Bipolar disorder is one of the most common, and disabling, conditions affecting human kind. Each year, millions of individuals struggle with the effects of this illness. Although clinically well recognized for decades, if not centuries, the causes of this condition remain incompletely understood. However, in the past decade, significant technological advances in both neuroimaging and genetic research have revealed clues about the neurophysiological basis of bipolar illness. In this book, leading experts in neuroimaging and genetics discuss recent discoveries in bipolar disorder that identify both the structural, functional and chemical brain changes that seem to underlie this condition, as well as the possible genetic causes of these brain events. Based upon these discussions, the book then integrates these diverse considerations to develop a specific neurophysiological model of bipolar disorder. This model provides a resource to guide clinicians and patients as they struggle to understand this illness, as well as a guide for future investigations into the causes of bipolar disorder. With this guide in hand, this book will lead to a new framework for understanding bipolar disorder in order to, ultimately, develop improved therapies for affected individuals and novel strategies to prevent the onset in children at risk for this condition.

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common, and disabling, conditions affecting humankind. Each year, millions of individuals struggle with the effects of this illness. Although clinically well recognized for decades, if not centuries, the causes of this condition remain incompletely understood. However, significant technological advances in both neuroimaging and genetic research have revealed clues about the neurophysiological basis of bipolar illness. In this second edition of The Bipolar Brain, leading experts in neuroimaging and genetics discuss recent discoveries in bipolar disorder that identify the structural, functional and chemical brain changes that seem to underlie this condition, as well as the possible genetic causes of these brain events. New technologies such as miRNA, cerebral blood flow, and fMRI are presented. Based upon these discussions, the authors then integrate these diverse considerations to develop a specific neurophysiological model of bipolar disorder. This model provides a resource to guide clinicians as they struggle to understand this illness, as well as a guide for future investigations into the causes of bipolar disorder. With this guide in hand, this book will lead to a new framework for understanding bipolar disorder in order to, ultimately, develop improved therapies for affected individuals and novel strategies to prevent the onset in children at risk for this condition.

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common and disabling conditions affecting humankind. It is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, affecting millions of people. The illness is complex and dynamic, so that many individuals are misdiagnosed for years and clinicians struggle with identifying the most appropriate and successful treatment. Because it is complex and common, people suffering from bipolar disorder seek help from clinicians of all types - from psychiatrists, family doctors, gynecologists, and internists to psychologists, social workers and other therapists. For clinicians without significant experience with bipolar disorder, how to manage the condition can be mystifying. Even experienced psychiatrists will frequently find themselves uncertain of the best approach to a given individual with bipolar illness. This pocket-sized guide was specifically written with this diverse group of clinicians in mind. It provides a concise, practical and current overview of bipolar disorder, including making a correct diagnosis, identifying important medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and describing our current understanding of the epidemiology, genetics and neurobiology of the condition. In addition to these topics to provide context, the majority of the book is focused on a programmatic approach toward managing bipolar disorder, including discussions of specific subpopulations, such as children or women who are pregnant. The book may also be of interest for people with bipolar disorder and their families, to help guide treatment seeking and provide education about this sometimes mystifying condition. The author is an internationally recognized and trusted expert in the study and treatment of bipolar disorder, annually named a Best Doctor (R) and recognized by US News and World Report (R) as a Top 1% Psychiatrist, whose own extensive clinical experience working with people with bipolar disorder guides this book.

Depressive disorders are among the most common conditions in the world and are the leading causes of disability, affecting millions of people. Depression is also a common secondary condition, occurring at increased rates alongside virtually any illness that impacts brain function. Because it is so common, people suffering from depression seek help from a wide variety of clinicians, including: family doctors, pediatricians, gynecologists, psychiatrists, internists, psychologists, social workers and other therapists. In fact, depression is so common that the demand for care far exceeds the availability of psychiatrists, so that most depression is treated by other professionals in other specialty fields. For clinicians without significant experience treating depression, managing the condition can be confusing. This pocket-sized guide was specifically written with this diverse group of clinicians in mind. It provides a concise, practical and current overview of depressive disorders, including making a diagnosis, identifying important medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and describes our current understanding of the epidemiology, genetics and neurobiology of the condition. In addition to these topics, most of this book is focused on a programmatic approach toward managing depression, including subpopulations such as children or women who are pregnant. This book may also be of interest for people experiencing depression and their families to help guide treatment seeking and provide education. Dr. Stephen Strakowski and Dr. Erik Nelson are internationally recognized and trusted experts in the study and treatment of mood disorders whose own extensive clinical experience working with people with depression guides this book.