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Chapter 5 - Neurobiology of Mental Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

By
Karen Horn ,
Anita Barrera ,
Abdul Haseeb  and
Rodrigo Machado-Vieira
Edited by
Marsal Sanches  and
Jair C. Soares
Marsal Sanches
Affiliation:
McGovern Medical School, Texas
Jair C. Soares
Affiliation:
McGovern Medical School, Texas
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Summary

Psychiatric disorders are complex and multifaceted conditions that profoundly impact various aspects of an individual’s life. Although the neurobiology of these disorders is not fully understood, extensive research suggests intricate interactions between genetic factors, changes in brain structure, disruptions in neurotransmitter pathways, as well as environmental influence.

In the case of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, strong genetic components have been identified as a key feature in the development of psychosis. Moreover, alterations in dopamine function and structural brain changes that result in volume loss seem to be pervasive in people affected by these disorders. Meanwhile, mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, are characterized by disruptions in neurotransmitter systems responsible for mood regulation, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Anxiety and personality disorders also exhibit neurotransmitter dysfunction and neuroanatomical changes, in addition to showing a genetic overlap with mood and psychotic disorders.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms in the pathophysiology of these conditions is of paramount importance and involves integrating findings from various research areas, including at the molecular and cellular levels. This brief overview aims to highlight some of the important developments in our current understanding of psychiatric disorders. Future research should aim to incorporate a comprehensive approach to further unravel the complexity of these disorders and pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies and effective treatments to improve the lives of individuals afflicted by them.

Keywords

moodpsychosistreatmentneurobiologymodelspharmacology
Type
Chapter
Information
Fundamentals of Clinical Psychiatry
A Practical Handbook
 , pp. 27 - 38
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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