Angelos Halaris Livres

In this volume, international experts critically review cutting-edge advances in neuroprogression research. The relevance of these findings to psychiatric and neurological disorders is clarified. Potential etiopathological mechanisms of neuroprogression are described in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the immune system in stress and stress-related disorders and brain-immune interactions. The epigenetic consequences of adverse experiences in early childhood, which may prelude major psychiatric disorders, are also considered. Recent research has not only provided evidence of neuroprogression in psychiatric and neurological disorders, but has shown that pharmacologic interventions have the potential to arrest this process. Advances in testing and imaging will lead to timely diagnosis and earlier treatment. Identification of neurological mechanisms alongside (epi-)genetic vulnerability markers will create truly personalized treatment programs. This book is a valuable resource for everyone who wishes to gain insight into the essential features of the neuroprogressive course of major psychiatric and neurological disorders. In particular, psychiatrists, neuroscientists and neurologists as well as immunologists, pharmacologists and molecular biologists - will find very informative chapters of direct relevance to their field.

Psychoimmunology is a rapidly maturing area of scientific endeavor that provides a compelling integrative link between the immune system and its response to stress and psychiatric illness. Stress initiates pathological changes by activating the immune and endocrine systems. Inflammation is at the core of the complex and interactive systems that both contribute to and result from psychopathology. Consequently, inflammation research advances our knowledge of the pathology of depression, schizophrenia, chronic fatigue syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder and a host of co-morbid conditions, notably diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The possible mechanisms underlying the bidirectionality of co-morbid medical and psychiatric disorders can be viewed as a consequence of inflammatory changes. These emerging novel concepts illustrate how the knowledge of inflammation can enable meaningful integration of psychopathology with physical co-morbidity. The innovative articles in this volume highlight the intricate link between psychiatry and psychoimmunology and underscore the central role of inflammation in furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying mental health and illness.