How Psychiatric and Autoimmune Disorders Overlap: A Neuroinflammatory Framework
In this video, Dr Sanil Rege, consultant psychiatrist, outlines a concise neurobiological framework explaining how psychiatric and autoimmune disorders overlap through neuroinflammation. Focusing on neuroinflammation in psychiatry, he traces how psychological stress triggers catecholamine release, activating peripheral myeloid cells and toll-like receptor cascades that initiate immune signalling.
The discussion follows this process into the central nervous system, where microglial and astrocytic activation can perpetuate inflammation, disrupt mitochondrial function, and contribute to autoimmunity. Dr Rege also highlights the modulatory role of the vagus nerve and the impact of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, particularly hypocortisolism seen in chronic stress and PTSD.
This short video provides clinicians with a mechanistic lens for understanding psychiatric autoimmune overlap, helping integrate immune, endocrine, and neurobiological factors into diagnostic formulation and longitudinal care.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Stress-related catecholamine release can activate peripheral immune cells via toll-like receptors.
- Damage- and microbe-associated molecular patterns initiate inflammatory signalling cascades.
- Activated microglia and astrocytes can sustain central neuroinflammation beyond the initial trigger.
- Mitochondrial damage and antigen release may contribute to autoimmune vulnerability.
- HPA axis dysfunction, including hypocortisolism, reduces anti-inflammatory regulation in chronic stress and PTSD.
To build on the neurobiological and clinical concepts discussed in this video, clinicians may find the Advanced Psychiatric Formulation Series on The Academy by Psych Scene particularly valuable. This on-demand course develops a structured, hypothesis-driven approach to formulation by integrating phenomenology, neurobiology, and psychodynamics—skills directly relevant to understanding how stress, immune activation, and neuroinflammation contribute to complex psychiatric presentations.
The Psychopharmacology Masterclass Series further complements this content by examining core neurobiological mechanisms across major psychiatric disorders and linking symptom profiles with evidence-based psychopharmacological strategies. This series supports clinicians in understanding how medications interact with neural circuits and systemic processes, enhancing safe prescribing and long-term clinical decision-making.
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- A Summary of 3 Important Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders for Psychiatrists – Dr Sanil Rege
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