"Although efforts to examine the structure and function of the human brain stretch back centuries (Paluzzi et al, 2007), techniques allowing the study of living humans are a relatively recent development. Early investigators confined themselves to largely studying external features, with 18th century methodologies such as phrenology purporting to link extracranial proxies for brain size and structure to specific personality traits (Livianos-Aldana et al, 2007). However, these techniques did not prove useful for either clinical or research purposes. Two-dimensional x-ray imaging, while constituting an important medical advance, did not provide sufficient soft tissue contrast to be useful for studying "functional" psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder; techniques to enhance contrast, such as ventriculography and pneumoencephalography were similarly limited (Figure 1.1). Wide-spread in vivo studies of brain morphometry had to await the development of computed tomography imaging (CT) in the early 1970s. By the early 1980s CT was already being applied to the study of bipolar disorder (Pearlson et al, 1981)"--

In this book, experts in neuroimaging and genetics discuss recent discoveries in bipolar disorder, leading to an integrated neurophysiologic model of this condition. This model provides a substrate for future investigations to, hopefully, lead to better understanding of this illness in order to develop improved therapies for affected individuals.

Bipolar disorder is a common, complex and costly mental health disorder, which sits at the heart of the practice of clinical psychiatry. Effective treatments (pharmacological, psychological and brain stimulation based) have all been discovered serendipitously. With the huge advances in basic neuroscience the way is now clear for novel treatments to be developed based on brain science. This book reviews these possibilities.

Recent studies regarding the neuropathology of specific neurological disorders suggest that both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes may play a role. However, in contrast to the neurodegeneration seen in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, the term "neuroprogression" has been used to describe the neurodevelopmental aspect of pathological brain re-wiring that takes place in the context of severe psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Within psychiatry, patients with severe psychopathology, such as those depressed patients who eventually commit suicide, have been shown to present with increased inflammatory markers in the brain. A similar increase in inflammatory markers is also found in patients with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Thus, oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in growth factors are thought to be the pathways of neuroprogression. Neuroprogression in Psychiatry provides a comprehensive summary of the current developments in the emerging field of neuroprogression. With contributions by leading researchers in the field, this book examines the role of neuroprogression across a wide range of specific psychiatric disorders, with chapters included on major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

The Bipolar Book covers not only clinical and pathophysiological matters, but also technical aspects of the evidence accumulation for treatment of bipolar disorder. This approach brings in stimulating discussions on available data originating from current randomized controlled trials with specified considerations of bipolar mania, depression, and prophylaxis by providing accompanying recommendations for an improved evidence formation and synthesis. The Bipolar Book provides a clinician-friendly view of debatable issues on the existing randomized trials based evidence and the ways of improving them by respecting distinctive fluctuating pattern of bipolar disorder.

After the birth of her baby triggers a manic maelstrom, Dyane Harwood struggles to survive the bewildering highs and crippling lows of her brain’s turmoil. Birth of a New Brain vividly depicts her postpartum bipolar disorder, an unusual type of bipolar disorder and postpartum mood and anxiety disorder. During her childhood, Harwood grew up close to her father, a brilliant violinist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic who had bipolar disorder. She learned how bipolar disorder could ravage a family, but she never suspected that she’d become mentally ill—until her baby was born. Harwood wondered if mental health would always be out of her reach. From medications to electroconvulsive therapy, from “redwood forest baths” to bibliotherapy, she explored both traditional and unconventional methods of recovery—in-between harrowing psychiatric hospitalizations. Harwood reveals how she ultimately achieved a stable mood. She discovered that despite having a chronic mood disorder, a new, richer life is possible. Birth of a New Brain is the chronicle of one mother’s perseverance, offering hope and grounded advice for those battling mental illness.

This manual attempts to provide simple, adequate and evidence-based information to health care professionals in primary health care especially in low- and middle-income countries to be able to provide pharmacological treatment to persons with mental disorders. The manual contains basic principles of prescribing followed by chapters on medicines used in psychotic disorders; depressive disorders; bipolar disorders; generalized anxiety and sleep disorders; obsessive compulsive disorders and panic attacks; and alcohol and opioid dependence. The annexes provide information on evidence retrieval, assessment and synthesis and the peer view process.

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

Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is the most complex psychiatric disorder with different types of mood episodes, subtypes, varied course, and significant comorbidity. Not surprisingly, this complexity poses unique challenges to clinicians for optimal management of those with bipolar disorder. There has been an explosion of research into the causes and treatment of this condition over the past two decades. It is a daunting task for a practising clinician to make sense of this research and to remain up to date with progress in the understanding of the neurobiology and treatment of bipolar disorder. This book synthesizes and translates the vast array of research knowledge into information that is both relevant and meaningful for a clinician. The book provides a comprehensive, yet focused, reference work on bipolar disorder for both trainees and practising psychiatrists. The two editors are leaders in the field who have published extensively on bipolar disorder. They have assembled a team of experts from around the world: in many instances, chapters are co-authored by people from different continents, bringing a truly international perspective to this important topic. The book covers the basic science of the pathology underlying bipolar disorder but addresses the clinical aspects of the disease throughout. The book comprises four sections: Descriptive Aspects–issues ranging from how the concept of bipolar disorder has evolved over the years to new information about neurocognitive impairment, creativity and economic productivity, and to discussion of the deliberations of the DSM-V committee on changes in diagnostic categories and criteria. Biological Aspects–the contribution of genes to this disorder, changes in circadian rhythms, what we know about brain changes and the role of oxidative stress. Management–all the latest information about pharmacological and other somatic treatments plus psychological therapies for the optimal management of this condition. Special Populations–detailed descriptions of bipolar disorder in women, children and the elderly. If you want to provide state-of-the-art care to your bipolar patients, be sure to consult this authoritative reference.