Schizophrenia and Autoimmune Disease - Fire in the Mind
A recent study contributes to the literature suggesting a bidrectional relationship between schizophrenia and autoimmune diseases. In a Danish cohort, individuals with schizophrenia and infectious exposures (hospitalization), the incidence of autoimmune disease was almost 3x as frequent.
- Schizophrenia likely shares underlying pathology with autoimmune disorders in the form of acute on chronic inflammation, and dysfunctional immune response.
- In addition to infection, to which patients are more susceptible in the setting of nutrient-poor diets and stress, there are other important factors that contribute to inflammation and a reactive immune system. These include vaccines, food antigens, and environmental toxins such as metals, plastics, and flame retardants.
- If we consider schizophrenia to be a manifestation of disordered immunity, we might look to lifestyle factors such as stress, exercise, diet, and a clean environment as first line treatments.
Read the abstract of this study suggesting a relationship between schizophrenia and autoimmune disease.
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