Neuroinflammation and Mood explores how immune signaling intersects with energy, sleep, cognition, and affect—and how to turn that science into practical care without chasing every cytokine. We start with clinical flags for inflammatory contribution: pain and hypersensitivity, disrupted sleep, low-grade fevers, autoimmune or infectious comorbidity, and depression that improves when sleep and activity stabilize. This page outlines differentials and stepwise testing with primary care or rheumatology so labs are ordered only when they change decisions. If you’re weighing approaches at a neuroinflammation depression conference, you’ll find care pathways that begin with low-tech anchors—fixed wake time, morning light, evening wind-down, gentle aerobic activity, and nutrition basics—then layer psychotherapy (CBT/ACT/BA; grief or trauma work as indicated) and medications chosen for tolerable metabolic profiles. We discuss when to consider adjunctive anti-inflammatory strategies, how to select trial-ready subgroups, and how to communicate realistic expectations so hope is sturdy, not brittle.

Equity and feasibility drive every step. Patients need plans they can live with on hard days: short movement bouts, sunlight walks, hydration cues, and simple meal patterns reduce inflammatory tone while improving sleep and mood. Group programs teach pacing, breath work, and problem-solving; digital prompts nudge routines while preserving privacy. We deprescribe thoughtfully—simplifying sedatives and anticholinergics that mimic fatigue or cognitive fog—and coordinate with pain clinics to avoid opioid escalation. For perinatal and youth, adapt routines and consents, engage families, and protect sleep. When biomarkers are discussed, explain limits and next steps in plain language; when resources are scarce, use behavioral proxies so care doesn’t stall. Dashboards track function, energy, and sleep alongside symptoms; PDSA cycles let teams iterate and publish what changed. The goal is not perfect immune numbers—it’s restored participation in roles that matter.