There is a new lens on mental illness. For decades, mental illness has been predominantly explained through the lens of chemical imbalances — deficiencies or excesses in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. But a new wave of research is disrupting that narrative. Scientists now believe that ‘neuroinflammation’, or inflammation in the brain, may be a key driver of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. “This is a paradigm shift,” says Dr P Vijaya, Senior Neurologist and President of the Indian Stroke Association. “Mental illness is not just a matter of chemicals gone awry; it often reflects an underlying biological state of immune activation in the brain.”
The Hidden Player
Recent studies, including those conducted in India, have uncovered elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers — like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) — in individuals with depression and early-stage psychosis. These indicators point to chronic inflammation within the central nervous system, which may be altering brain function at a fundamental level.
When inflammation affects the brain, it can interfere with how neurons and glial cells interact, particularly in brain regions that regulate mood, memory, and decision-making. Just as inflammation in the joints causes pain and swelling, inflammation in the brain can cause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, and emotional numbness.
“In many cases, people struggling with depression aren’t just feeling sad—they’re dealing with a brain that’s inflamed and struggling to process emotions or thoughts efficiently,” explains Dr. Vijaya.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Recognizing the role of inflammation has opened the door to novel diagnostic and treatment strategies. Blood tests that screen for inflammatory markers are becoming more sophisticated, allowing clinicians to detect signs of neuroinflammation early on. Advanced imaging tools, too, are helping researchers visualize inflammatory activity in the brain.
Treatment strategies are evolving as well. Anti-inflammatory drugs and immunomodulators, once used primarily in treating autoimmune diseases, are now being tested for their potential to alleviate psychiatric symptoms. There’s also growing interest in gut-brain axis therapies, as gut microbiota play a key role in regulating immune responses.
Lifestyle-based interventions—such as anti-inflammatory diets, regular physical activity, and sleep hygiene — are also gaining traction. These strategies not only improve overall health but may directly reduce brain inflammation, providing a natural and accessible way to manage symptoms.
Compassion Thro Science
Understanding the biological basis of mental illness can also help reduce stigma. Therapist Anika Rane, who specializes in trauma and mood disorders, believes this science has humanizing potential. “For too long, people have blamed themselves or been blamed by society for their mental health struggles,” Rane says. “But when you realize that inflammation—something as physical and real as a swollen ankle—can happen in the brain, it changes how you view mental illness. It invites compassion, not judgment.”
Holistic Model of Care
This new understanding doesn’t dismiss the role of neurotransmitters but instead adds depth to the picture. Emotional suffering can now be seen as the result of tangible, biological events inside the brain, allowing for a more integrated approach to treatment.
As Dr Vijaya notes, “In leaving behind over simplistic neurotransmitter models, we are creating opportunities for more individualized, empathetic, and biologically informed treatments. Curing the brain now also involves curing inflammation.”