Neuroendocrinology offers a vital lens through which to understand the complex interactions between hormonal systems and brain function, particularly in the realm of mental health. Research has classically concentrated on neurotransmitters and their role in brain activity, while hormonal regulation in mental disorders has not been as thoroughly explored. This oversight has left significant gaps in understanding the etiologies of these disorders and in developing effective treatments. Hormones known to influence brain processes can trigger molecular modifications that affect neurotransmitter function and brain plasticity, impacting not only perivascular tissues but also the central nervous system. Moreover, synthetic hormones used in treatments, especially those in anti-inflammatory drugs, have a significant impact on steroid psychosis, behavioral and cognitive impairments, as well as on neuropeptide functions, highlighting a crucial area for deeper investigation.
This Research Topic aims to aggregate cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that delve into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underpinning psychiatric conditions and their comorbid metabolic disorders. The goal is to elucidate how neuroendocrine processes intersect with psychiatric and metabolic health, thereby enhancing our understanding and treatment approaches for these complex comorbidities.
To further understand these intricate interactions, the Scope of this Research Topic includes:
o Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying mental disorders, with a focus on molecular and clinical studies relating to metabolic comorbidities.
o Impacts of neuroendocrine and metabolic dysfunctions on the clinical outcomes and trajectory of mental illnesses across different states.
o Advances in metabolomics that shed light on neuroendocrine interactions in mental health and metabolic disorders.
o Exploration of the connections between psychiatric disorders and metabolic syndrome from a neuroendocrinological perspective.
o Effects of hormones, particularly synthetic ones and pharmaceuticals, on mental health and metabolic conditions.
o Neuroendocrinological action of psychotropic drugs, especially those with lower metabolic syndrome risks, assessing their efficacy and safety.
o Development of neuroendocrine screening protocols for patients with metabolic syndrome during psychotropic treatment.
o Innovative neuroendocrinological treatment strategies for managing metabolic syndrome in psychiatric contexts.
Contributions in the form of original research, reviews, and case studies are invited to address these themes, among others, to broaden the understanding of neuroendocrine dynamics in mental and metabolic health.
Note for Authors
The collection will ONLY evaluate manuscripts invited by the Editorial Office and Topic Editors. If you haven't received the call-for-participation on the Research Topic, please don't submit your paper here. All spontaneous submissions will be removed from the collection, ultimately as a stand-alone manuscript to be handled by someone else. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Frontiers in Endocrinology Editorial Office.
Keywords: metabolic disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, metabolic syndrome, hormone, comorbidity, mental illness
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
