New research in the field of mental health

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New research in the field of mental health: from neurobiology to social support

I. Neurobiological foundations of mental disorders: disclosure of mechanisms and new targets

  • A. Genetics and genomics:

    • 1. Search for risk genes:
      • The latest full -genomic studies (GWAS) identify hundreds of new genetic options associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and autism. These options often affect the expression of genes associated with the synaptic function, neurotransmission and the immune system.
      • Studies using an analysis of genes expression (RNA-EQ) in the brain of dead patients with mental disorders reveal differences in the expression of hundreds of genes compared to the control group. These differences can indicate the mechanisms of the development of the disease and new therapeutic targets.
      • Exomus sequencing methods reveal rare, but potent genetic options that can explain a significant part of the risk of developing some mental disorders, especially in cases with the early beginning.
      • Epigenetic studies study DNA modifications (methylation, acetylation), which can affect the expression of genes without changing the DNA sequence. These modifications can be caused by environmental factors, such as stress, injury and diet, and can play a role in the development of mental disorders.
    • 2. Polygenic risk (PRS):
      • Polygenic risk scales (PRS) combine information about hundreds or thousands of genetic options to evaluate the individual genetic risk of mental disorder.
      • PRS are used to identify people with high genetic risk, which may need early prevention and intervention.
      • PRS is also used to stratify patients in clinical studies to increase the likelihood of detecting treatment effects.
      • Problems using PRS include the need for large samples for the development of accurate scales of risk and limiting their applicability to various ethnic groups.
    • 3. Genetical and medium interaction (GXE):
      • GXe studies study how genetic factors interact with environmental factors in order to influence the risk of mental disorders.
      • For example, in people with certain genetic options, the risk of developing depression can be higher with the influence of stressful life events.
      • GXe studies are important for understanding the complex etiology of mental disorders and the development of more purposeful prevention and treatment strategies.

  • B. Neurousualization:

    • 1. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRT):
      • FMRI is used to study the activity of the brain during various tasks and at rest.
      • FMRT studies revealed differences in brain activity in people with mental disorders in areas associated with emotions, cognitive functions and motivation.
      • For example, people with depression often have increased activity in tonsils (areas related to the processing of emotions) and reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (an area associated with cognitive control).
      • FMRT is used to study the effectiveness of new treatment methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBP) and pharmacotherapy.
    • 2. Diffusive-talent visualization (DTI):
      • DTI is used to study the structure of white matter in the brain, which consists of nerve fibers connecting various areas of the brain.
      • DTI studies revealed differences in the structure of white matter in people with mental disorders, which may indicate a violation of the coherence of the brain.
      • For example, in people with schizophrenia, a decrease in the integrity of white matter in areas that connect the prefrontal bark with other areas of the brain is often observed.
    • 3. Positron emission tomography (PET):
      • PET is used to study the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
      • PET studies have revealed differences in the activity of neurotransmitters in people with mental disorders, which may indicate a violation of neurotransmission.
      • For example, people with depression often have a decrease in the activity of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
      • PET is used to study the effectiveness of new drugs that affect the activity of neurotransmitters.
    • 4. Magnetoenencephalography (meg):
      • Meg measures magnetic fields generated by electrical activity of the brain, providing high temporary resolution.
      • Meg is used to study the dynamics of neural activity and coherence in the brain of people with mental disorders.
      • For example, Meg was used to study brain oscillations in people with schizophrenia.
    • 5. Optical visualization:
      • Functional close infrared spectroscopy (Fnirs) is a non -invasive method that measures changes in the concentration of oxygen in the blood in the brain.
      • Fnirs is used to study the activity of the brain in children and adults with mental disorders.
      • For example, Fnirs was used to study the activity of the brain during social interactions in people with autism.

