Is it true that … mental health is affected by inflammation?
Studies have found that anti-inflammatory drugs can improve your mood. But what does that mean for conditions such as depression and anxiety?
TL;DR
- Inflammation is the immune system's response to injury or infection, and can also occur during illnesses, obesity, or aging.
- Elevated cytokines in the blood are a marker of inflammation, and these molecules can affect mood and brain activity.
- Studies show cytokine-blocking anti-inflammatory drugs can improve mood, potentially by altering brain activity.
- Research suggests a link between higher cytokine levels and increased risk of depression, and between immune-related diseases and psychiatric disorders.