The Role of Neuroinflammation in the Comorbidity of Psychiatric Disorders and Internal Diseases
Grecu Ramona Cătălina, Victor Gheorman, Veronica Gheorman, Mircea-Cătălin Forțofoiu
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders and internal diseases frequently co-occur, posing significant challenges due to overlapping symptoms, shared pathophysiological mechanisms, and increased healthcare burdens. Neuroinflammation has emerged as a central mechanism linking these conditions, driven by systemic inflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of neuroinflammation in comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, emphasizing bidirectional relationships and shared inflammatory pathways. This analysis identifies gaps in longitudinal studies, biomarker validation, and the integration of multidisciplinary care models. Emerging therapeutic approaches, including IL-6 inhibitors, vagus nerve stimulation, and behavioral interventions, show promise but remain underexplored in combined applications. Furthermore, disparities in research representation limit the generalizability of findings and highlight the need for inclusive clinical trials. Addressing these gaps through precision medicine, advanced biomarker monitoring technologies, and equitable healthcare strategies could transform the management of these complex comorbidities. By advancing our understanding of neuroinflammatory mechanisms and promoting integrated interventions, this review underscores the need for a collaborative, patient-centered approach to improve outcomes and reduce the global burden of psychiatric and internal disease comorbidities.