Renowned psychiatrist professor Celso Arango advocates for primary prevention in mental health

In a revealing Genomic Press Interview published in Brain Medicine on October 10, 2024, Professor Celso Arango, a prominent psychiatrist and researcher, outlines his vision for the future of mental health care. Professor Arango, who serves as Director of the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón and Professor of Psychiatry at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, advocates for a paradigm shift towards primary prevention in psychiatry.

Professor Arango’s career trajectory, from his early exposure to psychiatry through his father’s work to his current leadership role, underscores a lifelong commitment to advancing mental health research and treatment. His focus has evolved from studying schizophrenia and first psychotic episodes to exploring universal, selective, and indicated primary prevention strategies for mental disorders.

“I have come to understand that there are no specific risk or resilience factors for particular disorders,” Professor Arango explains. “The increase in the incidence and prevalence of mental disorders can only be addressed, as in many other areas of medicine, through primary prevention.”

This shift in focus raises intriguing questions about the future of psychiatric care. How might early intervention strategies reshape our understanding of mental health trajectories? What role could emerging technologies play in identifying and mitigating risk factors for mental disorders?

Professor Arango emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively prevent mental disorders. “We need to learn to work with basic researchers to understand the mechanisms through which risk factors shape brain function and gene expression, and with many other specialties and disciplines,” he states. This collaborative approach could potentially lead to more holistic and effective prevention strategies, but how will it change the landscape of mental health research and practice?

The interview also touches on Professor Arango’s personal experiences and values, providing a unique glimpse into the mind of one of psychiatry’s most influential figures. His commitment to meritocracy and opposition to nepotism in academia reflects a broader concern for fairness and opportunity in scientific advancement.

“Unfortunately, the Spanish system has traditionally been influenced by nepotism and established connections rather than meritocracy,” Professor Arango notes. “It is an unjust system that prioritizes one’s last name and personal connections over individual merit.”

This candid observation prompts reflection on the global scientific community. How can academic institutions worldwide foster environments that prioritize merit and innovation? What steps can be taken to ensure that talented researchers, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to contribute to scientific progress?

Professor Arango’s work in establishing the specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry in Spain after meeting with nine consecutive health ministers highlights his persistence and dedication to improving mental health care systems. This achievement raises questions about the potential long-term impacts of specialized mental health care for young people. How might early, targeted interventions shape the future of mental health on a societal level?

Professor Arango’s Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series that highlights the people behind today’s most influential scientific ideas. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that delve into the scientist’s impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. More information on the research leaders and research rising stars featured by Genomic Press can be found in our website: https://genomicpress.com.

The full Genomic Press Interview, titled “Celso Arango: The future of psychiatry inevitably depends on primary prevention” is available on 10 October 2024 in Brain Medicine, offering readers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the thoughts and experiences of one of the most influential minds in neurochemistry and drug development for neurological disorders. The article is freely available online at https://bm.genomicpress.com/aop/

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.