Neuroprogression: What it is and why you should know about 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 sleep habits, irritability, and physical ailments without cause.⁴ Just as with a physical health condition, a mental health condition can start off as mild and worsen over time; therefore, it is very important not to ignore these signs and symptoms.^4,5

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

Stress is associated with worse health outcomes for both physical and mental health and can exacerbate underlying or existing conditions.¹² Mental health conditions are correlated 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 could be irreversible if left untreated and can 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 an individual recognizes symptoms of a possible mental health condition and seeks help, the sooner they could slow neuroprogression.¹⁶ For many mental health conditions, early intervention can lead to a greater likelihood of better outcomes.¹⁷ Timely intervention can help reduce disease burden and health care costs and improve quality of life both for those with the mental health condition and for their loved ones.¹⁷ 

Screening is a quick way to check for the symptoms of mental health conditions.^18,19 Mental health screening is recommended for everyone starting at age 8 years 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 whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.¹⁹ 

 Even with similar symptoms and the same diagnosis, each individual has a different mental health journey.²⁴ Finding the right therapy might take time; the earlier a patient seeks therapy, the sooner they can potentially benefit from treatment.^7,25 Remember that in many cases without proper treatment, neuroprogression may go unchecked, can worsen symptoms, and may make recovery more difficult.⁶

Shivani Kapadia, PharmD, is the medical director of global medical affairs, neuropsychiatry, at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc (OPDC). She received her doctor of pharmacy degree from St. John’s University 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 solely belong to the author, and external content does not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health America. 

References

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