This contributed volume discusses the multiple roles of astrocytes, which determine the progression and outcome of neuropsychiatric diseases. This emerging area of study examines the ways in which astrocytes are involved in various aspects of disease initiation, progression and resolution. This monograph aims to integrate the body of information that has accumulated in recent years revealing the active role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric pathology and in psychiatric disorders.  Understanding roles of astrocytes in pathology will provide new targets for medical intervention and aid the development of much needed therapeutics. This book will be valuable for researchers and workers in the fields of neurobiology, neurology, and psychiatry, as well as fill the need for a textbook used in advanced courses/graduate seminars in glial pathophysiology.

Introduction: Neuroglia in psychiatric disorders

Chapter 1. Astrocytes: The housekeepers and guardians of the CNS
Chapter 2. Principles of astrogliopathology
Chapter 3. Morphological appearance of astroglia in neuropsychiatric disorders
Chapter 4. Astrocytes and neurotransmission: Glutamate and GABA in cognitive and mood disorders
Chapter 5. Astroglia in bipolar disorder
Chapter 6. Astroglia abnormalities in mood disorders
Chapter 7. Astroglia in major depression and suicide
Chapter 8. Neuroglia in Schizophrenia
Chapter 9. Glutamate turnover in Schizophrenia
Chapter 10. Astroglia and dopanime transmission in Schizophrenia
Chapter 11. Kynurenic acid in Schyzophrenia
Chapter 12. Astrocytes in addictive disorders
Chapter 13. Astroglia in the vulnerability and maintenance of alcohol dependence
Chapter 14. Astroglia in response to stress
Chapter 15. Astroglia and Obsessive compulsive disorder
Chapter 16. Astrocytes in regulation of food intake
Chapter 17. Astrocytes in anorexia nervosa
Chapter 18. Astroglial serotonin receptors as the central target of classic antidepressants
Chapter 19. Lithium targets astrocytes
Epilogue.