There has been a sharp rise in the incidence of mental health disorders like depression in the past few decades. Mental illnesses are known to exert a major burden on physical health as well as the quality of life of the patient. Scientific research studies have revealed that the risk of this condition could be reduced to a great extent if the causes of mental health disorders are identified. It has also been proven that the immune system plays a vital role in supporting mental health. At the same time, dysfunctions related to the immune system can trigger the causes of mental health disorders. Hence, there is a need to understand the dual role of the immune system and correct the underlying abnormalities for the effective treatment and prevention of psychological and behavioral disorders. Here is a brief discussion aimed at assessing the role of the immune system in the development of mental health disorders.

Role of the immune system in the pathogenesis and causes of mental health disorders

Regulates emotional responses

Studies over the past few decades have provided evidence for the overlaps and similarities between emotional responses and the immune system. It has been found that the immune system can adjust its response dynamically to the changing conditions or the external environment. The immune system can be protective for the mind and body when it is working efficiently. It can help a person facing a difficult situation by creating a favorable balance of stress hormones and feel-good hormones in the nervous system. However, the immune system may also trigger the causes of mental health disorders by creating disarray in hormonal production. This study has also revealed that the immune system can modify the triggers that can contribute to the development of psychological illnesses. Also, developing a stable emotional state, improving the socio-economic conditions, and ceasing unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol have been found to have implications on both the immune system functions as well as the patient’s mental health. Hence, there is a need to highlight the links between mental health and the immune system in clinical settings. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular links between the immunological and emotional systems could provide significant clues for improving the outcomes of therapies.

Psychosis spectrum disorders

Research studies aimed at evaluating the link between psychosis spectrum disorders and immunological dysfunctions have revealed encouraging results. Clinical and epidemiological studies have revealed that patients with depression, OCD, anxiety, or psychosis spectrum disorders usually have an increased secretion of peripheral inflammatory markers. The peripheral inflammation could be correlated with central inflammatory changes occurring in the brain. These studies have been confounded by several disorder-related and methodological factors like the use of antipsychotic medications, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and obesity. It has been found that all of these factors can independently contribute to chronic inflammation. These inflammatory processes are regulated by the immune system. Immune cells can modify neuropsychiatric domains, positive/negative valence, and cognitive functions, and influence the causes of mental health disorders.

Role of peripheral immunity

Clinical studies have suggested that abnormal functions of the immune system could contribute to the development of psychiatric diseases by triggering the multi-cellular and active resident immune system. It can interact with peripheral immunity and impact the behavior of the patient thereby worsening the causes of mental health disorders. The results of research studies have strongly suggested that the inflammation-mediated pathways regulated by the immune system may prevent or increase the risk of mental health disorders. These factors may also serve as a common pathway for the risk factors of psychological illnesses including early-childhood adversity, social exclusion, and adolescent cannabis use. Hence, there is a need to include strategies aimed at restoring healthy immune system functions for an effective management of mental health disorders. These research studies have suggested that immune system dysfunctions can contribute to the causes of mental health disorders like depression. It is possible to avoid the risk of these diseases by using an immune-modulating supplements like BioPro-Plus. BioPro-Plus would help to support the functions of the immune system, control inflammation, and help to maintain the balance of hormones in the brain thereby helping to improve mental health.