Mental health depends on mitochondria

Experts from Rice University suggest considering mitochondria as the missing link between the psyche and the biology of the brain. These organelles, known primarily as energy sources for cells, perform a much wider range of functions than was commonly believed a few years ago.

Mitochondria are involved in immune responses, stress response, and regulation of neural activity. They are sensitive to environmental conditions and social context, which makes them vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress, social isolation, and traumatic experiences. Disruptions in their work have already been linked to anxiety and depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

The brain is particularly dependent on the state of the mitochondria. It consumes a huge amount of energy, and any decrease in its production affects the transmission of signals between neurons and the brain’s ability to adapt. With reduced mitochondrial efficiency, the processes underlying the regulation of mood, memory, and attention deteriorate. An additional risk factor is variations in mitochondrial DNA, which are associated with an increased tendency to anxiety and depression.

Researchers are also paying attention to the connection of mitochondria with inflammation. Prolonged stress gradually reduces their functionality, disrupts the energy balance and increases inflammatory reactions. This cascade may explain why stress is accompanied by fatigue, cognitive decline, and emotional instability. Differences in mitochondrial activity help to understand why some people are easier to bear psychological stress, while others are more vulnerable.

Interestingly, mitochondria not only suffer from stress, but are also able to respond to positive interventions. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, shows the most stable effects. Training increases the number of mitochondria and the activity of their enzymes, which may be one of the mechanisms of the beneficial effect of sports on the mental state. There is evidence of the impact of psychological practices. Intensive mindfulness programs reduced anxiety and altered mitochondrial activity, and psychotherapy increased the number of mitochondria in patients with PTSD, although the direct link to clinical improvement remains unclear.

Special attention is paid to loneliness. Social isolation forms a vicious circle: anxiety reduces the desire to interact with people, the level of activity decreases, energy resources are depleted, which makes it even more difficult to get out of this state. According to the authors of the review, maintaining social connections may become an important, but still poorly understood way to strengthen mitochondrial resistance.

Research in this area is just beginning. Nevertheless, the shift in focus from general markers like inflammation to specific cellular mechanisms opens up new perspectives. Understanding the role of mitochondria allows us not only to fix the problem, but also to come closer to explaining why psychological experience has such a profound effect on the health of the brain and the entire body.