  • C. Neurochemistry and neurotransmissia:

    • 1. The role of glutamate:
      • Glutamate is the main exciting neurotransmitter in the brain and plays an important role in cognitive functions, training and memory.
      • The dysfunction of the glutamatergic system is associated with a wide range of mental disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders and autism.
      • New drugs that modulate the activity of glutamate receptors are developed to treat these disorders.
      • Studies show that ketamine, an antagonist of NMDA receptors, can quickly reduce the symptoms of depression in some patients.
    • 2. The role of dopamine:
      • Dopamine plays an important role in motivation, remuneration and motor control.
      • Dopaminergic system dysfunction is associated with schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and drug addiction.
      • Antipsychotic drugs block dopamine receptors to reduce psychosis symptoms.
      • Studies show that dopamine also plays a role in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety disorders.
    • 3. The role of serotonin:
      • Serotonin plays an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite and aggression.
      • Dysfunction of the serotonergic system is associated with depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
      • Antidepressants, such as selective inhibitors of the reverse capture of serotonin (SIOS), increase the level of serotonin in the brain.
    • 4. GABK role:
      • GABA is the main brake neurotransmitter in the brain.
      • The dysfunction of the gamkering system is associated with anxious disorders, epilepsy and insomnia.
      • Benzodiazepines enhance the action of the GABA to reduce anxiety and cause sleep.
    • 5. Neuro -driving:
      • More and more data indicates that neuro butt is playing a role in the pathophysiology of many mental disorders.
      • Inflammatory cytokines can affect the activity of neurotransmitters and neural function.
      • Studies show that anti -inflammatory drugs can be effective for the treatment of some mental disorders.
      • The role of microglia, immune brain cells, in the development and progression of mental disorders is actively studied.

  • D. Neuroplasticity and its role in restoration:

    • 1. Structural plasticity:
      • Structural plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change the structure of its neural connections in response to experience.
      • Studies show that the brain of people with mental disorders can show reduced structural plasticity.
      • Methods of treatment, such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, can contribute to structural plasticity and restoration.
    • 2. Sinaptic plasticity:
      • Sinaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses (compounds between neurons) to intensify or weaken over time in response to activity.
      • Dysfunction of synaptic plasticity is associated with cognitive impairment observed with many mental disorders.
      • New drugs that modulate synaptic plasticity are developed to improve cognitive functions in people with mental disorders.
    • 3. Neurogenesis:
      • Neurogenesis is the process of the formation of new neurons in the brain.
      • Studies show that neurogenesis can be disturbed in depression and other mental disorders.
      • Antidepressants can stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the area of ​​the brain associated with memory and training.
    • 4. Factors of nerves growth:
      • Nerves growth factors (NGF) are proteins that support survival, growth and differentiation of neurons.
      • Studies show that NGF levels can be reduced in people with depression and other mental disorders.
      • Preparations that increase NGF levels are developed to treat these disorders.
    • 5. Rehabilitation and neuroplasticity:
      • Rehabilitation programs, such as cognitive training and labor therapy, can contribute to neuroplasticity and improve functional results in people with mental disorders.
      • Early intervention and personalized rehabilitation are important for maximizing the potential of neuroplasticity.

II. Clinical research and innovative treatment methods

  • A. Pharmacotherapy:

    • 1. New antidepressants:
      • Antidepressants are developed with new mechanisms of action, such as glutamate receptor modulators, CRH receptors and intestinal microbiots.
      • These drugs are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the side effects of existing antidepressants.
    • 2. New antipsychotics:
      • Antipsychotic with improved safety and efficiency profiles are being developed, including drugs that selectively block dopamine receptors and modulate a glutamatergic system.
      • These drugs are aimed at reducing the risk of extrapiral side effects and metabolic disorders associated with traditional antipsychotics.
    • 3. Preparations for the treatment of anxiety disorders:
      • New drugs are being developed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as agonists of GABA receptors, CRH receptors and neo-driving modulators.
      • These drugs are aimed at reducing anxiety and improving the quality of life of people with anxious disorders.
    • 4. Preparations for the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders (RAS):
      • Preparations are being developed for the treatment of the main symptoms of races, such as social disorders and repeating behavior.
      • These drugs are aimed at improving social functioning and reducing behavioral problems in people with races.
    • 5. Preparations for the treatment of ADHD:
      • New stimulants and non -resistance are being developed for the treatment of ADHD with improved safety and efficiency profiles.
      • These drugs are aimed at improving attention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
    • 6. Personalized pharmacotherapy:
      • Pharmacogenetic testing is used to determine how human genes affect his reaction to drugs.
      • This information can be used to select the most effective and safe drug for each person.
      • Pharmacogenetics can improve treatment results and reduce the risk of side effects.

