The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Aetiology and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders

Call for Papers

Studies of the World Health Organization suggest that by 2020 several psychiatric disorders will be the illnesses with the highest burden of disease. Lately, the biological process involved in the aetiology of psychiatric disorders has been in the focus of research. An increasing body of evidence points to alterations not only in brain function, but also in neuronal plasticity in the context of most psychiatric disorders. However, modern imaging techniques demonstrate that many psychiatric illnesses often go along with neurodegeneration, even if they are not classified as classical neurodegenerative disorders such as dementias and although if the onset is rather early in life or the disorders are mainly classified as developmental disorders. These findings are in line with a vast body of evidence derived from post-mortem studies showing decreased neuronal and glial cells especially in cortico-limbic regions happening in several psychiatric disorders, these processes can be considered as a consequence of alterations in neuronal plasticity in these disorder. These changes in neuronal plasticity could be triggered by an increased production or a decreased elimination of free radicals which in its turn eventually leads to cell death and consequently atrophy of vulnerable neuronal and glial cell population in these regions. Therefore, research on increased oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders mediated by elevated concentrations of free radicals, have been undertaken. In addition to that studies have carried out examining the role of oxidative stress and its role in successful treatment of these disorders. Nevertheless, further investigations are needed to clarify the complex role of oxidative stress in thE pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders.

We invite authors to submit original research and review articles that seek to refine the understanding of the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Affective disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Prodromal stages of both of these disorders
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementias, addiction
• Somatization and eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Mental retardation
• Personality disorders as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit disorder as well as effects
• Interactions or influences of treatment on the course of the disease and on oxidative stress (e.g. psychopharmacology and psychotherapy)

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/oximed/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/oximed/rosat/ according to the following timetable:

Lead Guest Editor

• Tanja M. Michel, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University Rostock, Gehlsheimerstrasse 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany

Guest Editors

• Aurel Popa-Wagner, Medical School, Rostock University, Rostock, Germany
• Michael Maes, Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Antwerpen, Belgium