Neuroscience For The Mental Health Clinician

Accessible and succinct, this book has given thousands of clinicians and students the basic understanding of neuroscience that is essential in contemporary mental health practice. Steven R. Pliszka synthesizes current knowledge on the neurobiological bases of major psychiatric disorders. He explores the brain systems that underlie cognition, emotions, and behavior; how disturbances in these systems can lead to psychopathology; and the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors across development. The book also addresses the ways that both pharmacological and psychosocial treatments act on the brain as they bring about a reduction in symptoms. Illustrations include 93 black-and-white figures and 14 color plates. New to This Edition *Incorporates over a decade of important advances in brain science. *Heightened focus on brain networks. *Cutting-edge discussions of genetics and epigenetics, the biological impact of stress, neurotransmitters, novel depression treatments, and other timely topics. *Detailed chapters on autism spectrum disorder and dementia. *Numerous new and revised figures.

As scientific knowledge grows about the role of the brain in mental disorder, no clinician can afford to be uninformed about neurobiology. This accessible primer provides the basic grounding in neuroscience that all contemporary mental health professionals need. Readers are first guided through the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and psychiatric genetics. Chapters then illuminate the neurobiological underpinnings of a range of frequently encountered disorders--including ADHD, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and learning and cognitive problems--giving particular attention to the impact of psychosocial risk factors on the brain. Also examined are ways that both pharmacological and psychological interventions have been shown to alter brain chemistry as they bring about a reduction in symptoms.

As scientific knowledge grows about the role of the brain in mental disorder, no clinician can afford to be uninformed about neurobiology. This accessible primer provides the basic grounding in neuroscience that all contemporary mental health professionals need. Readers are first guided through the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and psychiatric genetics. Chapters then illuminate the neurobiological underpinnings of a range of frequently encountered disorders--including ADHD, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and learning and cognitive problems--giving particular attention to the impact of psychosocial risk factors on the brain. Also examined are ways that both pharmacological and psychological interventions have been shown to alter brain chemistry as they bring about a reduction in symptoms.

This book illustrates the current findings of interpersonal neurobiology that inform knowledge building and clinical practice. Contributions cover an impressive range of material including how neurobiology interfaces with clinical work with children, individuals with substance abuse issues, couples and clients with trauma histories. Leading mental health clinician-scholars describe path-breaking explorations at the neurobiological frontiers of 21st century clinical theory and practice. Representing the fields of social work, psychology and psychiatry, these authors creatively apply research findings from the ongoing revolution in social and behaviour neuroscience to a diverse array of clinical issues. Contributions include elaborations of theory (the evolving social brain; new directions in attachment, affect regulation and trauma studies); practice (neurobiologically informed work with children, adults, couples and in the conduct of supervision); and emerging neuroscientific perspectives on broader mental health issues and concerns (substance abuse; psychotropic medications; secondary traumatic stress in clinicians; the neurodynamics of racial prejudice; the dangers of forfeiting humanism to our current romance with the biological). Together, these chapters equip readers with state-of-the-art knowledge of the manner in which new understandings of the brain inform and shape today’s professional efforts to heal the troubled mind. This book was originally published as a special issue of Smith College Studies in Social Work.

Bringing the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience to the clinician, this text provides resident and practicing psychiatrists with a comprehensive, clinically relevant overview of the brain mechanisms underlying behavior and mental illness. The book presents an integrated perspective on the structures and workings of the brain, the mechanisms governing behaviors such as pleasure, aggression, and intelligence, and the pathophysiology of mental disorders. More than 200 two-color illustrations clarify key concepts. Questions and answers at the end of each chapter facilitate review and board preparation. Readers will also have online access to the complete, fully searchable text and a quiz bank of over 150 questions at www.neuroscienceofclinicalpsychiatry.com.

Most psychological disorders involve distressful emotions, yet emotions are often regarded as secondary in the etiology and treatment of psychopathology. This book offers an alternative model of psychotherapy, using the patient’s emotions as the focal point of treatment. This unique text approaches emotions as the primary source of intervention, where emotions are appreciated, experienced, and learned from as opposed to being regulated solely. Based on the latest developments in affective neuroscience, Dr. Stevens applies science-based interventions with a sequential approach for helping patients with psychological disorders. Chapters focus on how to use emotional awareness, emotional validation, self-compassion, and affect reconsolidation in therapeutic practice. Interventions for specific emotions such as anger, abandonment, jealousy, and desire are also addressed. This book is essential reading for clinicians practicing psychotherapy, social workers and licensed mental health counselors, as well as anyoe interested in the emotional science behind the brain.

Accessible and succinct, this book has given thousands of clinicians and students the basic understanding of neuroscience that is essential in contemporary mental health practice. Steven R. Pliszka synthesizes current knowledge on the neurobiological bases of major psychiatric disorders. He explores the brain systems that underlie cognition, emotions, and behavior; how disturbances in these systems can lead to psychopathology; and the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors across development. The book also addresses the ways that both pharmacological and psychosocial treatments act on the brain as they bring about a reduction in symptoms. Illustrations include 93 black-and-white figures and 14 color plates. New to This Edition *Incorporates over a decade of important advances in brain science. *Heightened focus on brain networks. *Cutting-edge discussions of genetics and epigenetics, the biological impact of stress, neurotransmitters, novel depression treatments, and other timely topics. *Detailed chapters on autism spectrum disorder and dementia. *Numerous new and revised figures.

This is an invaluable resource for counsellors and therapists looking to reinvigorate their practice and enhance their understanding of clients' needs. Each chapter focuses on different discoveries in neuroscience, explains them in plain English and provides guidance on how to put this knowledge to practical use in the therapy room. It covers specific psychological and neurological diagnoses including bipolar affective disorder, eating disorders and ADHD, as well as other more general issues such as attachment and addiction. The book also contains recommendations backed by evidence from neuroscience for optimum mental health involving nutrition, sleep and exercise, and a comprehensive glossary of technical terms. Presenting the practical applications of neuroscience, this book will be of immeasurable use to counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists, and also of interest to social workers and mental health practitioners.