Accessible and succinct, this book has given thousands of clinicians and students the basic understanding of neuroscience that is essential in contemporary mental health practice. Steven R. Pliszka synthesizes current knowledge on the neurobiological bases of major psychiatric disorders. He explores the brain systems that underlie cognition, emotions, and behavior; how disturbances in these systems can lead to psychopathology; and the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors across development. The book also addresses the ways that both pharmacological and psychosocial treatments act on the brain as they bring about a reduction in symptoms. Illustrations include 93 black-and-white figures and 14 color plates.

New to This Edition
*Incorporates over a decade of important advances in brain science.
*Heightened focus on brain networks.
*Cutting-edge discussions of genetics and epigenetics, the biological impact of stress, neurotransmitters, novel depression treatments, and other timely topics.
*Detailed chapters on autism spectrum disorder and dementia.
*Numerous new and revised figures.

About the Author

Steven R. Pliszka, MD, is Dielmann Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he served as Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from 1995-2015. Throughout his career, Dr. Pliszka has been involved in a wide range of administrative, research, clinical, and educational activities. His research focuses on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related disorders; he has been involved with numerous clinical trials of medications for ADHD and currently uses functional magnetic imaging to try to understand the mechanisms of action of ADHD treatments. He has also been involved in several projects to integrate mental health services into pediatric primary care. Dr. Pliszka maintains an active clinical practice and serves as the attending psychiatrist for two residential facilities for children with severe behavioral and emotional disorders.

Reviews

"Impressive. Pliszka combines the warm, engaging style of an experienced teacher with the depth and breadth of a scientific leader. He carefully describes seminal studies of brain function in both healthy and disordered populations. This book provides a refreshing and dispassionately candid view of what is currently known about the relationship between behavior and neural networks, as well as how far we still need to go to improve understanding and treatment. The second edition incorporates state-of-the-art imaging studies, large-scale genetic and epigenetic experiments, and optogenetic advancements. This book could easily be used in clinical neuroscience courses for non-neuroscience graduate programs like clinical psychology. It also serves as a desk reference for practicing clinicians who wish to understand the latest technological breakthroughs."--Scott A. Langenecker, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago

"Since the first edition of this book was published, behavioral neuroscience has exploded with new research. The second edition focuses on how genetics, development, and the environment interact to shape brain networks and the implications of those networks. This book is ideal as a text for a neurobiology seminar for psychiatry residents, child psychiatry fellows, medical students, or psychology students, or as independent reading for clinicians who wish to understand how brain structure and function affect emotions and behavior. It offers cutting-edge, understandable explanations of current ideas regarding the biology of mental illness."--Mina K. Dulcan, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

"Addressing the neuroanatomy and neuropathological underpinnings of such disorders as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and mood disorders, the second edition of this extremely valuable resource has a new emphasis on networks. Pliszka underscores our burgeoning knowledge that the brain does not work in isolated units, but rather in concert across brain regions. He presents emerging empirical findings and transactional ideas that deepen our understanding of how the environment influences the brain, and vice versa. This book belongs in every practitioner's library."--Margaret Semrud-Clikeman, PhD, ABPdN, Division Director, Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School -

Book Information
ISBN 9781462527113
Author Steven R. Pliszka
Format Paperback
Page Count 324
Imprint Guilford Press
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 476g