This stimulating analysis reviews the broad potential of animal models to foster a deeper understanding of human pathology, strengthen connections between genetic and behavioral studies, and develop more effective treatments for mental disorders. Widely-studied and lesser-used species are examined in models that capture features along the continuum of normative and pathological behavior. The models highlight genetic causes of core features, or endophenotypes, of developmental, internalizing, and externalizing disorders, as well as dementia. Expert contributors address questions ranging from how suitable species are chosen for study to the costs and benefits of using inbred versus outbred strains, and the effects of housing environment on subject animals. Larger issues addressed include how to evaluate the applicability of animal behavioral models to the human condition and how these models can harness emerging molecular technologies to further our understanding of the genetic basis of mental illness. Included in the coverage: Mating and fighting in Drosophila. Attachment and social bonding. Impulsivity in rodents and humans. Animal models of cognitive decline. Animal models of social cognition. Future directions for animal models in behavioral genetics. A detailed map of where this evolving field is headed, Animal Models of Behavior Genetics shows geneticists, molecular biologists, and cognitive neuroscientists paths beyond established concepts toward a more knowledgeable and collaborative future.

This stimulating analysis reviews the broad potential of animal models to foster a deeper understanding of human pathology, strengthen connections between genetic and behavioral studies, and develop more effective treatments for mental disorders. Widely-studied and lesser-used species are examined in models that capture features along the continuum of normative and pathological behavior. The models highlight genetic causes of core features, or endophenotypes, of developmental, internalizing, and externalizing disorders, as well as dementia. Expert contributors address questions ranging from how suitable species are chosen for study to the costs and benefits of using inbred versus outbred strains, and the effects of housing environment on subject animals. Larger issues addressed include how to evaluate the applicability of animal behavioral models to the human condition and how these models can harness emerging molecular technologies to further our understanding of the genetic basis of mental illness. Included in the coverage: Mating and fighting in Drosophila. Attachment and social bonding. Impulsivity in rodents and humans. Animal models of cognitive decline. Animal models of social cognition. Future directions for animal models in behavioral genetics. A detailed map of where this evolving field is headed, Animal Models of Behavior Genetics shows geneticists, molecular biologists, and cognitive neuroscientists paths beyond established concepts toward a more knowledgeable and collaborative future.

Behavior Genetics is an interdisciplinary area combining behavioral sciences and genetics. The study of behavior genetics has become increasingly important as we see growth spurts in finding genes involved in complex behaviors following on advances in molecular genetic techniques. This domain has now become a vast common ground for scientists from very diverse fields including psychology, psychiatry, neurology, endocrinology, biochemistry, neuroimaging, and genetics. However, there are not many textbooks or references to which students in behavior genetics can access for their research and class. The purpose of this handbook is to offer research guides to the studies of genetic and environmental influences on a variety of complex behaviors in humans and animals. Unlike previous behavior genetics textbooks, this handbook will discuss current research and topics of interest to psychologists, psychiatrists, and geneticists. Utilizing methodologies and theories commonly used in behavior genetics, each chapter will begin with an overview of the selected topic; current research and issues will be intensively reviewed; and we will direct future research on the topic at the end of the end of the chapter. So the handbook will integrate many of the basic issues of the Behavior Genetics and will enhance our understanding in many fields. Therefore, this handbook will provide future research endeavors for the next 10 years. Throughout this handbook the editor will collaborate with contributors who are internationally well known in the field. The Behavior Genetics Association members and the Behavior Genetics Editorial Advisory Board will be invited to review the manuscripts of this handbook.