This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the role of neurosteroids and neuroactive steroids, such as pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone, allopregnanolone, progesterone and others in the regulation of brain processes and neuropsychiatric disorders. The book addresses the neurosteroid function in brain development and plasticity, in both the normal and the pathological brain including the aging brain, cognitive functioning, response to stress, anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. It also suggests possible therapeutic approaches to the use of natural occurring or sinthetic neurosteroids. The contributors are known experts who suggest that neuroactive steroids could have a role in clinical practice. This book offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of these important bioactive molecules that is relevant to a broad readership which includes neuroscientists, psychiatrists, neurologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists, clinical psychologists, general practitioners, geriatricians, graduate students in neuroscience, and health care providers in the field of mental health and neurology.