The Molecular Foundations of Psychiatry by Steve Hyman and Eric Nestler provides a remarkably clear, broadly accessible, and beautifully illustrated overview of the methods and conceptual approaches of molecular biology as it relates to psychiatry. This is unequivocally one of the most important books published in recent years as it demystifies and places in perspective this powerful new way of understanding brain and behavior. Joseph T. Coyle, M.D., Eben S. Draper Professor of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience, Chair of the Consolidated Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

This text offers a detailed introduction to molecular biology, genetics, and neurobiology relevant to psychiatry. Generously illustrated chapters are organised to be read at both an introductory and at a more advanced level. Both beginners and advanced professionals should benefit from this text's discussion of how psychotropic drugs work and how gene-environment interactions may contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The authors demonstrate how molecular investigations in psychiatry could revolutionise the field by leading to improved diagnostic testing, to new and more effective treatments, and ultimately to the development of preventive measures.