Mapping pathways of vulnerability and resilience in VIRAL-MInds

This viewpoint, published by the VIRAL-MI consortium, emphasizes that mental health problems following infections are an important but often overlooked issue, and points out gaps in current research. Growing evidence shows that people are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or even psychotic symptoms after infections. These risks arise from a combination of biological processes, such as immune system activation and changes in the brain, and contextual factors like stress and lifestyle. However, it is still unclear exactly who is most vulnerable, through which mechanisms, and at what point an infection leads to mental health issues.

To gain better insights, the VIRAL-MI consortium combines large-scale international population data with detailed biological, psychological, and social measurements. This integrated approach aims to unravel the mechanisms that make some people more vulnerable to mental health problems after infections.

This project opens the door to early risk detection, targeted prevention strategies following infections, and more personalized treatment for mental health issues.

Highlights:

• Infections as a risk factor for mental illness: Infections don’t just affect the body—they can also have significant and long-lasting effects on mental health.

• A two-way problem: Infections increase the risk of mental illness, while people who already have mental health conditions may face worse outcomes if they get infected.

• Knowledge gaps: We still don’t fully understand who develops mental health problems after infections, why it happens, or when.

• The VIRAL-MI project: An international effort to better understand and predict post-infection mental health problems.

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