Overview

As scientific knowledge grows about the role of the brain in mental disorder, no clinician can afford to be uninformed about neurobiology. This accessible primer provides the basic grounding in neuroscience that all contemporary mental health professionals need. Readers are first guided through the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and psychiatric genetics. Chapters then illuminate the neurobiological underpinnings of a range of frequently encountered disorders--including ADHD, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and learning and cognitive problems--giving particular attention to the impact of psychosocial risk factors on the brain. Also examined are ways that both pharmacological and psychological interventions have been shown to alter brain chemistry as they bring about a reduction in symptoms.

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9781593850784

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Reviews

.,. this is an excellent book....the author ties his presentation of neurobiology and of genetics directly to topics of enormous clinical interest--topics such as memory, fear, pleasure, and aggression. And more than that, he explains the neurobiological bases of both the symptomatic presentation and the successful treatment of disorders ranging from depression and mania through personality disorders. --Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic <br> The material in this book is highly relevant. The information in the first set of chapters should be part of the basic neuroscience curriculum in medical school yet often goes untaught. The information about clinical syndromes is as up-to-date as it can be in a book published in 2003 and should be required reading for any physician diagnosing and treating these illnesses....fully suitable for use as a medical or graduate school text....I would like to see this book as required reading for all our medical students and psychiatric residents and would highly recommend it to biologically oriented psychologists, doctoral-level pharmacists, and other suitably prepared students and clinicians. -- Psychiatric Services <br> As suggested by its title, Neuroscience for the Mental Health Clinician, by Steven R. Pliszka, is an important introductory resource for mental health clinicians who are interested in understanding how neurobiological advances can lead to new treatment and social policies for those who suffer from mental illness. However, the book's comprehensive coverage of neuroanatomy makes it an excellent resource for anyone who wants to understand how the brain can affect behaviour....Although some exposure to college-level biology would behelpful, and knowledge of the DSM-IV classification of mental disorders is assumed, no prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, making it a useful tool for the novice neuroscientist....To state that the book is only applicable to mental health clinicians, however, would be unfounded. The detailed description of brain structure and function supplied in the first half of the book makes it of interest to the beginning neuroscientist, or anyone who is interested in how the brain affects behaviour....an excellent introductory guide to neuroscience and its relationship to mental illness. The author has done a commendable job in trying to describe, in simple language, how the brain influences behaviour and what impact that has on our understanding of the aetiology of mental illness. -- Psychological Medicine <br>.,. an excellent introductory book covering the fundamentals of neuroscience in relation to psychiatric disorders. Written and edited by an academician/researcher in the field, this book is a valuable beginner's guide to the neurosciences....There is a valuable introductory book covering the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding psychiatric disorders....3 Stars -- Doody's Electronic Journal <br> This book is well written and crafted in an engaging style that captures the reader's attention....the book does an excellent job of covering as much as possible on an extremely broad and intricate topic....an excellent book that is highly recommended for all mental health professionals. It is also a great introductory text for teaching in psychiatric residency programs, particularly for residents who are interested in the studyof genetics and mental illness. -- Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Strengths of the book include Dr. Pliszka's extensive use of the literature in a laudable synthesis of research, presenting each topic concisely and clearly. He does not short-change any area he addresses and has highlighted the role of important scientists with summaries of key findings where relevant....Dr. Pliszka has made an important contribution in helping mental health clinicians to orient themselves to the imperatives of neuroscience and the possibilities for future advancement. -- Community Mental Health Journal <br>

'Neuroscience for the Mental Health Clinician' is a unique book. In it, Pliszka expertly explains complex concepts from laboratory-based neurosciences in a cogent and readily accessible fashion. What is particularly noteworthy about this work is its adroit descriptions of ideas that are often difficult to grasp. Although it covers a wide array of topics from the basic neurosciences, the book never loses its clinical focus. Deftly bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory science, this book should be a welcome read for experienced and novice clinicians alike.' - Robert L. Findling, MD, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Cleveland 'This volume will be invaluable to clinicians who work with patients with a range of different psychiatric disorders. Readers will benefit from the clear organization of the text and Plizska's ability to explain very complex neurochemical issues to the non-MD practitioner. This much-needed book will be well used over time as both a reference and teaching tool.' - Margaret Semrud-Clikeman, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin An excellent introductory guide to neuroscience and its relationship to mental illness. The author has done a commendable job. - Psychological Medicine This book is well written and crafted in an engaging style that captures the reader's attention....Highly recommended for all mental health professionals. It is also a great introductory text for teaching in psychiatric residency programs, particularly for residents who are interested in the study of genetics and mental illness. - Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Readers will benefit from the clear organization of the text and Pliszka's ability to explain very complex neurochemical issues to the non-MD practitioner....Will work well as a text in graduate-level psychopathology courses. - Margaret Semrud-Clikeman, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin Written in a straightforward, conversational style, this book has given me a deeper appreciation of how truly marvelous the brain is. It is ideal for graduate-level psychology courses as well as for medical school education and psychiatric residencies. - Michael J. Manos, PhD, Director, ADHD Center, Children's Hospital at the Cleveland Clinic An excellent introductory guide to neuroscience and its relationship to mental illness. The author has done a commendable job. - Psychological Medicine

An excellent introductory guide to neuroscience and its relationship to mental illness. The author has done a commendable job. - Psychological Medicine

Author Information

Steven R. Pliszka, MD, is Associate Professor and Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

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