  • B. Psychotherapy:

    • 1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT):
      • KPT is an effective method of treating a wide range of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders and OCR.
      • KPT teaches people to identify and change the negative thoughts and behavior that contribute to their problems.
      • The new CBT approaches include therapy based on awareness (MBCT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
    • 2. Therapy of acceptance and responsibility (ACT):
      • Act is a form of cognitive therapy that teaches people to accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to change them.
      • ACT helps people focus on their values ​​and take actions that correspond to these values.
    • 3. Interpersonal therapy (IPT):
      • IPT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships.
      • IPT can be effective for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
    • 4. Psychodynamic therapy:
      • Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious thoughts and feelings that can contribute to mental problems.
      • Psychodynamic therapy can help people understand their motives and relationships.
    • 5. Therapy oriented to injury:
      • Therapy focused on injury is specially designed for the treatment of people who have experienced traumatic events.
      • These treatment methods help people treat traumatic memories and develop overcoming strategies.
    • 6. Digital psychotherapy:
      • Digital psychotherapy provides psychotherapeutic services via the Internet or mobile applications.
      • Digital psychotherapy can be convenient and accessible to people who cannot attend traditional therapy sessions.
      • The effectiveness of digital psychotherapy is studied in various clinical conditions.

  • C. Neurostimulation:

    • 1. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS):
      • TMS is a non -invasive method of brain stimulation, which uses magnetic impulses to influence the activity of neurons.
      • TMS is approved for the treatment of depression and is studied for the treatment of other mental disorders, such as OCD and schizophrenia.
    • 2. Electronsorous therapy (EST):
      • EST is a treatment method in which electrical impulses are used to call cramps in the brain.
      • EST is an effective method of treating severe depression and other mental disorders that do not respond to other methods of treatment.
    • 3. Stimulation of the vagus nerve (SBN):
      • SBN is a treatment method in which electrical impulses are used to stimulate the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to other organs of the body.
      • SBN is approved for the treatment of depression and epilepsy.
    • 4. Deep brain stimulation (fuel and lubricants):
      • Fuel and lubricants are a treatment method in which electrodes are implanted into the brain to stimulate certain areas.
      • The fuel and lubricants is approved for the treatment of Parkinson, Distonia and OCD and is studied for the treatment of depression and other mental disorders.
    • 5. Transcranial stimulation of direct current (TDCS):
      • TDCS is a non -invasive method of brain stimulation, which uses a weak direct current to influence the activity of neurons.
      • TDCS is studied for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders and cognitive disorders.

  • D. Integrative approaches:

    • 1. A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy:
      • The combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is often more effective than any of these methods of treatment separately.
      • This approach allows you to affect both biological and psychological aspects of mental disorders.
    • 2. Attention to lifestyle:
      • The lifestyle plays an important role in mental health.
      • Interventions that contribute to healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep and decrease in stress, can improve treatment results.
    • 3. Additional and alternative treatment methods (CAM):
      • Some people use CAM methods for the treatment of mental disorders, such as acupuncture, yoga and meditation.
      • Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CAM methods of treatment.
    • 4. Participation of communities and social support:
      • Social support plays an important role in mental health and restoration.
      • Interventions that contribute to social communications and reduce insulation can improve treatment results.
    • 5. Telemedicine and access to help:
      • Telemedicine can improve access to mental health, especially for people living in rural areas or having other barriers to access to traditional treatment.
      • Telemedicine can provide psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and other services online.

III. Social and environmental factors of mental health

  • A. Social Determinants of Health:

    • 1. Poverty and inequality:
      • Poverty and inequality are associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders.
      • Lack of resources, lack of opportunities and discrimination can negatively affect mental health.
    • 2. Education:
      • A higher level of education is associated with the best mental health.
      • Education can provide people with skills and knowledge necessary to overcome life difficulties and maintain mental health.
    • 3. Employment:
      • Employment provides people with income, social status and a sense of goal.
      • Unemployment and unstable employment are associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders.
    • 4. Housing:
      • Safe and affordable housing is necessary for mental health.
      • Brightness and unstable housing are associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders.
    • 5. Access to healthcare:
      • Access to quality healthcare is necessary for the prevention and treatment of mental disorders.
      • Lack of access to healthcare can lead to undiagnosed and untreated mental disorders.

