The Multifaceted Etiology of Mental Disorders With a Focus on Trace Elements, a Review of Recent Literature

Abstract

Mental disorders are a significant global public health concern, affecting nearly one in eight individuals worldwide. This review investigates the multifaceted etiology of mental disorders—specifically major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BD)—through genetic, neurobiological, and environmental perspectives, with a particular emphasis on the role of trace elements (TrEs). TrEs such as zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium are essential micronutrients that influence several central nervous system functions, including enzymatic activity, neurotransmitter synthesis, and synaptic plasticity. Both deficiencies and excesses of these elements have been linked to psychiatric disorders. This study explores the associations between TrEs, psychiatric symptoms, and biological pathways due to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. We discuss clinical evidence and genetic studies to evaluate possible correlations between TrEs and key RDoC endophenotypes. By elucidating these connections, this review focuses on the potential and current limitations of TrEs in mental health.