Depression Caused by Strep Infections

Depression, the most common psychiatric illness, is known to be the leading cause of disability worldwide. While it is interesting how common and debilitating the illness is, what's more intriguing is that simple viruses and infections can cause horrible bouts of depression.

Strep Throat

• A common sore throat often tends to be more than just that. Most children do not go through childhood without getting streptococcus infection, more commonly known as strep throat, at least once.

Treating Strep Early

• Treating strep throat early is key. If a patient with strep continues to get worse, the higher the chances are that other things can go wrong. Not just physically, but mentally, as well.

Effects of Strep Throat

• Studies have found that one in one-thousand children with strep also have problems with mental illness due to an overactive immune system. The body reacts strongly to fight off infection and sometimes this can lead to inflammation, which affects certain types of brain cells.

Warning

• When these brain cells become inflamed, psychiatric problems such as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) or depression may occur. Once the strep gets better, so does the mental illness. Beware, though, that if the strep infection comes back, it is likely the depression will, also.

Prevention/Solution

• In order to avoid any extended problems, it is advised that children receive vaccines for any illnesses which may work in the same manner as strep throat. If a person does end up with strep, it is important to take antibiotics as soon as possible to avoid further complications.