This contributed volume discusses the multiple roles of astrocytes, which determine the progression and outcome of neuropsychiatric diseases. This emerging area of study examines the ways in which astrocytes are involved in various aspects of disease initiation, progression and resolution. This monograph aims to integrate the body of information that has accumulated in recent years revealing the active role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric pathology and in psychiatric disorders. Understanding roles of astrocytes in pathology will provide new targets for medical intervention and aid the development of much needed therapeutics. This book will be valuable for researchers and workers in the fields of neurobiology, neurology, and psychiatry, as well as fill the need for a textbook used in advanced courses/graduate seminars in glial pathophysiology.

Introduction: Neuroglia in psychiatric disorders.- Chapter 1. Astrocytes: The housekeepers and guardians of the CNS.- Chapter 2. Principles of astrogliopathology.- Chapter 3. Morphological appearance of astroglia in neuropsychiatric disorders.- Chapter 4. Astrocytes and neurotransmission: Glutamate and GABA in cognitive and mood disorders.- Chapter 5. Astroglia in bipolar disorder.- Chapter 6. Astroglia abnormalities in mood disorders.- Chapter 7. Astroglia in major depression and suicide.- Chapter 8. Neuroglia in Schizophrenia.- Chapter 9. Glutamate turnover in Schizophrenia.- Chapter 10. Astroglia and dopanime transmission in Schizophrenia.- Chapter 11. Kynurenic acid in Schyzophrenia.- Chapter 12. Astrocytes in addictive disorders.- Chapter 13. Astroglia in the vulnerability and maintenance of alcohol dependence.- Chapter 14. Astroglia in response to stress.- Chapter 15. Astroglia and Obsessive compulsive disorder.- Chapter 16. Astrocytes in regulation of food intake.- Chapter 17. Astrocytes in anorexia nervosa.- Chapter 18. Astroglial serotonin receptors as the central target of classic antidepressants.- Chapter 19. Lithium targets astrocytes.- Epilogue.