Michael Berk – författare

Modern mental health issues are characterized by their complex, multi-systemic nature and broad societal impact, making them poorly suited to siloed approaches of thinking and innovation. Convergence science integrates knowledge, tools, and thought strategies from various fields and is the focal point where novel insights arise. Convergence Mental Health presents a blueprint for leveraging convergence science within the context of mental health in order to improve patient outcomes and health care systems.

After the original proposals of staging for psychotic disorders developed by McGorry and colleagues, a few systems have been put forward specifically for people with bipolar disorder. There is now consistent evidence that, at least for a significant portion of people with this disease, clinical course and outcome are not as benign as initially described. The evidence thus far points to relevant differences between early and late stages of bipolar disorders in the clinical course of illness, neurobiology and systemic pathology. These differences all suggest that staging is a viable addition to clinical care in bipolar disorder. Neuroprogression and Staging in Bipolar Disorder provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of the evidence regarding the use of staging systems in bipolar disorder. Edited by the leading researchers in the field, the book systematically covers the theoretical basis for staging, comparisons between different proposals, neurobiological underpinnings, the current evidence-base, limitations and future directions, and clinical implications and recommendations for practice. The book provides a solid and in-depth outline and thus to influence research and practice in the field of bipolar disorder.

Recent studies regarding the neuropathology of specific neurological disorders suggest that both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes may play a role. However, in contrast to the neurodegeneration seen in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, the term "neuroprogression" has been used to describe the neurodevelopmental aspect of pathological brain re-wiring that takes place in the context of severe psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Within psychiatry, patients with severe psychopathology, such as those depressed patients who eventually commit suicide, have been shown to present with increased inflammatory markers in the brain. A similar increase in inflammatory markers is also found in patients with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Thus, oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in growth factors are thought to be the pathways of neuroprogression.Neuroprogression in Psychiatry provides a comprehensive summary of the current developments in the emerging field of neuroprogression. With contributions by leading researchers in the field, this book examines the role of neuroprogression across a wide range of specific psychiatric disorders, with chapters included on major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

As research emerges on the effectiveness of psychological therapies for bipolar disorder, this is the first manual guiding the treatment of those in adolescence and early adulthood, taking into account the developmental issues which can have significant impact on therapeutic outcomes. Core issues covered include engagement difficulties, how cognitive therapy should be adapted for adolescents, the impact of the disorder on the person's psychosocial development, managing comorbidity (particularly alcohol and substance use), medication adherence, the impact of family dynamics, and issues around control and independence in the therapeutic relationship. The manual is illustrated with case studies and text boxes describing tips and techniques for the therapist. Providing clear clinical guidance, backed by an extensive literature review and theoretical overview, this is essential reading for all mental health specialists implementing psychological interventions for young people with bipolar disorder.

Recreational drugs that were once proscribed are now being explored as new pharmacotherapies. This topical book provides a balanced guide to new and far-reaching changes in our health system and our drug laws. Written by leading scientists, practitioners and researchers, it examines the evidence, discusses the history and context, and describes the pharmacology of recreational drugs that are being repurposed as medical treatments as well as recreational drugs that are currently being investigated. Amongst the drugs covered are psilocybin, cannabis, ketamine, MDMA, amphetamine and methylphenidate. Where known, the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, putative indications, and safety and tolerability are described for each agent. Drugs used by indigenous communities for ritual purposes, currently being considered for treatment by the mainstream medical establishment, are also investigated. This is an up-to-date evidence-based resource for all people interested in the medical use of recreational drugs.

A better understanding of the role of the immune system in psychiatric disorders makes it possible to identify stratification biomarkers, to explain underlying mechanisms, and to develop innovative, efficient, targeted treatment strategies and management.

A better understanding of the role of the immune system in psychiatric disorders makes it possible to identify stratification biomarkers, to explain underlying mechanisms, and to develop innovative, efficient, targeted treatment strategies and management.

This book presents the ‘state of the art’ of biomarkers research in neuropsychiatric conditions, from dementia to eating disorders, as well as providing methodological, practical and ethical issues related to the development of biomarkers.

This book presents the ‘state of the art’ of biomarkers research in neuropsychiatric conditions, from dementia to eating disorders, as well as providing methodological, practical and ethical issues related to the development of biomarkers.

