Neuroscience for the Mental Health Clinician

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.

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.

I. Basic Principles
1. Introduction
2. Draw the Brain: Introduction to Clinical Neuroanatomy
3. Neuronal Communication
4. Neurotransmitters
5. Genetics and Epigenetics
6. Fear, Reward, and Action
7. Attention and Memory
8. Higher Cognitive Functioning
II. Mental Disorders
9. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
10. Aggression, Antisocial Behavior, and Substance Abuse
11. Mood and Anxiety Disorders
12. Schizophrenia
13. Autism Spectrum Disorders
14. Dementia