Infections and Emotional Responses

Review Article

Abstract

Infections can be the cause of emotional disturbances. The psychological aspects related to them have been studied for decades with more emphasis in tuberculosis. On the most recent time scale COVID has been the virus most profoundly and published studies on psychological disorder manifestations. Indications for psychotherapy have multiplied during the COVID pandemic. Also noteworthy are all other infections, such as mPOX, brucellosis, verminosis, influenza etc. Many individuals in contact with virus carriers, such as flu, do not acquire the virus infection while others, per example tuberculosis patients do not become infected by Koch's bacillus. In some patients the symptoms of the infection may disappear in a matter of days, while others even present longer clinical evolution as a neurotropism allergy to brucellosis. This suggests an interrelationship between infections and immune defenses, mainly due to psychic factors influencing the hypothalamic-adrenal axis and producing the relative insufficiency of the adrenal cortex. The attitude of affection and interest adopted by the physician and auxiliary person is of paramount importance, as a form of labor therapy, in an adequate work and subsequent feeling of usefulness. In conclusion, the proper health education related to the illness and treatment plan should be provided to the patients along with their family members. There is a need to improve access to counseling and mental healthcare among patients living with infections.