New Peer-Reviewed Research in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences links Encephalitis to Depression

The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences has published a new peer-reviewed study that uncovers a relationship between brain inflammation and depression.

The 7-year observational study found patients diagnosed with encephalitis had suicidal behavior and all patients suffered from psychosis. The researchers recommend suicide risk assessments in all patients diagnosed with Encephalitis. Suicidal behavior remitted completely in patients following immunotherapy.

One person is diagnosed with encephalitis every minute – a neurological condition that begins with flu-like symptoms, headaches and high temperatures. It’s not clear what causes encephalitis but the brain inflammation is spread with common viruses, including COVID, and bacterial and fungal infections. Death rates are high when left untreated.

Dr. Ava Easton, CEO of Encephalitis Society and co-author of the study says their goal is to raise awareness of encephalitis to improve diagnose among patients.

“Mental health issues, self-injurious thoughts and suicidal behaviors following encephalitis may occur for a number of reasons and stigma around talking about mental health can be a real barrier to speaking up about symptoms, but it is an important barrier to overcome,” said Easton “This paper provides a platform on which to break taboo, show tangible links which are based on data between suicide and encephalitis and call for more awareness of the risk of mental health issues during and after encephalitis.”

Research from Encephalitis Society found that 77 percent of people around the world do not know what it is, resulting in delays in diagnosis, treatment, and poorer patient outcomes.

Symptoms of Encephalitis

Brigid Ward experienced flu-like symptoms back in 2015. It started as headaches and exhaustion where she felt lightheaded and weak.

“I drifted in and out of sleep, occasionally waking for sips of water or to use the bathroom. My fever continued to climb, and so did my…