Brain and body energy metabolism and potential for treatment of psychiatric disorders

Brain function is critically dependent on energy metabolism. Research over the past half century has provided many insights into energy production and utilization in the brain, and identified ways that it can be improved in brain disorders. A parallel literature indicates that major aberrations exist in brain bioenergetics in neuropsychiatric disorders. Targeting bioenergetic abnormalities may be an efficacious approach to treatment for these conditions. In this Perspective, we provide a survey of the relevant literature on these topics and sketch the outlines of a research agenda to maximize the impact of future research and treatment interventions. This Perspective highlights the important role of energy metabolism in psychiatric disorders and sets the groundwork for future studies in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry.