What is this collection about?  

Mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors across the lifespan, from early childhood and adolescence through adulthood and older age. As the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders continues to rise, there is a growing need to better understand the factors that influence mental health and to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of mental disorders.

With this Collection, the editors at Communications Medicine invite manuscripts that advance our understanding of mental health and mental illness across the lifespan. We welcome innovative research on biological mechanisms, biomarkers, clinical and behavioral interventions, neuroimaging, digital and AI-enabled tools, precision medicine approaches, and the social and environmental determinants of mental health. Studies examining resilience, risk factors, prevention strategies, health equity, treatment-resistance, and mental health conditions as they relate to other medical conditions are also encouraged. We particularly welcome longitudinal studies and research focused on critical developmental stages and aging-related transitions. Communications Medicine will consider original Articles, Reviews and Perspectives.

Why is this collection important?  

Mental health conditions are a major and growing global health challenge, affecting individuals across all stages of life. Understanding how biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors influence mental health across the lifespan is essential for improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes. Advances in neuroscience, digital health, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine are creating new opportunities to better understand mental health conditions and deliver more personalized care. This Collection aims to bring together research that advances mental health and well-being from childhood through older age. This Collection also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by advancing research that contributes to improved mental health, reduced disease burden, and enhanced well-being across the lifespan.

Why submit to a collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors and In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.  

Who is involved?  

Communications Medicine is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members. 

How can I submit my paper?  

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.