International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Psychiatric Disorders are in the top leading causes of disease burden and disabilities. Recent researches are showing huge role of immune dysfunction in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Emerging future impact for immunological treatment in various psychiatric disorders Results: In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the potential role of immune dysfunction in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. For example, study findings suggest a connection between inflammatory immune processes and psychiatric illnesses including mood and psychotic disorders. Some evidence suggests that the association between psychiatric disorders and stress is mediated, at least in part, by neuro-inflammatory processes. Several studies identified a positive correlation of serum levels of inflammatory markers with disease severity and a negative correlation with cognitive performance. Dysregulation of mainly pro-inflammatory markers, in particular IL-6, IL-2 receptor, IL-1β, IL-17A and CRP have also been associated with psychiatric disorders. Anti-inflammatory treatment was found to reduce post-treatment manic symptom scores. Meta-analysis of existing clinical data indicates beneficial effects of minocycline in patients with depression. Currently, monoclonal antibody treatments are being trialled in schizophrenia. In addition, longitudinal research has demonstrated bidirectional links between a personal or family history of autoimmune disease and increased risk for psychiatric illness. Conclusion: Over-activation of the immune system is thought to increase brain vulnerability, increasing the risk of psychiatric symptoms upon a so-called second hit later in life. This hypothesis is supported by a link between psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety, and systemic autoimmune disorders. Current researches hold strong promise for immunological treatment in psychiatric disorders.

Biography

Ammar Alsayegh completed his postgraduate psychiatry training at University of Toronto, Canada. He finished his undergraduate medicine bachelor from University College Cork, Ireland. He is currently the head of Psychiatry Department at Kuwait Center for Mental Health and the Program Director at the postgraduate psychiatry program at Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization.