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Inflammation and Mental Health, a Psychiatrist's perspective.
By Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA
As a psychiatrist with over 35 years of clinical experience, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful connection between physical and mental health. One of the most important links that has become increasingly clear is that between inflammation and mental health.
Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in many common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The brain does not exist in isolation from the rest of the body — it is impacted by signals from the immune system, hormones, and other physiological processes. Inflammation is a key biological process that can influence the function and structure of the brain.
What is inflammation? Inflammation is the body’s immune response to harm, including injury or infection. It is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as the body boosts blood flow and immune cells to the site of damage. This acute inflammation is protective and usually resolves once the harm has been dealt with. However, problems arise when inflammation becomes chronic and systemic throughout the body and brain. This chronic neuroinflammation can damage neurons and other brain cells, leading to neurotransmitter imbalances, reduced brain volume, and impaired neural connections.