1 Department of Biochemistry, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania Campus Hamburg – UMCH, Hamburg, Germany
2 Department of Biochemistry, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania
This short overview explores the relationship between oxidative stress and mental disorders, focusing on the association with psychiatric pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, autism, depression, and the impact of sleep deprivation. The mechanisms of mitochondrial disfunction and oxidative stress in these pathologies are described, including the physiological function of limited free radicals in signal transduction, gene transcription, neuronal plasticity and memory. Key free radicals, including hydroxyl and superoxide are highlighted, along with compounds generating free radicals. Moreover, the potential therapeutic implications of dietary supplements (zinc, selenium, magnesium, vitamin C, E, CoQ10) and lifestyle interventions with antioxidant properties are presented, laying the groundwork for future research in the field of mental health.