cerebrovascular changes accompanying aging. Using the new generation of brain imaging technology, researchers now have the potential to examine specific brain regions of interest in the affective disorders and to discern the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the production of affective symptomatology. The task of researchers working in brain imaging is to design studies that utilize the new technology and investigate the relationship between structural brain changes and the neuroendocrine, neurochemical, and/or probable genetic abnormalities found in affective disorders.

Because of the dearth of experimental animal models of psychiatric disorders, the study of the effect of the disease state is only possible in tissue derived from patients vs. controls, especially in the target tissue of disease-related changes in the brain. The human postmortem brain offers the most appropriate experimental paradigm towards understanding the etiology of psychiatric disorders. The availability of post-mortem human samples from psychiatric patients and comparison groups in recent years has contributed prominently to the accumulating body of information leading to a better understanding of these disorders. This is the first book to summarize this research approach and the meaningful data which has recently been acquired.

This book offers the most up-to-date information about research surrounding the neurobiology of bipolar disorder as well as currently available and novel therapeutic options. The volume has assembled a widely respected group of preclinical and clinical researchers who bring their expertise to bear upon this illness by reviewing cutting-edge research and clinical evidence regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar disorder. Early chapters review the course and outcome and genetics of this highly heritable condition, including chapters on epigenetics and clinical endophenotypes. Several chapters offer a remarkably thorough and unique overview of the neurobiology of the disorder, including what is known from neuroimaging work and the development of animal models. Finally, the book covers treatment strategies for bipolar disorder, including both traditional and novel therapeutics, as well as non-pharmacological treatments. It offers both researchers and clinicians key insights into this devastating disorder.

The Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder: Road to Novel Therapeutics combines the basic neurobiology of bipolar disorder with discussions of the most recent advances in research, including the interacting pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, genetic approaches and the pharmacogenomics of bipolar disorder. The basic foundational understanding of the neurobiology underlying the disorder, along with a comprehensive summary of the most recent advances in research combine to aid advanced students and researchers in their understanding of bipolar disorder management using novel and fast-acting pharmaceutical and neuromodulatory approaches. Aids readers in understanding bipolar disorder in the context of NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) recommendations Covers a range of existing and potential pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options, from lifestyle adjustments to novel therapeutics Synthesizes a discussion of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying symptoms with clinical aspects of bipolar disorder

Brain imaging technology remains at the forefront of advances in both our understanding of the brain and our ability to diagnose and treat brain disease and disorders. Imaging of the Human Brain in Health and Disease examines the localization of neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous system of normal, healthy humans and compares that with humans who are suffering from various neurologic diseases. Opening chapters introduce the basic science of imaging neurotransmitters, including sigma, acetylcholine, opioid, and dopamine receptors. Imaging the healthy and diseased brain includes brain imaging of anger, pain, autism, the release of dopamine, the impact of cannabinoids, and Alzheimer's disease. This book is a valuable companion to a wide range of scholars, students, and researchers in neuroscience, clinical neurology, and psychiatry, and provides a detailed introduction to the application of advanced imaging to the treatment of brain disorders and disease. - A focused introduction to imaging healthy and diseased brains - Focuses on the primary neurotransmitter release - Includes sigma, acetylcholine, opioid, and dopamine receptors - Presents the imaging of healthy and diseased brains via anger, pain, autism, and Alzheimer's disease

Responding to the explosion of research on the pathophysiology and management of bipolar disorder, this completely revised Second Edition spans basic mechanisms, neuroimaging, viral etiology, neurofactors, current treatment implications, and modern theories of the neurobiology of bipolar disorder to stand as the most authoritative reference on this