How Autoimmune Diseases Can Hinder Mental Health

Thrive • August 25, 2022
By Thrive Wellness Reno Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatrist Jayleen Chen, M.D. and Thrive Wellness Reno Primary Care Physician, Internal Medicine Lorrie Oksenholt, D.O. 

Autoimmune diseases affect 14.7 to 23.5 million Americans and involve abnormal functioning of the immune system which often leads to many debilitating and distressing physical ailments. Furthermore, mental health conditions may also result from autoimmune diseases and the medications used to treat them.

WHAT ARE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES?

When operating optimally, the immune system attacks viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances. As part of the immune system’s protection process against contaminants, white blood cells and antibodies prompt an inflammatory response that isolates foreign organisms and rids them from the body. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system malfunctions and begins to attack native body tissues and cells. There are over 80 different kinds of known autoimmune diseases, each of which can impact the body in unique ways. 

Common autoimmune diseases include:

  • Lupus: Occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, affecting many different body systems.
  • Multiple sclerosis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, which disrupts communication between the brain and the body.
  • Psoriasis: Occurs when the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing a scaling, itchy, and dry skin patches to form. 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the joints, causing painful swelling. 
  • Type 1 diabetes : Occurs when the immune system attacks pancreatic cells which inhibits insulin production.
  • Vasculitis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the blood vessels, impeding circulation and potentially cutting off blood supply to different parts of the body.
  • Autoimmune diseases of the thyroid : Occur when the immune system attacks the thyroid, which can disrupt metabolic function throughout the body.

While the symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary by diagnosis, some common characteristics include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and joint pain 
  • Swollen glands
  • Fever
  • Skin irregularities
  • Abdominal pain 

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES AND MENTAL HEALTH

Some theories that link autoimmune disorders with mental health include: 

  • Severe infection and autoimmune disease may cause mood disorders.
  • Mood disorders may create a susceptibility to infection or autoimmune disease. 
  • Mood disorders, severe infection, and autoimmune disorders may share common triggers. 

The typical symptoms of exhaustion and chronic pain brought on by many autoimmune diseases can make it difficult for a person to be happy, motivated, and productive. In addition to these concerns, autoimmune diseases and related inflammation can also contribute to a host of psychological conditions. Substances involved in the inflammatory response, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, may contribute to:

With some autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks parts of the central nervous system that impact mood and cognition. This may lead to neurocognitive changes, such as:

  • Irritability
  • Personality changes
  • Depression
  • Psychosis, characterized by a disconnect from reality

Some medications used to treat the symptoms of autoimmune disorders can also lead to psychiatric symptoms. For example, anti-inflammatory steroids may cause symptoms of: 

  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Distractibility
  • Fear
  • Hypomania , or extreme changes in mood, emotions, or energy levels
  • Apathy, lack of interest in activities one once enjoyed
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Lethargy
  • Pressured speech, or talking faster than usual
  • Restlessness

Mental health conditions can create barriers to effectively coping with autoimmune diseases and vice versa. Tending to one’s mental health with professional support can improve a person’s ability to manage life with an autoimmune disorder.  

INTEGRATED MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CARE AT THRIVE WELLNESS

Founded in the principle that physical and mental health overlap and influence each other, Thrive Wellness’ approach to client care is collaborative, integrated, and comprehensive. Our interdisciplinary clinicians include primary care physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians who treat all aspects of individuals’ health concerns and empower them to flourish. Reach out to learn more about our health services

While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.

About the Authors

Thrive Wellness Reno Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Jayleen Chen, M.D.

Dr. Jayleen Chen is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with strong Northern Nevada roots. She brings extensive clinical leadership experience to Thrive, having served as the Chief of Staff and Medical Director at child and adolescent behavioral health centers in Reno. At Thrive, she treats children and adolescents struggling with behavioral health conditions. Dr. Chen completed her bachelor’s degree, medical doctorate, psychiatry residency, and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Chen enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her interests include cooking and baking, sports, hiking, and local theater.

Thrive Wellness Reno Primary Care Physician, Internal Medicine Lorrie Oksenholt, D.O.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition at Walla Walla College in Washington state, Dr. Lorrie Oksenholt attended medical school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she obtained her medical degree as a doctor of osteopathic medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency through the University of Nevada, Reno where she also served as a clinical professor of medicine in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additionally, Dr. Oksenholt worked as the chief of staff and acting medical director at Nevada Mental Health.

Dr. Oksenholt has been practicing internal medicine for over thirty years and has significant experience treating general health concerns as well as issues specific to women’s health and men’s health, respectively. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with clinical specialists to treat mental and behavioral health issues, including eating disorders. She is passionate about a whole-person approach to health care that addresses the mind, body, and heart for overall well-being. As an internal medicine physician at Thrive Wellness Reno, Dr. Oksenholt finds fulfillment in working alongside caring clinicians to foster holistic health for patients. She strongly believes in the power of preventative medicine and is committed to collaborating with those in her care to achieve optimal health.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Oksenholt enjoys taking advantage of the abundance of outdoor activities that Northern Nevada has to offer. She and her husband enjoy spending time together as well as with their children and grandchildren as often as possible. Dr. Oksenholt has many hobbies including glasswork, jewelry making, and quilting.

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The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
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Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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