Behavioral Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder and its Treatment

Abstract

About this seriesCurrent Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences provides critical and comprehensive discussions of the most significant areas of behavioral neuroscience research, written by leading international authorities. Each volume offers an informative and contemporary account of its subject, making it an unrivalled reference source. Titles in this series are available in both print and electronic formats.With the development of new methodologies for brain imaging, genetic and genomic analyses, molecular engineering of mutant animals, novel routes for drug delivery, and sophisticated cross-species behavioral assessments, it is now possible to study behavior relevant to psychiatric and neurological diseases and disorders on the physiological level. The Behavioral Neurosciences series focuses on ''translational medicine'' and cutting-edge technologies. Preclinical and clinical trials for the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics as well as prevention efforts are covered whenever possible.. This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilm or in any other way, and storage in data banks. Duplication of this publication or parts thereof is permitted only under the provisions of the German Copyright Law of September 9, 1965, in its current version, and permission for use must always be obtained from Springer. Violations are liable to prosecution under the German Copyright Law. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. Product liability: The publishers cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information about dosage and application contained in this book. In every individual case the user must check such information by consulting the relevant literature. Husseini K. ManjiCover illustration: Artistic representation of oscillatory synchrony and timing of neurons in networks by Gyorgy BuzsakiCover design: WMXDesign GmbH, Heidelberg, GermanyPrinted on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com) PrefaceBipolar disorder (BPD) is a common, chronic, recurrent mental illness that affects the lives and functioning of millions of individuals worldwide, and is a major public health problem. Recent estimates suggest that BPD affects 1-2% of the general population (Goodwin and Jamison 2007). Indeed, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Burden of Disease noted that unipolar depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and that together mood disorders account over 10% of disability worldwide (World Health Organization 2008). A growing number of recent studies indicate that outcome is quite poor for many individuals with BPD. The illness is characterized...