Interesting article . many-mental-health-conditions-have-bodily-triggers

[LAJ12345]

economist.com/science-and-t...

[LAJ12345]

you can read it free if you register

[Boscoejean]

"According to an article in The Economist, bodily triggers can have a significant impact on mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and depression. The article explores how these triggers, including inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and gut microbiome composition, can be potent catalysts for mental health manifestations. The article challenges the conventional wisdom that often separates mental and physical health"

[Boscoejean]

"The evolving evidence of the impact of inflammatory disorders and metabolic conditions, like PANS PANDAS, on mental health conditions is discussed in the latest issue of The Economist. 


Emerging evidence suggests various infections can trigger mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, and even psychosis, alongside inflammatory and metabolic disorders, highlighting systemic issues in psychiatry. Historically, psychiatry has focused on symptom description rather than underlying causes, with diagnoses lacking mechanistic understanding. However, a paradigm shift is slowly evolving, driven by efforts to identify neurological biomarkers and recognize mental health conditions as medical rather than purely psychiatric. Recognizing the impact of the immune system on the brain could usher in a more biologically informed approach to mental health diagnosis and treatment, finally prioritizing biology and fostering tailored and improved treatments. Integrating neurology and psychiatry could mitigate existing disparities in patient care, as there is a stark contrast in treatment options when a patient first sees immunology, neurology, psychiatry, or other disciplines of medicine. "

[Eryl]

Hardly suprising since the brain is part of the body. The health of the brain is not only dependant on microbial influences but on food impacts as Dr Chris Palmer has written about this in his book 'Brain Energy'

[LAJ12345 in reply to Eryl]

Not surprising to you or me but novel for psychiatrists apparently

[rebtar]

Note that they discuss triggers, not causes. Different. I think the study on trauma in childhood (ACEs), is important, likely more cause of the physical imbalances. IHO. Our culture is also extremelt stressful in many ways. In other words, these physical factors may be significant but there are other factors in play.

[LAJ12345 in reply to rebtar]

Yes. Diet and exercise of course are important too. They need one well rounded theory of everything.

[rebtar]

And i agree completely that the way we separate physical and mental health is super problematic.