The book presents the session wise details of ATMAN psychological treatment for managing self-harm in youth in low- and middle- income countries. Based on global evidence, ATMAN treatment has been designed using a systematic, sequential approach and has been co-designed by the self-harm patients and mental health professionals in Mumbai, India. The word ATMAN in Sanskrit refers to the “eternal self’ that functions in harmony with the Universe.Suicide is a leading cause of premature mortality across the world. Three quarters of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Most of the psychotherapies available to reduce the recurrence of self-harm have been developed and tested in high-income countries. Far less attention has been given to develop and evaluate context specific psychotherapeutic programmes for self-harm in low- and middle income countries.The book includes contextually appropriate treatment elements; age appropriate and culturally relevant case vignettes and scripts; and is easy to understand for non-specialist providers. It is based on problem solving therapy integrated with emotion regulation and social network strengthening skills. Available treatments for self-harm are sub-optimal globally and this book might become an extremely useful resource for mental health professionals in high-income countries due to its easy to use format, brief structure, and utility for culturally diverse populations.From the systems perspective, the possibility of scaling it up and training non-specialist counsellors to deliver this treatment in the community setting makes Managing Self-Harm Using Psychological Treatment ATMAN a very useful addition to the limited resources available to address the global health challenge of self-harm.

The book presents the session wise details of ATMAN psychological treatment for managing self-harm in youth in low- and middle- income countries. Based on global evidence, ATMAN treatment has been designed using a systematic, sequential approach and has been co-designed by the self-harm patients and mental health professionals in Mumbai, India. The word ATMAN in Sanskrit refers to the “eternal self’ that functions in harmony with the Universe.Suicide is a leading cause of premature mortality across the world. Three quarters of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Most of the psychotherapies available to reduce the recurrence of self-harm have been developed and tested in high-income countries. Far less attention has been given to develop and evaluate context specific psychotherapeutic programmes for self-harm in low- and middle income countries.The book includes contextually appropriate treatment elements; age appropriate and culturally relevant case vignettes and scripts; and is easy to understand for non-specialist providers. It is based on problem solving therapy integrated with emotion regulation and social network strengthening skills. Available treatments for self-harm are sub-optimal globally and this book might become an extremely useful resource for mental health professionals in high-income countries due to its easy to use format, brief structure, and utility for culturally diverse populations.From the systems perspective, the possibility of scaling it up and training non-specialist counsellors to deliver this treatment in the community setting makes Managing Self-Harm Using Psychological Treatment ATMAN a very useful addition to the limited resources available to address the global health challenge of self-harm.

Although these findings illustrate the severity and complexity of this illness, we are living exciting times in the field of bipolar disorder for several reasons.Over the last 20 years, novel and evidence based pharmacological and psychosocial strategies have been added to the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Focusing on the practical use of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) in medicine, this book provides a comprehensive review of the basic biological and clinical studies documenting its benefits in treating medical disease. NAC is perhaps best known as an antidote for acetaminophen, but its therapeutic effect in a wide range of medical diseases has recently been realized. In addition to its well recognized use in radiological contrast prophylaxis for renal disease and pulmonary disorders, studies have suggested significant promise in psychiatric and neurological disorders such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, ataxia, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, epilepsy, neuropathy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury and trichotillomania in addition to promising studies in audiology, cardiology, exercise physiology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious disease, infertility and ophthalmology. Given the promising studies for a wide range of medical conditions, coupled with a excellent safety profile, the potential for NAC in the treatment of human disease appears considerable.Dr Leonore A Herzenberg from Stanford University, a pioneer of redox physiology and the use of NAC, provides a succinct history of the development of the therapeutic use of NAC for medical disease. This is followed by a series of basic science chapters outlining the role of NAC in important physiological processes, including modulation of dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems, redox and mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation.The last section of the book is dedicated to clinically oriented chapters that comprehensively review the literature on medical disorders in which NAC has been found to be effective, including toxicity and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, pulmonary and renal disorders. Each chapter reviews the theoretical biological mechanisms of NAC for the specific diseases reviewed, rates the clinical studies using a standardized criteria in order to provide an objective level of evidence and grade of recommendation for the use of NAC for specific medical conditions and outlines the ongoing clinical trials examining NAC for the treatment of specific diseases. Final chapters review the clinical evidence verifying that specific theoretical biological mechanisms are actually being targeted by NAC in medical disease. Studies on the pharmacology, formulation and potential adverse effects of NAC are also reviewed. A final chapter synthesizes the clinical studies to suggest that the effectiveness of NAC may signal a new basic physiological disorder, glutathione deficiency, which may be an important pathophysiological mechanism of many diseases.