Neuroscience, neurotechnology and mental health, by Fabiola León-Velarde

Neuroscience and neurotechnology have allowed us to better understand the brain circuits involved in some of these disorders. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been used for more than a decade as a non-invasive clinical therapy for resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In more complex cases, deep brain stimulation can be used, a surgical procedure initially developed for Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, today applied in a limited way in severe OCD or extreme depression. These techniques reinforce the idea that certain disorders can be understood as functional alterations of neuronal networks, rather than as irreversible structural damage.

Other emerging tools include ‘neurofeedback’, a training in which the patient visualizes their brain activity in real time to learn to self-regulate it, and the therapeutic use of virtual reality. This allows a gradual and controlled exposure to feared stimuli, facilitating the reorganization of circuits involved, for example, in anxiety or phobias.

An area of ​​growing interest is the gut-brain axis, the communication network between the central nervous system and the gut microbiota through neuroendocrine, immunological and neural pathways, such as the vagus nerve. Systematic studies show that people with depression and anxiety present alterations in the diversity of their intestinal microbiota, which suggests a biological interaction in the regulation of mood and the response to stress.

In parallel, recent studies published in the journal “Nature” show that disorders traditionally considered different, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or ADHD, share common genetic and biological factors that affect circuits linked to emotional regulation, cognition, impulsivity or the response to stress. This approach opens the door to more personalized interventions, based on individual biological profiles rather than traditional classifications.

In aging, neuroscientific research has shown that cognitive decline does not necessarily imply global damage to the brain, but rather the progressive involvement of specific networks. This has favored early detection and the design of interventions focused on strengthening vulnerable networks, such as those related to memory, attention and executive functions.

Neuroscience also contributes to the understanding of the factors that hinder learning in children and adolescents. Sleep fragmentation, heavy screen use, and early exposure to high-intensity stimuli affect developing brain circuits, with long-term consequences on emotional regulation and cognitive development. As social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has summarized in The Anxious Generation (2024), and based on recent systematic reviews, intensive use of social networks is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression and addictive behaviors in adolescents.

Evidence supports early psychological prevention and the key role of school psychologists in the timely detection of mental health problems. However, in Peru, 98% of public schools lack psychologists, and a majority of children and adolescents with mental disorders do not receive specialized care.

Neuroscience does not replace public policies that address the social and educational dimensions of mental health, but it provides crucial evidence to guide decisions and strengthen prevention. However, in Peru, investment in research and development remains one of the lowest in the region, which restricts the development of areas such as neurosciences and weakens the scientific base necessary to design more effective mental health policies.