About this Research Topic

Background

Mood plays a pervading role in our life with or without getting noticed. Not only does it determine our perception of life and everyday productivity at an individual level, it also shapes our history and civilization (“the great depression” is not just economic). Masterpieces of artwork like the bright yellow Sunflowers and tranquil Starry Night from Van Gogh, or Sonate Pathetique from Beethoven are often products of extreme moods. Imbued in the various hues of melancholy, sorrow, sadness and pain, joyfulness or ecstasy, our life is colorful because of the constantly changing moods. Influenced by environmental factors like the seasons, food, light and sounds, the tune of mood is also determined by genetic factors and has solid neuroanatomical roots in structures like the limbic system. Understandings in the role of monoamine and glutamatergic signaling, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, glial cells and neuroinflammation, circadian rhythm changes in mood abnormalities give us glimpse of the icebergs on the ocean of moods. Yet a lot more remains to be understood about the neurophysiological constitution of moods, the inter-relationship between moods and other neural activities (memory, vision, hearing etc.), genetic, epigenetic and pathological changes underlying mood disorders, management of mood during childhood development and in patients with mood disorders.

A profound topic that has deep roots in both physiology and psychiatry, mood exerts its power on our physiological well-being and social capability. Compared to the social impact mood has on our life, the science of mood is a well under-studied area. With magic mushrooms (psilocybin) coming as the emerging psychedelic therapeutics for mood disorders, is it time to expect liberation from the burden of moods and harness it to power our life and creativity? Or before the release of the genie from the bottle, is it better to make sure we will be in control? In this collection of articles, we call for focus in the following areas to increase the awareness and social care for mood development in childhood and mood disorders, understanding of the neural basis of mood disorders at the neural circuit, cellular and molecular levels, and therapeutic strategies for mood management. Review articles, case reports, research articles in both neuroscience and psychiatry related, but not limited to, the following areas are encouraged:

1) Understanding of genetic, epigenetic and environmental (including social and psychological) factors contributing to mood disorders
2) Neural basis for mood disorders (neuroanatomical, synaptic connectivity, neurotransmitters, circadian rhythm and blood-brain barrier etc.)
3) Mood development during childhood and its impact to adult life
4) The role of aesthetic education and personality training in mood management
5) Mood disorders and its relationship with other primary or secondary diseases (autism, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, chronic pain, fatigue, brain-gut dysbiosis, metabolism disorders, traumatic brain injury, physical or emotional traumatic experiences, etc.)
6) Biomarkers and therapeutic development for mood disorders

Keywords: Mood Disorders, Mood Management

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