The determination of neuroimmunopsychology in psychiatric pathology

Abstract

The immune system and central nervous system interact in a process called Neuroimmunopsychia
which is essential for mental health and brain function. This interaction occurs through multiple
pathways, such as humoral, neural, and cellular communication.
Various elements, such as corticosteroids, TH17 cells, cytokines, the complement system,
microglial cells, the blood-brain barrier and the intestinal microbiota, play a significant role in
this interaction. Dysfunction in any of these components can contribute to the development of
neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and
Alzheimer’s disease.
Neuroimmunopsychia also has a crucial role in neurological and organic diseases.
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s
show neuroinflammation and the involvement of immune cells, such as microglia. Diseases such
as autoimmune encephalitis, epilepsy and their neurobehavioral comorbidities are also linked to
inflammation and immune response. In addition, peripheral tumors can affect the central nervous
system and cause cognitive and affective symptoms, while diseases such as systemic lupus
erythematosus, myasthenia gravis and locked-in syndrome also involve an interaction between
neuroinflammation and the immune system.
Neuroimmunopsychia also plays an important role in bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and
psychotic disorders. In bipolar disorder, alterations in endolysosomal and autophagy pathways, as
well as in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, have been identified. These pathways are involved in
regulating protein quality and flow, and dysfunction in them has been observed in mood disorders
and neurodegenerative diseases.
In the case of major depressive disorder, the implications of various cytokines on the disease have
been studied, as well as chronic low-grade inflammation and imbalance in pro-inflammatory and
anti-inflammatory responses. The neuroimmunopsyche in these disorders can influence brain
function and contribute to symptoms.
Research has revealed an increasingly obvious connection between psychiatric disorders and
the immune system. The presence of inflammatory mechanisms is relevant in disorders such
as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, addiction and Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD), among others.
Systemic inflammation can affect the activity of key neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and
hormonal changes can contribute to the onset of postpartum mood disorders. Treatments aimed
at reducing inflammation, such as antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs), have shown benefits in these disorders. In addition, neuroimmunopsychia may play a role
in addiction and ASD, with inflammation affecting reward processes and neuronal function.
COVID-19 infection has also sparked growing interest in its impact on mental health and the
interaction between the immune system and neuropsychiatric disorders. The SARS-CoV-2 virus
can invade the central nervous system, triggering an inflammatory response in the brain and
contributing to neuroinflammation. This may be related to the development of psychiatric illnesses
such as major depressive disorder, psychosis, and cognitive impairment.
Oxidative stress, another factor implicated in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, can also affect brain
function and neuroinflammation. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder-OCD, related to COVID-19, has
also been studied in relation to neuroimmunopsychics.
In terms of diagnosis and treatment, biomarkers and the use of drugs with anti-inflammatory
properties have been investigated. Inflammatory markers have been associated with psychotic
disorders and depression, and biomarkers such as detection of my RNA and neutrophil-lymphocyte
ratio have been proposed. Psychotropic drugs and neuromodulation therapies have shown anti-
inflammatory effects and benefits on symptoms. In addition, non-pharmacological approaches
such as environmental enrichment and practices such as yoga and meditation have been shown
to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve symptoms of psychiatric disorders.