  • B. Trauma and unfavorable children’s experiences (ACE):

    • 1. The effect of Ace on the brain and body:
      • ACE, such as cruelty, neglect and evidence of violence, can negatively affect the development of the brain and body.
      • ACE is associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders, chronic diseases and premature death.
    • 2. The influence of ACE on mental health:
      • ACE can lead to the development of depression, anxiety disorders, post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personality disorders.
      • ACE can also increase the risk of abuse of psychoactive substances and suicidal behavior.
    • 3. Prevention and treatment of ACE:
      • Programs aimed at the prevention of ACE and the provision of support for families at risk can improve mental health.
      • Therapy, focused on injury, can help people who have survived ACE, process traumatic memories and develop overcoming strategies.

  • C. Culture and mental health:

    • 1. Cultural differences in manifestations of mental disorders:
      • Cultural factors can affect how people experience and express mental disorders.
      • Some mental disorders can be more common in some cultures than in others.
    • 2. Cultural beliefs of mental health:
      • Cultural beliefs about mental health can affect how people seek help and receive treatment.
      • Stigma in relation to mental disorders can be more pronounced in some cultures than in others.
    • 3. Cultural and comprehensive treatment:
      • Cultural and comprehensive treatment takes into account the cultural values, beliefs and needs of man.
      • Cultural and comprehensive treatment can improve treatment results and reduce the inequality in healthcare.

  • D. Environment and Mental Health:

    • 1. City environment:
      • Life in the urban environment can be associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders.
      • Factors, such as air pollution, noise and lack of green spaces, can negatively affect mental health.
    • 2. Green spaces:
      • Access to green spaces is associated with improving mental health.
      • Green spaces can help reduce stress, improve mood and increase social communications.
    • 3. Change Change:
      • Climate change can negatively affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression and post -traumatic stress.
      • The consequences of climate change, such as natural disasters and the movement of the population, can aggravate existing mental health problems.
    • 4. Pollution:
      • Pollution of air and water is associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders.
      • Neurotoxins in the environment can negatively affect the development of the brain and nervous function.

IV. Technology and mental health

  • A. Mobile applications for mental health:

    • 1. Types of applications:
      • There are mobile applications for mental health that offer a wide range of services, including mood monitoring, stress management, cognitive training and psychotherapy.
    • 2. Efficiency and safety:
      • The effectiveness and safety of mobile mental health applications vary.
      • Additional studies are needed to assess the quality and effectiveness of these applications.
    • 3. Problems of privacy and ethics:
      • Mobile applications for mental health collect personal data that can be confidential.
      • It is necessary to comply with ethical principles and ensure the confidentiality and safety of user data.

  • B. Virtual reality (VR):

    • 1. Using VR to treat anxiety disorders:
      • VR is used to treat anxiety disorders, such as phobias and social anxiety.
      • VR allows people to deal with their fears in a safe and controlled environment.
    • 2. Using VR for the treatment of PTSR:
      • VR is used to treat PTSD, allowing people to re -experience traumatic events in a safe environment.
      • VR can help people process traumatic memories and reduce the symptoms of PTSD.
    • 3. Using VR to teach social skills:
      • VR is used to teach social skills to people with races.
      • VR allows people to practice social interactions in a safe and supportive environment.

  • C. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (MO):

    • 1. Using AI to diagnose mental disorders:
      • AI and MO are used to develop algorithms that can help in the diagnosis of mental disorders.
      • These algorithms can analyze data, such as speech, text and images, to identify signs of a mental disorder.
    • 2. Using AI for personalized treatment:
      • AI and MO are used to develop personalized treatment plans based on individual characteristics and preferences.
      • These algorithms can predict a person’s reaction to treatment and recommend the most effective options.
    • 3. Ethical problems of using AI in mental health:
      • The use of AI in mental health raises ethical issues, such as the bias of algorithms, data privacy and transparency.
      • It is necessary to develop and use AI systems ethically and responsibly.

  • D. Social networks and mental health:

    • 1. The influence of social networks on mental health:
      • Social networks can have both positive and negative effects on mental health.
      • Social networks can contribute to social communications and support, but can also lead to cyberbulling, comparing themselves with others and dependence.
    • 2. Using social networks to identify people in need of help:
      • Social networks can be used to identify people who experience mental health problems and need help.
      • MO algorithms can analyze messages and activity on social networks to identify signs of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
    • 3. Responsible use of social networks:
      • It is important to use social networks responsibly and realize their potential effect on mental health.
      • The time spent on social networks should be limited to avoid cyberbilling and compare yourself with others, as well as seek help, if necessary.

