Anxiety, Depression, and Viral Diseases

A review of studies by Steven S. Coughlin PhD (senior epidemiologist in the Post-Deployment Health Epidemiology Program in the Department of Veterans Affairs and an Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at Emory University.) found a two-way linkage between viral diseases and anxiety and depression. Individuals experiencing anxiety and depression may be less careful about exhibiting behaviors that increase their potential exposure to viruses such as Herpes Simplex, HIV, Hepatitis C, Influenza viruses, and varicella-zoster. Conversely, viral diseases may contribute to anxiety and depression. For some years now, mental health issues and infectious diseases have been recognized as global problems world-wide. No surprise, this points out the need to seek professional help in managing conditions involving anxiety and depression and the importance of avoiding or preventing exposure to disease-producing viruses whenever possible—to say nothing of the need for appropriate medical treatment for viral-related diseases.