Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences – serie

This volume focuses on the behavioral neuroscience that supports our understanding of the neurobiology of trauma risk and response.  The collection of articles focuses on both preclinical and clinical reviews of (1) state-of-the-art knowledge of mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring disorders, (2) the biological and psychological constructs that support risk and resiliency for trauma disorders, and (3), novel treatment strategies and therapeutics on the horizon.

The goal for this volume is to provide an up-to-date review of the discriminative stimulus properties of major psychoactive drug classes with an emphasis on how this paradigm enhances our understanding of these drugs and how these findings translate from animals to humans. The drug discrimination paradigm applies to both drugs of abuse and drugs for treating mental illnesses, and research from these studies has provided immense translational value for learning about the mechanisms responsible for drug effects in humans.

‘Behavioral Neuroscience of Learning and Memory’ brings together the opinions and expertise of some of the world’s foremost neuroscientists in the field of learning and memory research. The volume provides a broad coverage of contemporary research and thinking in this field, focusing both on well established topics such as the medial temporal lobe memory system, as well as emerging areas of research such as the role of memory in decision making and the mechanisms of perceptual learning. Key intersecting themes include the molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory formation, the multiplicity of memory systems in the brain, and the way in which technological innovation is driving discovery. Unusually for a volume of this kind, this volume brings together research from both humans and animals—often relatively separate areas of discourse—to give a more comprehensive and integrated view of the field. The book will be of interest to both established researchers who wish to broaden their knowledge of topics outside of their specific areas of expertise, and for students who need a resource to help them make sense of the vast scientific literature on this subject.

This volume collects cutting-edge expert reviews in the oxytocin field and will be of interest to a broad scientific audience ranging from social neuroscience to clinical psychiatry. The role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in social behaviors is one of the earliest and most significant discoveries in social neuroscience. Influential studies in animal models have delineated many of the neural circuits and genetic components that underlie these behaviors. These discoveries have inspired researchers to investigate the effects of oxytocin on brain and behavior in humans and its potential relevance as a treatment for psychiatric disorders including borderline personality disorder and autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In fact, there is no established social psychopharmacology in Psychiatry, and oxytocin can be seen as the first endogenous agent specifically addressing social-cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders, with animal research suggesting that it could be especiallyefficient in the early postnatal period. From a human perspective, it is crucial to understand more precisely who can benefit from potential oxytocin-related treatments, which outcome measures will best represent their effects, how they should be administered, and what brain mechanisms are likely involved in mediating their effects. This type of “precision medicine” approach is in line with the research domain criteria defined by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

This volume covers a broad range of current research topics addressing the function of visuospatial attention and working memory. It discusses a variety of perspectives ranging from evolutionary and genetic underpinnings to neural substrates/computational processes and the connection between attention and working memory. Contributions address the topic at the molecular, system and evolutionary scales and will be of interest to a range of audiences from animal behaviour specialists, experimental psychologists to clinicians in the field of psychiatry and neurology.

This volume covers a broad range of current research topics addressing the function of visuospatial attention and working memory. It discusses a variety of perspectives ranging from evolutionary and genetic underpinnings to neural substrates/computational processes and the connection between attention and working memory. Contributions address the topic at the molecular, system and evolutionary scales and will be of interest to a range of audiences from animal behaviour specialists, experimental psychologists to clinicians in the field of psychiatry and neurology.

This book provides a unique overview on the most recent developments in initially diverse areas of behavioral genomic research that now start to intertwine to provide more detailed insights into the complex nature of behavior in health and disease. It focuses on our current understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of brain function and how they contribute to the complex formation of behavioral traits and psychiatric disorders. Readers experience diverse perspectives of the contributing authors starting from the genetic viewpoint and the effort to establish functional connection between genetic variants and behavioral phenotypes. Particular attention is given to the broad spectrum of epigenetic mechanisms and behavior.The chapter 'Role of MicoRNAs in Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders' is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com

This book provides a unique overview on the most recent developments in initially diverse areas of behavioral genomic research that now start to intertwine to provide more detailed insights into the complex nature of behavior in health and disease. It focuses on our current understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of brain function and how they contribute to the complex formation of behavioral traits and psychiatric disorders. Readers experience diverse perspectives of the contributing authors starting from the genetic viewpoint and the effort to establish functional connection between genetic variants and behavioral phenotypes. Particular attention is given to the broad spectrum of epigenetic mechanisms and behavior.The chapter 'Role of MicoRNAs in Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders' is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com

This special volume provides twelve contributions that discuss different aspects of social and endocrine behaviors with an emphasis on the neural regulation of these behaviors. In addition, several review chapters address the neural plasticity that results from exposure to hormones or the experiences with the behavior. Finally, each of the contributions emphasizes future directions and incorporation of newly developed neuroscience techniques and approaches.

