Springer Handbook of the Biology and Pathology of Mental Disorders

Mental health disorders affect emotions, behavior and thought processes which impact on the day-to-day functioning and well-being of the individual, and the family unit. The consequences can be devastating and should be placed in the context that globally there are approximately 800 million people who have a mental health disorder, of which approximately 500 million have either depression or anxiety. Approximately 45 million people have bipolar disorder and 20 million have schizophrenia. Eating disorders affects 15 million people. Substance use disorders affects nearly a billion people worldwide. In many cases treatment can be carried out using pharmacological and nonpharmacological regimens. However, it is important to consider that the biological and pathological elements of these mental disorders are often overlooked, understanding which platforms for diagnosis and treatments. This comprehensive reference covers the full range of psychological disorders, examining the biological aspects of what is displayed as behavior. Each major psychological disorder receives its own chapter with information on genetic, chemical, and biological components that are key factors in the etiology and course of the pathology. The interrelationship of human behavior and physical health is a complex but critical part of understanding the mental condition, and this reference lays out a way of understanding the role of the biological mechanisms. This handbook is designed for psychologists, psychiatrists, judicial professionals, behavioral scientists, pathologists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and doctors, neurologists, health scientists, general practitioners, research scientists and all those interested in altered behavior, mental health and disease. It is also valuable as a personal reference book and for academic libraries that cover behavioral or medical sciences.