文档介绍：Psychiatr Clin N Am
28 (2005) xiii–xiv
Preface
Bipolar Disorder
E. Sherwood Brown, MD, PhD
Guest Editor
It has been my great pleasure to serve as the Guest Editor for this issue of
the Psychiatric Clinics of North America. Bipolar disorder is mon and
disabling illness. Research on the cause and treatment of bipolar disorder
has e one of the more active areas within psychiatry. I am very
pleased that a number of outstanding scholars have contributed articles to
this issue. The emphasis is on clinical aspects of bipolar disorder, although
some recent basic science findings are also discussed.
In 2003 the editors of Science selected research on the ics of
psychiatric illnesses as a runner-up to breakthroughs in astronomy as the
most outstanding scientific discovery of that year. The familial nature of
bipolar disorder has long been appreciated, but recently a better un-
derstanding of the ic underpinnings of the illness has evolved. Payne
and DePaulo review recent findings on the ever-changing field of bipolar
disorder ics.
Our understanding of the mechanism of action of antidepressants and
mood stabilizers has moved beyond explanations purely based on changes in
neurotransmitter levels. Currently, neuroprotection and even neurogenesis
are considered possible explanations of the efficacy of psychiatric medi-
cations. Lagace and Eisch discuss some of these important and clinically
relevant findings in their article.
The remainder of the issue is devoted to clinical research, particularly
treatment, although pertinent preclinical findings are frequently highlighted.
The treatment armamentarium for bipolar disorder seems to grow each
0193-953X/05/$ - see front matter Ó 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
doi:. psych.
xiv PREFACE
year. Antimanic agents now include not only lithium but numerous anti-
seizure medications and atypical antipsychotics. Psychotherapy is also use-
ful for many people who have bipolar