Psychological disorders are characterised by a reduction or even loss of the mind’s ability to function normally and react appropriately to life situations. People suffering from these disorders are no longer able to adapt to circumstances and may present personality disorders (e.g. anxiety, anger), behavioural disorders (e.g. attention deficit, hyperactivity) or mood disorders (e.g. exaggerated and persistent sadness), sometimes leading to hospitalisation.
These disorders now represent a major public health issue, since it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults has been, is being or will be affected by a mental disorder in the course of their life. Psychological disorders are the second leading cause of work stoppage and even the leading cause of early retirement.
Mental disorders are not widely recognised in our society, and may still be considered a taboo subject. Those affected are still sometimes stigmatised, and support from their families and friends plays a vital role for recovery.
It is sometimes difficult to separate mental disorders from physical complaints, as they influence each other. Patients suffering from severe diseases frequently see their mental health affected and, conversely, states of emotional distress can trigger diseases or even aggravate existing pathologies. Stress can also weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and chronic diseases.
What Psychological Disorders Are There?
As with physical, organic diseases, there are also hundreds of different psychological disorders. The best known are probably depression, burnout, anxiety disorders of all kinds as well as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. But problems caused by alcohol or drug abuse are also among them.
The Psyche And The Immune System
Can mental health affect the immune system?
Mental complaints influence the immune system and vice versa – our brain and our defence system are closely connected. For example, chronic stress weakens the immune system. People who are frequently or permanently exposed to stress or other psychological burdens become more susceptible to infections. This is because the number of immune cells that serve to defend against pathogens decreases and some of them (e.g. Natural Killer cells) become less active.
This immune imbalance reduces the body’s capacity to react appropriately to pathogens. Psychological stress can also aggravate pre-existing diseases, especially in the case of cardiovascular diseases.
Does The Immune System Influence Mental Health?
The immune system also influences the psyche. A permanent proinflammatory state caused by an overactive immune system can trigger psychological disorders. It is now assumed that many depressions are triggered by “silent” inflammatory processes in the brain. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are also more often affected by depression. Researchers assume that systemic inflammation is directly involved in these depressions.
Increased inflammatory markers in the blood and brain, as well as autoantibodies, immune cell abnormalities, intestinal dysbiosis and autoimmune and/or inflammatory pathologies (diabetes, etc.) have been observed in patients with psychological disorders.
The immuno-inflammatory hypotheses therefore hold great promise in terms of both diagnosis and treatment.
How Are Psychological Disorders Treated?
The treatment of psychological disorders varies depending on the condition. Treatments range from medication and hypnosis to psychotherapy, talking therapy and art therapy. Usually, different methods are combined, such as psychotherapy and medication.
Complementary Micro-Immunotherapy Treatment For Mental Health
In cases of psychological disorders where the immune system is critically involved, micro-immunotherapy can be used as a complementary immunomodulatory treatment.
Through a specific composition of immunomodulatory substances in low doses, micro-immunotherapy aims to train immunity back to balance and control inflammation by regulating inflammatory pathways. In addition to relieving the symptoms, it can also help prevent the development of associated disorders.
Discover more about Mental Health and micro-immunotherapy
