From the Guidelines
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can have a significant impact on mental health and mood, primarily through fatigue, cognitive issues, and potential links to depression and anxiety, and managing symptoms is key to improving quality of life. EBV infection often causes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which can lead to:
- Persistent exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Mood changes, including irritability and low mood While there's no specific treatment for EBV-related mental health issues, managing symptoms is crucial, and according to the most recent guidelines 1, healthcare providers should monitor individuals with VCI for changes in mood and behavior, and treatment for mood and anxiety may include psychotherapy, non-pharmacological therapies, and/or pharmacotherapy alone or in combination. The virus's impact on mental health likely stems from its ability to cause inflammation and dysregulate the immune system, affecting neurotransmitter function and brain chemistry, as suggested by the proposed guidelines for diagnosing chronic active EBV infection 1. Additionally, the physical symptoms of EBV infection can contribute to mood disturbances and cognitive difficulties. Patients should work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan, as the effects of EBV can vary widely between individuals, and treatment for mood and anxiety may include psychotherapy, non-pharmacological therapies (such as exercise), and/or pharmacotherapy alone or in combination, as appropriate to the individual’s health state and presence of cognitive and communication deficits 1.
From the Research
Impact of EBV on Mental Health
- EBV has both physiological and psychological implications, with few medical interventions available to alleviate physical stressors and fatigue, making emotional support and psychosocial interventions crucial 2.
- The virus can trigger chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is often accompanied by cognitive difficulties, including subjective experiences of cognitive problems, even if objective measures of cognitive impairment are not apparent 3.
EBV and Mood Disorders
- There have been cases of acute psychosis in patients with EBV infection, which resolved once the infection was cleared 4.
- EBV infection can also be accompanied by acute and chronic affections of the central and peripheral nervous system, including autoimmune disorders and neurosensitization 5.
Long-term Effects of EBV on Mental Health
- A longitudinal study found no association between seropositivity or serointensity of EBV and the risk of new-onset depressive or anxiety disorders over an 11-year follow-up period 6.
- However, another study suggested that EBV infection can have long-term effects on mental health, highlighting the need for further research on the topic 2, 3.