Infectious Behavior

Brain-Immune Connections in Autism, Schizophrenia, and Depression

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Internal Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychology, Mental Health
Cover of the book Infectious Behavior by Paul H. Patterson, The MIT Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Paul H. Patterson ISBN: 9780262297677
Publisher: The MIT Press Publication: September 9, 2011
Imprint: The MIT Press Language: English
Author: Paul H. Patterson
ISBN: 9780262297677
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication: September 9, 2011
Imprint: The MIT Press
Language: English

An examination of brain-immune system communication in autism, schizophrenia, and depression.

In Infectious Behavior, neurobiologist Paul Patterson examines the involvement of the immune system in autism, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Although genetic approaches to these diseases have garnered the lion's share of publicity and funding, scientists are uncovering evidence of the important avenues of communication between the brain and the immune system and their involvement in mental illness. Patterson focuses on this brain-immune crosstalk, exploring the possibility that it may help us understand the causes of these common, but still mysterious, diseases. The heart of this engaging book, accessible to nonscientists, concerns the involvement of the immune systems of the pregnant woman and her fetus, and a consideration of maternal infection as a risk factor for schizophrenia and autism. Patterson reports on research that may shed light on today's autism epidemic. He also outlines the risks and benefits of both maternal and postnatal vaccinations.

In the course of his discussion, Patterson offers a short history of immune manipulation in treating mental illness (recounting some frightening but fascinating early experiments) and explains how the immune system influences behavior and how the brain regulates the immune system, looking in particular at stress and depression. He examines the prenatal origins of adult disease and evidence for immune involvement in autism, schizophrenia, and depression. Finally, he describes the promise shown by recent animal experiments that have led to early clinical trials of postnatal and adult treatments for patients with autism and related disorders.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An examination of brain-immune system communication in autism, schizophrenia, and depression.

In Infectious Behavior, neurobiologist Paul Patterson examines the involvement of the immune system in autism, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Although genetic approaches to these diseases have garnered the lion's share of publicity and funding, scientists are uncovering evidence of the important avenues of communication between the brain and the immune system and their involvement in mental illness. Patterson focuses on this brain-immune crosstalk, exploring the possibility that it may help us understand the causes of these common, but still mysterious, diseases. The heart of this engaging book, accessible to nonscientists, concerns the involvement of the immune systems of the pregnant woman and her fetus, and a consideration of maternal infection as a risk factor for schizophrenia and autism. Patterson reports on research that may shed light on today's autism epidemic. He also outlines the risks and benefits of both maternal and postnatal vaccinations.

In the course of his discussion, Patterson offers a short history of immune manipulation in treating mental illness (recounting some frightening but fascinating early experiments) and explains how the immune system influences behavior and how the brain regulates the immune system, looking in particular at stress and depression. He examines the prenatal origins of adult disease and evidence for immune involvement in autism, schizophrenia, and depression. Finally, he describes the promise shown by recent animal experiments that have led to early clinical trials of postnatal and adult treatments for patients with autism and related disorders.

More books from The MIT Press

Cover of the book Wu Jinglian by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Fascist Pigs by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Machine Art in the Twentieth Century by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Rational Choice by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Faster, Smarter, Greener by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Transportation in a Climate-Constrained World by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Blockheads! by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book The Syria Dilemma by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Between Preservation and Exploitation by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Cloud Computing for Science and Engineering by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Grammar as Science by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book CO2 Rising by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book All for Nothing by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book Computer Games for Learning by Paul H. Patterson
Cover of the book The First Sense by Paul H. Patterson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy