The Immune System and Mental Health

The Immune System and Mental Health fully investigates how immune-related cellular, molecular and anatomical changes impact mental functioning. The book combines human and animal studies to reveal immunological changes related to mental-health problems. In addition, users will find comprehensive information on new research related to the microbial composition of the gut, aka, the microbiome, and how it influences brain function and mental health. Common comorbidities with mental illness and their inherent immunological or inflammatory components are also covered. Written by leaders in the field, the book synthesizes basic and clinical research to provide a thorough understanding on the role of immunity in neuropsychiatry.

Sociology, psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience and genetics have provided considerable explanations and solutions to some of the most intractable mental-health problems. But researchers are increasingly relying on investigations of the immune system to identify factors that can undermine and impair mental health. This book covers devastating mental-health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism-like spectrum disorders. In addition, degenerative disorders of the brain, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s-like dementia are explored.

Considers both basic human and animal studies that address immunological changes relating to mental health problems across the lifespanIncorporates techniques, concepts and ideas from a variety of social, behavioral and life sciencesExplores the relatively new area of the microbiome and how the microbial composition of the gut influences brain function and mental health

1. Multiple Pathways Linked to Mental Health and Illness 2. The Immune System: An Overview 3. Bacteria, Viruses, and the Microbiome 4. Life-Style Factors Affecting Biological Processes and Health 5. Stressor Processes and Effects on Neurobiological Functioning 6. Stress and Immunity 7. Prenatal and Early Postnatal Influences on Health 8. Depressive Disorders 9. Anxiety Disorders 10. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 11. Pain Processes 12. Autism 13. Schizophrenia 14. Inflammatory Roads to Parkinson’s Disease 15. A Neuroinflammatory View of Alzheimer’s Disease 16. Comorbidities in Relation to Inflammatory processes