Researchers in Taiwan have found that dengue fever, often known for its feverish and painful symptoms, is now also associated with significant mental health impacts. The survey highlights the long-term consequences of the virus, which can go beyond the immediate physical manifestations.
The study was conducted by National Cheng Kung University Close National Institutes of Health Research Published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, it highlights new evidence about how dengue infection can predispose individuals to psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety.
What does the study reveal about dengue and mental health?
Analyzing a long period of data, between 2002 and 2015, the research compared the mental health of more than 45,000 patients diagnosed with dengue fever with a control group of more than 226,000 uninfected people. The results indicate higher rates of depression and sleep disturbances among those infected with dengue fever, highlighting the link between the virus and psychological conditions.
The scientists found that the risk of depression was consistently higher at different points after the injury, including in the first three months, between three and 12 months, and a year after the injury. Surprisingly, the increase in sleep disturbances was not observed until three to 12 months after the injury, while the risk of anxiety did not show any significant increase.
Although research highlights an association between dengue fever and an increased risk of depression, it has not proven a direct causal relationship. Further studies are needed to understand whether the relationship is direct or whether other underlying factors contribute to this association.
Furthermore, data show that there are differences in risk between people with mild and severe dengue. Patients hospitalized with severe dengue are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders in the first three months and depression and sleep disturbances in the first 12 months after infection.
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