Main description:

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.

Contents:

Preface.- A Brief History of Immunological Research into Psychosis and Pathways for Immune Influence of the Brain.-Basic Concept of Microglia Biology and Neuroinflammation in Relation to Psychiatry.- Epidemiological Studies of Prenatal and Childhood Infection and Schizophrenia.- Schizophrenia, Cytokines and Other Systemic Inflammatory Mediators [to include oxidative stress and lymphocyte alterations].- Association between Schizophrenia, Microbial Infection and Microbiota.- Autoantibodies and psychosis.- Effect of Infection on Cognition in Schizophrenia and Healthy People.- Role of Infection, Autoimmunity, Atopic Disorders and the Immune System in Schizophrenia: Evidence from Epidemiological and Genetic Studies.- Microglial Activation and Psychotic Disorders: Evidence from Pre-clinical and Clinical Studies.- Early-Life Adversity, Systemic Inflammation, and Co-Morbid Physical and Psychiatric Illnesses of Adult Life.- Inflammation, Antipsychotic Drugs and Evidence for Effectiveness of Anti-inflammatory Agents in Schizophrenia.