Just like adults, children can also experience mental health challenges. Many factors, including bullying, family problems, and major life changes such as moving house, a parent's separation, or the death of a loved one, can contribute to them. But did you know that common infections, like strep throat or scarlet fever, can also trigger mental health issues in children? In fact, research has linked some infections to mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.
To understand this connection, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke with Dr Sameeta M. Prabhu, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
Also Read: Common Infections During Monsoon: Here’s How You Can Protect Your Child From Them
Impact Of Common Infections On Children’s Mental Health
According to a 2018 nationwide Danish study published in JAMA Psychiatry, children who had severe infections, like pneumonia and meningitis, requiring hospitalisation were 84% more likely to be diagnosed with a mental disorder later on and 42% more likely to be prescribed medication for it.
Even milder infections, like an ear infection or strep throat, treated with antibiotics increased these risks by 40% and 22%, respectively, the researchers noted.
Dr Prabhu says, “Throat, ear, and other respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, are caused by viruses and bacteria, including Streptococcus. In children, especially, these organisms may spread to the brain and cause a brain infection or meningitis. This leads to many complications like seizures, hearing loss, memory problems, and concentration issues.”
She further adds that some of these organisms may also cause our immune system to attack their own brain cells, causing many neurological and psychiatric complications.
The Link Between Immune System And Brain Health
As per the expert, a vast network of communication pathways exists between the nervous and immune systems. Some of the diseases caused by an interplay between the two systems include:
Autoimmune conditions in which the body’s own immune system may attack the brain include conditions such as Acute Disseminated Encephalitis (ADEM), multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, and Pediatric Autoimmune-Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS).
A weakened immune system can leave the brain vulnerable to invasions. This is the case with meningitis, where a lack of immune defences allows infectious agents to infiltrate the brain and its surrounding tissues.
What Is PANDAS?
“PANDAS, as the name suggests, is an autoimmune condition in which a child’s immune system, which normally produces antibodies to fight streptococcus, also attacks healthy cells in the brain, leading to the symptoms,” explains Dr Prabhu.
A specific type of streptococcus species (group A beta hemolytic streptococcus, or GAS) can cause the condition, particularly in some children between ages 3 and 12.
According to the expert, PANDAS is a rare condition seen in one in 200 children.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Attention deficits
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) symptoms
- Tics
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Deteriorated school performance
Note that the symptoms can start suddenly and occur in episodes of a few days or weeks after a streptococcus infection.
Also Read: 4 Type Of Infections That You Can Get If You Are A Regular Swimmer
Diagnosis And Management
To diagnose the infection-associated mental health issues, pay attention to any new symptoms in children, which may include sudden, unexplainable rages, personality changes, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anxiety, and deterioration of school skills.
“A key point is that these symptoms appear very abruptly and are quite severe,” says Dr Prabhu.
You can also take your child to a doctor, where he or she may recommend certain lab tests, including:
- A throat swab
- A blood test for an antibody called ASO (Antistreptolysin O)
Management typically includes:
- Antibiotics, once the tests confirm the presence of Streptococcus
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dr Prabhu says, “If adequately treated, symptoms generally improve within 4-6 weeks. However, they may appear again after another streptococcal infection.”