This special volume provides twelve contributions that discuss different aspects of social and endocrine behaviors with an emphasis on the neural regulation of these behaviors. In addition, several review chapters address the neural plasticity that results from exposure to hormones or the experiences with the behavior. Finally, each of the contributions emphasizes future directions and incorporation of newly developed neuroscience techniques and approaches.

This book provides a comprehensive summary of the cutting edge scientific evidence regarding the role of immune system in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. It illustrates the role of inflammation and immunity in schizophrenia drawing on both basic science and clinical research. The chapters provide up-to-date summaries of immunological risk factors for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, and underlying mechanisms as informed by neuroimaging, genetic, clinical and animal experimental studies. In addition, the book will illuminate the scope for immunological treatment for schizophrenia.

This book provides a comprehensive summary of the cutting edge scientific evidence regarding the role of immune system in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. It illustrates the role of inflammation and immunity in schizophrenia drawing on both basic science and clinical research. The chapters provide up-to-date summaries of immunological risk factors for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, and underlying mechanisms as informed by neuroimaging, genetic, clinical and animal experimental studies. In addition, the book will illuminate the scope for immunological treatment for schizophrenia.

The molecular genetics of the cholinergic system including both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, cholinesterases, acetylcholine synthesis and release have provided significant insights into potential targeting for pharmacological intervention. Cholinergic drugs are being used or evaluated for the treatment of diseases. Thus, this volume aims to broaden our understanding of the current state of cholinergic mechanisms to enable implementation of novel approaches for the development of more effective treatments.

The molecular genetics of the cholinergic system including both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, cholinesterases, acetylcholine synthesis and release have provided significant insights into potential targeting for pharmacological intervention. Cholinergic drugs are being used or evaluated for the treatment of diseases. Thus, this volume aims to broaden our understanding of the current state of cholinergic mechanisms to enable implementation of novel approaches for the development of more effective treatments.

This book reviews the recent research into biological aspects of suicide behavior and outlines each of the varied, recent approaches to prevent suicide. Suicidal behavior, perhaps, is the most complex behavior that combines biological, social, and psychological factors. A new frontier and new opportunities are opening with the technologies of data acquisition and data analysis. Personalized models based on digital phenotype could provide promising strategies for preventing suicide.

This book reviews the recent research into biological aspects of suicide behavior and outlines each of the varied, recent approaches to prevent suicide. Suicidal behavior, perhaps, is the most complex behavior that combines biological, social, and psychological factors. A new frontier and new opportunities are opening with the technologies of data acquisition and data analysis. Personalized models based on digital phenotype could provide promising strategies for preventing suicide.

This volume provides an empirical and conceptual overview of advances in our understanding of impulsivity and impulsive behaviors. Prominent scientists review the range of behavioral phenomena referred to as ‘impulsive’, as well as the defining features and psychological, neurocognitive and behavioral processes that underlie of the manifestation of impulsive behaviors, focussing on progress made and the questions remaining to be answered.

This volume provides an empirical and conceptual overview of advances in our understanding of impulsivity and impulsive behaviors. Prominent scientists review the range of behavioral phenomena referred to as ‘impulsive’, as well as the defining features and psychological, neurocognitive and behavioral processes that underlie of the manifestation of impulsive behaviors, focussing on progress made and the questions remaining to be answered.

Bipolar disorder is a common, complex and costly mental health disorder, which sits at the heart of the practice of clinical psychiatry.Effective treatments (pharmacological, psychological and brain stimulation based) have all been discovered serendipitously.   With the huge advances in basic neuroscience the way is now clear for novel treatments to be developed based on brain science. This book reviews these possibilities.

Bipolar disorder is a common, complex and costly mental health disorder, which sits at the heart of the practice of clinical psychiatry.Effective treatments (pharmacological, psychological and brain stimulation based) have all been discovered serendipitously.   With the huge advances in basic neuroscience the way is now clear for novel treatments to be developed based on brain science. This book reviews these possibilities.

The book highlights important new research approaches of clinical relevance, written by prominent researchers in the field of OCD and related disorders. A broad range of topics is covered, beginning with a description of the phenotypic features of the OCD followed by chapters on developmental aspects, animal models, genetic and biological models including neuro-inflammation, functional neuroimaging correlates and information-processing accounts. Finally, existing and novel treatment approaches are covered including clinical and pharmacogenetic treatment models. In this way the volume brings together the key disciplines involved in the neurobiological understanding of OCD to provide an update of the field and outlook to the future. Together, the volume chapters provide focused and critical reviews that span a broad range of topics suitable for both students and established investigators and clinicians interested in the present state of OCD research.

