Brain–body interactions in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders

Understanding the complex communication between the brain and peripheral systems has become central to human neuroscience. Recent research highlights that the central nervous system interacts dynamically with the immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems, influencing both brain function and behaviour across the lifespan. Dysregulation in these bidirectional networks is increasingly implicated in the development and progression of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Emerging evidence from neuroimaging, multi-omics, and clinical studies underscores the role of systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and gut–brain signalling in shaping cognitive and emotional processes. Despite these advances, a comprehensive understanding of how brain–body interactions contribute to the onset, progression, and treatment response of these disorders remains incomplete. Addressing this gap requires integrative approaches uniting molecular, physiological, and clinical evidence.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which peripheral systems influence brain structure and function, and conversely, how central nervous system dysfunction impacts peripheral physiology. The goal is to advance mechanistic insight into brain–body communication and translate these findings into clinically meaningful frameworks for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Key questions include how gut microbiome diversity shapes neuroinflammation, how stress responses and hormonal signalling modulate brain plasticity, and how systemic immune activity correlates with cognitive or emotional dysregulation. Contributions are encouraged that bridge fundamental research with clinical neuroscience and foster the development of integrated, multisystem models of brain health.This Research Topic focuses on human studies and translational models that reveal the interdependence of the brain and body in health and disease. To gather further insights into brain–body pathways and their clinical implications, we welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Gut microbiome, enteric nervous system, and vagal modulation in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditionsNeuroimmune and inflammatory mechanisms underlying psychiatric and neurological dysfunctionHPA-axis regulation, stress biology, and metabolic–brain couplingCardiovascular and autonomic regulation in emotional and cognitive processingCircadian rhythms, sleep, and systemic homeostasis in brain disordersSystemic infection, immune challenges, and post-viral effects such as long COVID on neural networksHormonal and reproductive factors shaping neurodevelopment and mental healthMulti-omics, neuroimaging, and bioinformatics approaches to characterizing brain–body biomarkersTherapeutic targets and interventions through neuromodulation, microbiome modulation, or metabolic regulationWe welcome original research, reviews, and meta-analyses that integrate fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications to advance body-aware models of brain health. Topic editors: Arianna Menardi, Mohammad Hadi Aarabi, Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83679/brain-body-interactions-in-neuropsychiatric-and-neurological-disorders