When Infections Masquerade as Mental Illness
Summary
- Infections can look like mental illness: Lyme and other infections can trigger sudden obsessive-compulsive behavior, rage, mood swings, or even psychosis. Without checking for infections and immune issues, kids are often misdiagnosed.
- Treatment works best in steps: Start by addressing the infection before calming the immune system and then treating the symptoms. Psychiatric medicines can help—but only when used carefully, in small doses, and with close monitoring.
- Pay attention to hidden clues: Things like frequent sinus infections, mysterious stretch-mark-like rashes, heel or foot pain, or flares can all point to infection-driven problems that need a different approach.