The book highlights important new research approaches of clinical relevance, written by prominent researchers in the field of OCD and related disorders. A broad range of topics is covered, beginning with a description of the phenotypic features of the OCD followed by chapters on developmental aspects, animal models, genetic and biological models including neuro-inflammation, functional neuroimaging correlates and information-processing accounts. Finally, existing and novel treatment approaches are covered including clinical and pharmacogenetic treatment models. In this way the volume brings together the key disciplines involved in the neurobiological understanding of OCD to provide an update of the field and outlook to the future. Together, the volume chapters provide focused and critical reviews that span a broad range of topics suitable for both students and established investigators and clinicians interested in the present state of OCD research.

This volume aims at presenting the latest international research and discoveries in the neurocognitive aspects and complications in HIV/AIDS, and how this understanding can shape and inform how we think about clinical practice and patient care in HIV/AIDS as well as lead to a better understanding of the underlying neuropathogenesis.The chapter, "Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Impacts on the Pathophysiology and Phenotype of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders", of this book is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com

This volume aims at presenting the latest international research and discoveries in the neurocognitive aspects and complications in HIV/AIDS, and how this understanding can shape and inform how we think about clinical practice and patient care in HIV/AIDS as well as lead to a better understanding of the underlying neuropathogenesis.The chapter, "Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Impacts on the Pathophysiology and Phenotype of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders", of this book is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com

The origins of tinnitus and the development of effective treatments to treat tinnitus have puzzled scientists and clinicians for centuries. Now ground breaking research is beginning to unlock its secrets. The Behavioral Neuroscience of Tinnitus provides critical and comprehensive discussions of the most recent developments in behavioral neuroscience research of tinnitus. Each chapter represents the most important contemporary account of the subject, with an emphasis on preclinical and clinical trials for the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. New and emerging innovative approaches are covered whenever possible. Six topics are discussed in detail in this volume, which provide new insights in the etiology and mechanisms of tinnitus, new biomarkers towards objective and reliable diagnosis of tinnitus, pharmacological approaches towards curing tinnitus, bioengineering advances towards developing effective medical devices, as well as the latest in psychotherapy methods. The reviews in the volume expose researchers and clinicians, both new and experienced, to exciting advancements and state-of-the-art developments from preeminent researchers in the field of tinnitus.

The origins of tinnitus and the development of effective treatments to treat tinnitus have puzzled scientists and clinicians for centuries. Now ground breaking research is beginning to unlock its secrets. The Behavioral Neuroscience of Tinnitus provides critical and comprehensive discussions of the most recent developments in behavioral neuroscience research of tinnitus. Each chapter represents the most important contemporary account of the subject, with an emphasis on preclinical and clinical trials for the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. New and emerging innovative approaches are covered whenever possible. Six topics are discussed in detail in this volume, which provide new insights in the etiology and mechanisms of tinnitus, new biomarkers towards objective and reliable diagnosis of tinnitus, pharmacological approaches towards curing tinnitus, bioengineering advances towards developing effective medical devices, as well as the latest in psychotherapy methods. The reviews in the volume expose researchers and clinicians, both new and experienced, to exciting advancements and state-of-the-art developments from preeminent researchers in the field of tinnitus.

It has been almost forty years since Norman G. Bowery discovered and named this “non-GABAA” receptor the GABAB receptor. It has been almost ten years since the last comprehensive book presentation focused on GABAB receptors.The main goal of this book is to provide the field with a contemporary and comprehensive perspective on the GABAB receptor, its physiological relevance, and its therapeutic potential. The volume is organized into introductory and special interest sections presented by experts who study the GABAB receptor from structural, signaling, pharmacologic, physiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives.The book aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of biomedical and clinical scientists - any scholars with an interest in GABAB receptor. The editors hope readers find this work to be thought-provoking, instructive, and informative.

It has been almost forty years since Norman G. Bowery discovered and named this “non-GABAA” receptor the GABAB receptor. It has been almost ten years since the last comprehensive book presentation focused on GABAB receptors.The main goal of this book is to provide the field with a contemporary and comprehensive perspective on the GABAB receptor, its physiological relevance, and its therapeutic potential. The volume is organized into introductory and special interest sections presented by experts who study the GABAB receptor from structural, signaling, pharmacologic, physiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives.The book aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of biomedical and clinical scientists - any scholars with an interest in GABAB receptor. The editors hope readers find this work to be thought-provoking, instructive, and informative.

Many people living with epilepsy also suffer from debilitating psychiatric and cognitive disorders. While these comorbidities have been recognized for centuries, their causation, and relationship to the epilepsy remains clouded in mystery. This volume highlights recent knowledge and findings as well as controversies in our current understanding of behavioral and psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy.