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.

In this volume, international experts critically review cutting-edge advances in neuroprogression research. The relevance of these findings to psychiatric and neurological disorders is clarified. Potential etiopathological mechanisms of neuroprogression are described in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the immune system in stress and stress-related disorders and brain-immune interactions. The epigenetic consequences of adverse experiences in early childhood, which may prelude major psychiatric disorders, are also considered. Recent research has not only provided evidence of neuroprogression in psychiatric and neurological disorders, but has shown that pharmacologic interventions have the potential to arrest this process. Advances in testing and imaging will lead to timely diagnosis and earlier treatment. Identification of neurological mechanisms alongside (epi-)genetic vulnerability markers will create truly personalized treatment programs. This book is a valuable resource for everyone who wishes to gain insight into the essential features of the neuroprogressive course of major psychiatric and neurological disorders. In particular, psychiatrists, neuroscientists and neurologists ¬ as well as immunologists, pharmacologists and molecular biologists - will find very informative chapters of direct relevance to their field.

Provides a solid and in-depth outline that can be used to influence research and practice in the field of bipolar disorder. This book would be of use to anyone working with mood disorders, and serves as a valuable resource for both researchers interested in bipolar disorder and clinicians involved in the day-to-day management of patientswithh this condition.--

Clinical staging is a solution to transform psychiatric diagnosis and improve mental health outcomes.

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.

After the original proposals of staging for psychotic disorders developed by McGorry and colleagues, a few systems have been put forward specifically for people with bipolar disorder. There is now consistent evidence that, at least for a significant portion of people with this disease, clinical course and outcome are not as benign as initially described. The evidence thus far points to relevant differences between early and late stages of bipolar disorders in the clinical course of illness, neurobiology and systemic pathology. These differences all suggest that staging is a viable addition to clinical care in bipolar disorder. Neuroprogression and Staging in Bipolar Disorder provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of the evidence regarding the use of staging systems in bipolar disorder. Edited by the leading researchers in the field, the book systematically covers the theoretical basis for staging, comparisons between different proposals, neurobiological underpinnings, the current evidence-base, limitations and future directions, and clinical implications and recommendations for practice. The book provides a solid and in-depth outline and thus to influence research and practice in the field of bipolar disorder.