Mental Illness Following Encephalitis

[eve1974]

Is possible for viral encephalitis to be the trigger for bi polar disorder?

Like if a person had no history of mental illness, then got very ill with encephalitis and is now left with permanent bi polar?

[LadyCG]

I suppose so. Was the frontal lobe affected at all?

[Mamyalynne]

Changes in behaviour and personality can most definitely follow,yes.

[Sqad]

It could.........but very rarely.
There are no studies that I have been shown that would suggest such a relationship.
My grasp of Psychiatry is fragile I must admit.

[eve1974]

LadyCG - Im not sure of the details - and I don't want to pry - the family seem to try hide the issues because of stigma (the individual is under a psychiatrist which is good). Im asking because I presumed that encephalitis wouldn't cause life long issues. I knew it could be a very very serious illness but didn't realise it could lead to life long bi polar.

[eve1974]

Ty squad and mamy also

[Ringlet]

Some studies do exist that suggest there is a link between encephalitis and various forms of mental disorder (see below).

https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2009/191/5/acute-psychiatric-illness-young-woman-unusual-form-encephalitis

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19562703427

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00048678309160020?journalCode=ianp20

[calmck]

Encephalitis can cause the patient to have mental issues, wether this could be bi polar or not I don't know but long term effects are a possibility

[Peter Pedant]

// Im asking because I presumed that encephalitis wouldn't cause life long issues. //

encephalitis is a very serious disease and can leave you with life long issues - (not obviously bipolar but serious nonetheless)