Abstract

Psychological disorders – their origins, clinical symptoms and treatment – have a central place in contemporary public health debate. Understanding how disruptions in the brain's biological mechanisms can influence our thoughts, feelings and actions is one of the most exciting challenges for psychologists in the twenty-first century.

The Biology of Psychological Disorders is an authoritative account of some of the most prevalent psychological disorders, from schizophrenia, depression, mania and substance abuse to disorders of childhood, adolescence and ageing. Detailed and engaging coverage of these disorders is combined with a comprehensive grounding in the fundamentals of neuroscience and the principles of psychopharmacology that underpin their treatment. Drawing on the fields of psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience and biology, this highly relevant text is an invaluable resource for students of biological psychology and psychopharmacology, trainee psychiatrists and anyone interested in understanding, researching and treating psychological disorders.
"A great resource that addresses some of the key questions in our discipline, this timely book combines a foundation in the basic principles of biological psychology with an integrative, critical evaluation of the neurobiological underpinnings of a broad range of psychological disorders." – Dr Alexander Sumich, Division of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, UK

"This textbook challenges mental health professionals to reclaim the lost territory of neuropsychiatry. Linden presents both basic and more advanced concepts of contemporary neuroscience, resisting the tendency to leave the study of the brain to
neurology. Every student of brain and behaviour will appreciate this resource." – Dr Stephan Heckers, Chair and Professor of the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, USA

"This timely and well researched text is an engaging and thorough exploration of the biological basis of psychological disorders and their pharmacological treatment. It will be a superb source for those with an interest in medicine, neuroscience, biopsychology and psychopharmacology, and essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students, teachers and clinicians." – Dr Nikola Bridges, School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK


An innovative, clearly structured and authoritative book that presents the latest research on the biological roots of a number of psychological disorders, from dementia to sleep disorders
David Linden is Professor of Translational Neuroscience at the School of Psychology and the Department of Psychological Medicine and Neurology of Cardiff University, UK. He is also an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the same institution, with a special interest in Neuropsychiatry.