Exploring the Link Between Infectious Diseases and Mental Health

The field of psychiatry and infectious diseases explores the complex interactions between microbial infections and mental health outcomes. Historically, links such as those seen in neurosyphilis or AIDS Dementia Complex have been studied, but newer infectious agents like SARS-CoV-2 bring renewed focus and complexity. Both direct effects through biological mechanisms like neuroinflammation and indirect influences through societal disruptions highlight the intricate relationship between infectious diseases and mental health. Despite considerable advancements, significant gaps remain in understanding the full spectrum of neuropsychiatric consequences and in integrating findings into public health strategies.

This Research Topic aims to deepen and expand our understanding of the multifaceted relationship between mental health and infectious diseases. It seeks to explore underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential therapeutic interventions that address both acute and long-term mental health consequences of infectious diseases. By highlighting recent developments, this topic will focus on both the direct pathological impacts of infections on the nervous system and the broader psychosocial factors exacerbated by disease outbreaks.

To effectively explore this topic, research should focus on both broad issues and specific phenomena within the interplay of mental health and infectious diseases. We welcome contributions in the following areas:

- Influence of gut microbiota on mental health
- Prevalence and factors associated with neuropsychiatric diseases in individuals living with HIV
- Acute and post-acute neuropsychiatric sequelae of infectious diseases
- Relationships between intestinal dysbiosis and neuropsychiatric disorders
- Examination of brain-fog, chronic fatigue syndrome, and psychological symptoms in COVID-19 and other acute viral infections
- Studies on the mental health impacts from micro-epidemics to pandemics