Neuroprogress: What it is and why you need to know it

This post was sponsored and developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.

Physical, behavioral and emotional changes may signal an underlying mental health condition.⁴ Examples of signs and symptoms that may indicate a mental health condition include changes in eating and sleeping habits, irritability, and unexplained physical ailments.⁴ Just like with a physical health condition, a mental health condition can start out mild and worsen over time. Therefore, it is very important not to ignore these signs and symptoms.^4.5

Neuroprogression is associated with a series of biological processes that contribute to the gradual worsening, relapse, and recurrence of mental health conditions.⁶ Neuroprogression has interrelated mechanisms, with physiological, neurochemical, immunological and genetic factors playing a role.⁶ The result is structural and functional changes in multiple systems, especially the nervous, immune, and metabolic systems.⁶

Stress is associated with worse health outcomes for both physical and mental health and can worsen underlying or existing conditions.¹² Mental health conditions are associated with both physical and psychological stress, which leads to systemic inflammation, including neuroinflammation.^6.13 Prolonged inflammation can lead to structural and chemical changes in the brain associated with neuroprogression. These changes may be irreversible if left untreated and may lead to worse clinical outcomes.⁶

Longer and increased episodes of mental health conditions may accelerate neuroprogression and lead to further cognitive and physical decline.^1,2,7,14,15 The sooner a person recognizes symptoms of a possible mental health condition and seeks help, the sooner neuroprogression can be slowed.¹⁶ For many mental health conditions, early intervention can lead to a greater likelihood of better outcomes.¹⁷ Early intervention can help reduce disease burden and health care costs and improve quality of life for both people with the mental condition and their loved ones.¹⁷

Screening is a quick way to check for symptoms of mental health conditions.^18,19 Mental health screening is recommended for everyone from age 8 and can lead to early intervention.^20-23 Primary care physicians and mental health professionals can provide screenings.¹⁸ There are also online, free, confidential and scientifically validated mental health screening tools that can help you determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.¹⁹

Even with similar symptoms and the same diagnosis, each person has a different mental health journey.²⁴ Finding the right treatment can take time. The earlier a patient seeks treatment, the sooner they can benefit from treatment.^7.25 Remember that in many cases without proper treatment, neuroprogression can go unchecked, can worsen symptoms, and can make recovery more difficult.⁶

Shivani Kapadia, PharmD, is medical director of global medical affairs, neuropsychiatry, at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc (OPDC). She received her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of St. John’s in Queens, New York.

Sara Asif Spencer, PharmD, MS, BCGP, is a medical science liaison, neuropsychiatry, at OPDC. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, New York.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and external content does not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health America.

References

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