For many Illinois residents, the state’s vast natural areas offer an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether it’s hunting, cycling, camping or hiking, Illinois offers plenty of opportunities to break away from the daily grind and reconnect with nature.
However, for some outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, time spent in nature can come with a less expected health risk: Lyme disease.
Although Lyme disease is often identified with fever, joint pain or the characteristic bow-tie-shaped skin rash, its mental health symptoms are much less well known, even though they can be just as debilitating.
Illinois, like many other states, is home to the black-legged tick, which carries the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, the pathogen that causes Lyme disease. For those who become infected, the disease can significantly affect not only their physical health but also their mental well-being.
It is also worth paying attention to ticks in our country, as Central Europe is a particularly high-risk area for Lyme disease within Europe. According to epidemiological data, 10-20% of the population has already encountered the Borrelia bacterium, in many cases without symptoms. The annual incidence in several countries is 60-300 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while the actual number of cases is likely to be higher due to underreporting of Lyme disease. The spread of the disease is influenced by the widespread presence of Ixodes ticks, as well as environmental and climatic factors.
The impact of Lyme disease on mental health
In addition to a wide range of physical symptoms, Lyme disease can also cause a variety of mental health problems. The figure below illustrates some of the mental and psychological symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
What does the research say?
The link between Lyme disease and mental health is supported by a growing body of research. These studies show that the disease can lead to psychological and cognitive difficulties even after the infection has been treated. The following two research findings illustrate the psychological effects of Lyme disease particularly well.
Lyme disease and mood disorders
According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, people diagnosed with Lyme disease — regardless of whether the diagnosis was made during hospitalisation, outpatient examination or emergency care — were 28% more likely to develop a mental illness.
In addition, the risk of suicide attempts was twice as high compared to those without Lyme disease.
People diagnosed with Lyme disease were found to have a 42% higher risk of developing mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. Repeated infections were associated with an even higher rate of mental health problems.
Lyme disease and general mental health
Another study examined the mental health of 60 people using questionnaires:
- 30 patients with Lyme disease affecting the nervous system,
- and 30 healthy control subjects.
People living with Lyme disease reported anxiety, insomnia, depression and social functioning difficulties more often than healthy participants.
Both studies clearly point to the need for greater public awareness and further research to understand the effects of Lyme disease on mental health.
What can you do about it?
With the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses while enjoying the beauty of nature.
- Use tick repellent during outdoor activities
- Treat your clothing and equipment with permethrin
- Stay on marked trails whenever possible
- Always do a thorough tick check when you get home
If you experience symptoms after a tick bite or suspected tick bite, consult a healthcare professional.
A few simple preventive steps can go a long way in protecting your physical and mental health in the long run.
(C) Lyme Borreliosis Foundation
