Inflammation and Depression examines how immune signaling intersects with mood, energy, sleep, and cognition—and how to turn that biology into feasible care. Begin with careful differentials: thyroid disease, anemia, infections, autoimmune conditions, medications, pain, and sleep apnea can mimic or magnify depression. When clinical context suggests inflammatory contribution—pain, fatigue, fevers, inflammatory comorbidity—add targeted labs judiciously and partner with primary care or rheumatology. Therapy still leads: structured CBT/ACT for behavior change; grief or trauma work when relevant; and sleep/circadian repair that lowers inflammatory tone by stabilizing dark hours, timing light, and anchoring meals/activity. Medications follow evidence and patient preferences; pick agents with tolerable metabolic profiles, monitor weight and glucose, and avoid sedative stacking that worsens fatigue. If you’re reviewing options at an inflammation and depression conference, you’ll find pragmatic guidance on when to consider adjunctive anti-inflammatory strategies, how to identify trial-ready subgroups, and how to communicate benefits/risks without overpromising.

Care should stay affordable, accessible, and measurable. Low-tech steps can meaningfully reduce inflammatory load: consistent sleep, gentle aerobic activity, sunlight exposure early in the day, and nutrition basics that emphasize whole foods and reduce ultra-processed items. Group programs teach pacing, breath-work, and problem-solving; digital prompts nudge routines while respecting privacy. Equity matters: avoid expensive panels when they won’t change decisions; focus on high-yield fundamentals first and layer on complexity only when needed. For complex pain or autoimmune overlap, co-manage in integrated clinics so goals align. Measurement centers on function, energy, and sleep—not just scores—so patients see progress that matters to daily life. Deprescribe thoughtfully; simplify regimens to reduce side-effects that mimic inflammation. Finally, link precision frameworks to the clinic: identify who benefits from which step, publish outcomes, and iterate. The aim is not to chase every cytokine; it’s to restore participation in family, school, and work through steps that patients can sustain.