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Managing and Promoting the Mental Health of People with Psychiatric Comorbidities

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 1331

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The management and promotion of mental health in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities remains one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare. Psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, and substance use disorders frequently coexist with medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, endocrinological dysfunctions, and neurocognitive impairments. This overlap not only complicates diagnosis but also creates unique challenges in developing effective and personalized treatment strategies. Understanding and addressing these complexities require an interdisciplinary approach that considers the intricate relationships between mental and physical health. Psychiatric comorbidities often present with overlapping symptoms that make accurate diagnosis difficult. Furthermore, the bidirectional influence between physical conditions and mental health underscores the need for integrated care models that prioritize both aspects of health. This Special Issue aims at exploring and illuminating effective strategies for managing psychiatric comorbidities at every stage of life, from childhood to old age. Central to this discussion is the refinement of diagnostic practices, the development of tailored therapeutic protocols, and the incorporation of holistic care approaches. Attention will also be given to the role of biological markers, such as inflammatory and hormonal indicators, in understanding the underlying mechanisms of comorbidities. Equally important are social and environmental factors, which often shape the manifestation and progression of these conditions. We invite contributions that offer evidence-based insights into treatment strategies, systematic reviews that synthesize current knowledge, and case studies that highlight innovative care practices. Submissions addressing the integration of mental and physical healthcare, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies to enhance treatment adherence and quality of life are particularly encouraged. By fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of psychiatric comorbidities and provide a platform for developing more effective and compassionate care models. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, we aim to improve outcomes for individuals navigating the complexities of mental and physical health challenges.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Krysta
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • comorbidities
  • mental health
  • integration
  • diagnosis
  • disorders

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 364 KB  
Review
Diagnosis and Management of Parkinson Disease in Individuals with Pre-Existing Mood Disorders
by Laura Buyan Dent
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23020269 - 21 Feb 2026
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) and mood disorders represent two substantial global health burdens that increasingly co-occur as both conditions rise in prevalence worldwide. Diagnosing Parkinson disease in patients with pre-existing mood disorders is clinically challenging due to overlapping symptoms, medication effects, and shared neurobiological [...] Read more.
Parkinson disease (PD) and mood disorders represent two substantial global health burdens that increasingly co-occur as both conditions rise in prevalence worldwide. Diagnosing Parkinson disease in patients with pre-existing mood disorders is clinically challenging due to overlapping symptoms, medication effects, and shared neurobiological mechanisms. Apathy, psychomotor slowing, and fatigue may mimic depressive symptoms, leading to delayed recognition of early parkinsonism. Development of an underlying neurodegenerative disorder could account for some treatment-resistant symptoms or treatment failures if not recognized. Therefore, the identification of PD will change the treatment and management plan significantly. Accurate diagnosis of PD requires a detailed neurologic examination focusing on bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor, supported when appropriate by dopamine transporter imaging (DaT scan) or other emerging biomarkers. Understanding the temporal relationship between psychiatric and motor features helps differentiate prodromal PD from primary mood disorders. Management of patients with both mood disorders and PD integrates dopaminergic replacement therapy for motor symptoms with individualized treatment of psychiatric comorbidities. Levodopa remains the cornerstone for motor control, while dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors can be added as needed. For depression and anxiety, SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line choices; quetiapine or clozapine are preferred when treatment for psychosis is necessary. Intentional, thoughtful polypharmacy is frequently required. Non-pharmacologic interventions—including cognitive behavioral therapy, structured exercise, and patient–caregiver education—enhance mood, function, and quality of life. Multidisciplinary collaboration between neurology, psychiatry, and allied health professionals is essential for optimal outcomes. This review offers guidance to healthcare providers as well as other interested parties involved in patients with mood disorders who may also be developing or have PD, especially to those who may have limited access to neurologic resources. Full article
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