Immunopsychiatry

The expanding fields of psychoneuroimmunology, and lately also immunopsychiatry, has increased our knowledge about the complex and reciprocal interactions between the immune system and the brain. The detected immunological abnormalities in subgroups of psychiatric patients have increased our understanding of precise immunological mechanisms underlying and contributing to the etiopathology of psychiatric disorders. The research developments towards identifying immune-related subgroups of mental disorders with distinct features and symptom profiles would disentangle some of the heterogeneity inherent in mental disorders. Identification and validation of specific immune-related biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood aid in the differential diagnosis, while ongoing microbiome research and brain imaging of neuroimmunological processes could further contribute to the etiopathology of mental disorders. Immune markers can assist in the treatment decisions, where immune modulating treatments for subgroups of mental disorders with underlying immunological disease activity could improve the current treatment of mental disorders at least for subgroups of patients.
Section Officers
Chair
officer
Angelos Halaris
star
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago 2160, South First Avenue Maywood, Chicago, IL 60153,
location
USA
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Co-Chair
officer
Karl Bechter
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location

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Secretary
officer
Michael Benros
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Mental Health Centre Copenhagen Copenhagen University Hospital Denmark
location
Denmark
Contact here


Section member list can be found here
Section activities
WPA Section on Immunopsychiatry - Activities 2020-2023
WPA Section on Immunopsychiatry - Annual Report 2024
Recommended readings
WPA Section`s Status and Actual Developments in Psychiatric Immunology/Immunopsychiatry