Despite the devastating impact of bipolar disorder on the lives of millions worldwide, many aspects of its underlying etiology and pathophysiology remain unknown. This book, which has assembled a widely respected group of preclinical and clinical researchers, acts as a valuable and timely resource for both researchers and clinicians.This volume reviews the very latest biological, psychopharmacological, and therapeutic literature that has dominated the field in recent years and incorporates cutting-edge translational research. Early chapters review the course and outcome and genetics of this highly heritable condition, including chapters on epigenetics and clinical endophenotypes. Several chapters offer a remarkably thorough and unique overview of the neurobiology of the disorder, including what is known from genetics, molecular neurobiology, neuroimaging, and the development of animal models. Finally, the book covers treatment strategies for bipolar disorder, including both traditional and novel therapeutics, as well as non-pharmacological treatments. This book offers the unique advantages of combining in-depth coverage of current scientific knowledge with practical clinical advice and an invaluable eye toward the future of the field.

From the contents.- Preface.- Course and Outcome of Bipolar Disorder.- Genetics of Bipolar Disorder.- Epigenetic factors in Bipolar Disorder.- Clinical Endophenotypes in Bipolar Disorder.- Animal Models for the Study of Bipolar Disorder: Endophenotype and Lesion-Based Models.- Animal Models for the Study of Bipolar Disorder: Genetic-Based Models.- The Role of the -aminergic Systems in the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder.- The Role of the GABAergic and Glutamatergic Systems in the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder.- The Role of Signal Transduction Pathways in the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder.- The Role of Synaptic and Neural Plasticity in the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder.- Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Bipolar Disorder.- Structural Neuroimaging and Neuropathological Findings in Bipolar Disorder.- Functional Neuroimaging Findings in Bipolar Disorder: A Developmental Perspective.- Sleep and Biological Rhythm Abnormalities in the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder.