Your Immune System May Be Triggering Your Anxiety and Depression

There are several patient cases that have been documented throughout the annals of psychiatry that have prompted the reexamination of preconceived notions as well as the formation of novel lines of inquiry. It is possible that recovery stories such as April Burrell's and Devine Cruz's will have an impact on the way schizophrenia is currently treated.

Once a promising accounting major at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, April Burrell's world irrevocably changed after a trauma at 21. This incident catapulted her into acute psychosis, leading her to a diagnosis of schizophrenia—a condition affecting around 1% of the global population—where she became trapped in a disorienting maze of hallucinations.

Sander Markx, now at the helm of precision psychiatry at Columbia University, encountered April in 2000 during his undergraduate years. Recalling their first meeting, he described her as the "sickest patient" he had ever come across. It was a sentiment that would be revisited nearly two decades later when their paths intertwined once more.

While April's clinical symptoms paralleled schizophrenia, a 2018 revelation by Markx's team found a connection to lupus, an inflammatory disorder attacking her brain. Following specialized treatment for several months, April, previously comatose for over two decades, astonishingly awoke.

Markx, reflecting on the monumental discovery, said, "These individuals are like lost souls. This goes beyond improving lives; it's about rescuing them from a place I never dreamed they could return from."

The implication of this discovery reaches far beyond April. Over 200 patients with autoimmune disorders are now seen as potential beneficiaries of similar medical breakthroughs. If even a fraction of these patients reap benefits, the ramifications for mental health diagnosis and treatment could be profound.

Indeed, this finding laid the groundwork for the inception of the SNF Center for Precision Psychiatry and Mental Health at Columbia. The center's mandate? Pioneering treatments for mental illnesses underpinned by individual genetic and autoimmune distinctions.

Devine Cruz's story mirrors that of April's. Struggling with delusions and hallucinations, Devine received a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder coupled with an intellectual impairment. She too battled lupus, just like April. Nonetheless, the connection between her autoimmune disease and mental turmoil was overlooked. But after undergoing an intensive immunotherapy treatment, there was a significant change in Devine's life. By March, she had the clarity to share her experiences and distinguish between her inner voices and the outside world. "I've never felt more like me," she commented.

The surge in these cases has heightened curiosity about the relationship between mental health and autoimmunity. With a rejuvenated emphasis, scientists are currently investigating specific immunotherapies by studying immunological indicators in individuals with psychosis.

Still, what lies ahead is unpredictable. As the realm of psychiatry teeters on the edge of transformation, these tales highlight the profound impact of medical advancements. April's recent setback due to sporadic care and Devine's enriched existence illustrates these medical breakthroughs' monumental effects.

Devine reflects, "I want people to realize recovery is attainable. Regardless of the obstacles faced, there's always hope."

The experiences of April and Devine highlight a basic tenet of psychiatric study: that all patients, no matter how severe their illness, should be given a chance at recovery.