In a new review study, researchers conclude that early-life infection, inflammation, and metabolic changes could contribute to psychiatric disorders—perhaps via effects during critical periods of brain development.
If confirmed, this line of research might lead to new approaches to treating depression and psychosis in adults.
It may help prevent these disorders by targeting early-life immunometabolic risk factors in childhood.
The study is one of seven special issue papers exploring possible links between inflammation and mental health disorders.
Previous research has suggested that maternal and childhood infections may be related to the later development of psychiatric diagnoses—particularly psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Research has also suggested links between metabolic alterations and psychiatric disorders.
Other studies suggest that young people with disrupted glucose-insulin balance may be at increased risk of later psychosis, whereas depression may lead to later glucose-insulin dysregulation.
Inflammatory and metabolic changes might interact with other factors affecting the development of psychiatric disorders—particularly genetic predispositions and adverse experiences or maltreatment during early life.
The team says together, these findings suggest that higher levels of infection, inflammation, and metabolic alterations commonly seen in people with depression and psychosis could be a cause for, rather than simply a consequence of, these disorders.
They call for innovative research approaches to evaluate the causal nature and mechanisms of these associations.
Interventional studies are also needed to test the potential usefulness of targeting early-life immuno-metabolic alterations for preventing adult depression and psychosis
Some groups of patients might benefit from treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs—although so far, clinical trials of this approach have yielded mixed results.
The team says despite these many advances, much still remains unknown, and further research is needed to enhance the clinical applicability of these findings.
If you care about depression, please read studies about drug that could swiftly reduce depression and suicidal thoughts, and drinking tea may cut depression in older people.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about supplement that may help lower anxiety, and results showing this natural food supplement may help relieve anxiety.
The study is published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry. and was conducted by Nils Kappelmann et al.
Copyright © 2022 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
