Unmasking the Influence of Social and Structural Factors on Mental Health- A Biological Psychiatric Perspective

The field of psychiatry and its related disciplines have acknowledged the significant impact of structural and social determinants on mental health. However, there has been a noticeable lack of attention directed towards understanding the roles of neurobiology in the intricate relationship between these determinants and mental well-being. This research review article seeks to advocate for a heightened focus on structural and social determinants within the realm of biological psychiatry, urging researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers to take notice.In the course of this discussion, we begin by providing comprehensive definitions of these terms and elucidate the theoretical frameworks that underscore their relevance in the context of biological psychiatry. Our exploration then delves into an extensive review of empirical research conducted within marginalized and minoritized communities, spanning racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, and economic dimensions. This research illuminates the ways in which structural and social determinants exert their influence on neurobiological functioning, thereby impacting mental health outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on the field of developmental science and research that is informed by a developmental perspective. This is crucial because structural and social determinants play a pivotal role in shaping neurobiological adaptation and maturation across an individual's lifespan.In conclusion, we provide a series of recommendations aimed at advancing research, clinical practice, and policy initiatives that establish a vital connection between biological psychiatry and structural and social determinants of health. Chief among these recommendations is the imperative to foster diversity within the ranks of biological psychiatry, spanning educational institutions, research laboratories, healthcare facilities, and community health centers. We assert that true transformation and progress in understanding the intricate interplay between structural, social determinants, neurobiology, and mental health will materialize through a fundamental transformation of the discipline itself.