V. Prevention and promotion of mental health

  • A. Early intervention:

    • 1. The importance of early detection:
      • Early detection and intervention can improve treatment results and reduce the risk of chronic mental disorders.
      • It is important to conduct screening for mental disorders in children, adolescents and adults.
    • 2. Early intervention programs:
      • There are early intervention programs for people at risk on the development of psychosis, depression and anxiety disorders.
      • These programs may include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and family support.
    • 3. Stygma decrease:
      • Stigma in relation to mental disorders can prevent early detection and treatment.
      • It is important to conduct campaigns to reduce stigma and increase the awareness of mental health.

  • B. Mental health promotion programs in schools:

    • 1. Mental health training:
      • Teaching mental health in schools can increase awareness of mental disorders and contribute to early detection.
      • Mental health should include information about the signs and symptoms of mental disorders, overcoming strategies and resources to receive assistance.
    • 2. Programs of social and emotional competence:
      • Programs of social and emotional competence (SEL) can help students develop skills necessary for managing emotions, building relationships and solving problems.
      • Sel programs can improve the mental health and academic performance of students.
    • 3. Support for mental health for teachers and staff:
      • Teachers and school staff often experience stress and burnout, which can negatively affect their mental health.
      • Schools should provide mental health support for teachers and staff, such as consultations and stress management programs.

  • C. Mental health promotion programs at the workplace:

    • 1. Stygma decrease:
      • Stigma in relation to mental disorders may impede the fact that workers seek help.
      • Employers must conduct campaigns to reduce stigma and increase the awareness of mental health.
    • 2. Stress management programs:
      • Stress management programs can help workers cope with stress and improve their mental health.
      • These programs may include training in relaxation techniques, time management and communicative skills.
    • 3. Access to psychiatric care:
      • Employers must provide employees with access to psychiatric care, such as consultations and pharmacotherapy.
      • This can be done through medical insurance plans or assistance programs (EAP).

  • D. Public campaigns to promote mental health:

    • 1. Increased awareness:
      • Public campaigns to promote mental health can increase awareness of mental disorders and reduce Stigma.
      • These campaigns can use various communication channels, such as television, radio, Internet and social networks.
    • 2. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle:
      • Public campaigns to promote mental health can promote a healthy lifestyle, such as healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep.
      • These campaigns can also advise how to cope with stress and build a positive relationship.
    • 3. Support for mental health:
      • Public campaigns to promote mental health can provide information about resources to receive assistance, such as trust phone numbers, mental health centers and online resources.
      • These campaigns can also support organizations that provide mental health services.

VI. Future research areas

  • A. Development of new biomarkers of mental disorders:

    • Identification of biomarkers that can objectively measure the risk of mental disorder, the progression of the disease and the reaction to treatment.
    • Biomarkers can be found in blood, saliva, spinal fluid or neuroimaging.
    • Biomarkers can help in the diagnosis of mental disorders in the early stages and develop more purposeful methods of treatment.

  • B. Study of the role of intestinal microbiots in mental health:

    • The study of the relationship between the microbiota of the intestine and the brain and its effect on mental health.
    • The intestinal microbiota can affect the activity of neurotransmitters, inflammation and function of the immune system.
    • The interventions that modulate the intestinal microbiota, such as probiotics and diet, can be effective for the treatment of some mental disorders.

  • C. Development of new methods of treatment based on neuroplasticity:

    • The development of treatment methods that stimulate neuroplasticity and contribute to restoration after mental disorders.
    • These treatment methods may include cognitive training, transcranial magnetic stimulation and drugs that modulate synaptic plasticity.
    • Personalized rehabilitation programs based on the principles of neuroplasticity can improve functional results.

  • D. Improving access to psychiatric care:

    • Expanding access to psychiatric care, especially for people living in rural areas or having other barriers to access to traditional treatment.
    • The use of telemedicine and digital technologies to provide psychiatric assistance remotely.
    • Increasing financing of mental health and training services in mental health.

  • E. Reducing stigma and discrimination against people with mental disorders:

    • Conducting campaigns to reduce stigma and increase the awareness of mental health.
    • Protection of people with mental disorders and ensuring equal access to opportunities.
    • Attracting people with experience in a mental disorder in the development and implementation of mental health policy.

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