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One brain; one mind: A joint EPA–EAN leadership perspective on brain health
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DOI:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.12222.png)
Abstract
En 中文
Neurology and psychiatry have operated as separate disciplines for over a century; yet this division reflects historical and institutional developments rather than the underlying biology of the brain. Contemporary neuroscience shows that brain and mental health disorders share genetic susceptibilities; inflammatory and metabolic pathways; environmental and social risk factors; and clinical features that cross diagnostic boundaries. Cognitive; emotional; sensory; and motor symptoms regularly appear across both neurological and psychiatric populations; and conditions such as seizures; psychosis; mood disorders; cognitive disorders; and sleep disorders are common to both. A brain health framework addresses this reality by treating the brain as a single biological organ whose function emerges from the interplay between genome and exposome – including stress; trauma; social context; existential meaning; pollution; and physical health – and which underlies perception; behaviour; cognition; emotion; resilience; and vulnerability. Translating this perspective into practice requires coordinated action across domains. Clinically; collaborative models such as joint neurology–psychiatry consultations and shared outpatient pathways can be implemented within existing resources to improve diagnostic clarity and continuity of care. In training; a more harmonised curriculum with shared foundations in neurobiology; joint seminars; and cross-rotations would equip clinicians with a common language while preserving specialist depth; and support the emerging fields of preventive neurology and preventive psychiatry. In research; organising studies around shared mechanisms and symptom dimensions; and launching joint funding calls; would enhance translational relevance and reduce duplication. To realise this vision; sustained leadership from European professional bodies is essential to establish collaboration as a shared professional standard.
Keywords:
Brain Health
Mental Health
Psychiatry
Neurology
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