There are a number of mental health disorders that have underlying inflammation present.

This is a relatively new finding in research. It’s shifting the paradigm of how mental health is viewed and is informing new ways to treat mental health disorders. 

Studies have shown that inflammation is a component in the following mental health conditions:

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety

• Bipolar disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Schizophrenia

Many people have heard that inflammation is a bad thing.

Often, they don’t know what “having inflammation” means.

When doctors are trained, they are told that there are 3 signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, and pain.

Inflammation is the product of an activated immune system. It’s helpful to have inflammation when there is an infection present because it’s the result of the immune system mobilizing. When there’s an injury, it’s beneficial to the body to keep the affected area inflamed as it heals. This helps prevent reinjury.

The inflammation that is involved in mental health conditions is different in a few ways. It is chronic, which means it is ongoing, and it’s low grade. More like a simmer than a boil. When inflammation continues over a long period of time, it can lead to damage in the body and in the brain.

Where does the inflammation originate from?

The answer to this question is complex as there are a number of systems involved. Genes, lifestyle, and environment play roles also.

A key contributor to inflammation initiation and modulation is the gut. The bacteria in the gut, the microbiota, are tightly linked to the body’s immune response. A disruption in the microbiota causes the immune system to act and release inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals affect the nervous system, including the brain. When inflammation is present in the brain, it is termed neuroinflammation. This is detrimental to the functioning of the brain.

Because of this research, the assumption may be made that chronic inflammation is present when one has one of the above-mentioned mental health disorders.

At this time, there are not ways for providers to determine if there’s neuroinflammation through testing. It is possible to test the blood for levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to screen for inflammation and to monitor treatment, if present. These are not specific for any particular conditions but can reveal inflammation present in the body.

A holistic investigation is helpful.

It’s important to look at the whole picture of health.

This would include assessing the health of the gut microbiota. To find out if altered cortisol levels are contributing to any possible inflammation.

Treatment typically includes:

• addressing the abnormal lab findings

• the implementation of lifestyle changes that support healing

• the elimination of pro-inflammatory foods and the inclusion of those that are anti-inflammatory

• anti-inflammatory supplements such as curcumin and fish oil.

It’s a pretty exciting time. As new research comes out, there will continue to be better ways to prevent and heal from mental health conditions.