Barriers to the Development of More Effective Psychiatric Treatments

& a Call to Action By Two Prominent Researchers

In a recent newsletter, I talked about inflammation in brain disorders.  This may have left you wondering, “If brain inflammation is such a big deal, why aren’t we hearing more about the development of new psychiatric medications to target brain inflammation?”  In this newsletter, I’ll respond to this question, which inevitably raises other questions about the state of research into psychiatric medications, obstacles and potential solutions.

Does Conventional Psychiatry Recognize Inflammation in Psychiatric Conditions?

Yes!...at least researchers do, which doesn’t necessarily mean that recognition translates to psychiatric clinical practice.

• There is strong and consistent research showing the relationship between inflammatory mediators (referenced in the recent newsletter) and psychiatric conditions. 

  • The three most widely studied “proinflammatory cytokines” or PICs found to be elevated in Major Depressive Disorder are: TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta.

  • Studies consistently show high levels of PICs in those who have attempted or died by suicide.

  • The higher the PICs, the lower the response to treatment to antidepressants.

  • Though most psychiatric medications actually have a degree of anti-inflammatory effects, their primary mechanism of action appears to be their impact on neurotransmitter (brain chemical) functioning.