Systemic inflammation, executive function and mental health: bridging research and clinical perspectives
Loading...
Files
Date
2025
Authors
Tothova, Karolina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
This thesis investigates how systemic inflammation interacts with cognitive, psychological, and physical health outcomes, reflecting a growing recognition of its role across multiple domains of health. Systemic inflammation refers to a chronic, low-grade immune response that can influence brain function, behaviour, and physiology. While its role in physical conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders is well established, increasing evidence also links systemic inflammation to mental health difficulties and impaired executive functioning. Such findings carry implications for many disciplines, including clinical psychology, highlighting the potential value of inflammation-informed approaches to case formulation, assessment, and intervention—particularly in complex, comorbid presentations.
This thesis comprises of two studies. Study 1 is a qualitative study which explored general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences of supporting patients with concurrent obesity and common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Addressing existing research gap, this study focused particularly on how GPs understand, deliver, and communicate lifestyle-based interventions, such as dietary changes and physical activity, that have potential to reduce inflammation.
Study 2 is a scoping review mapping current empirical literature on the association between systemic inflammation and executive function in childhood and adolescence. explore which biopsychosocial moderators have been studied in relation to this association, and consider gaps and future directions to help inform early intervention and future clinical research.
Description
Keywords
Systemic inflammation , Executive function , Childhood and adolescence , Lifestyle interventions , Mental health , Obesity
Citation
Tothova, K. 2025. Systemic inflammation, executive function and mental health: bridging research and clinical perspectives. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.