People hospitalised with severe infections may face a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric and neurological conditions for up to two years after recovery, according to a large study published in JAMA Psychiatry. Researchers analysed electronic health records from more than 1 million matched patient pairs across 62 healthcare organisations in the United States to assess the long-term impact of serious infections.
Adults Show the Greatest Increase in Risk
The study found that hospitalised patients were more likely to develop anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, insomnia, cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizures, and peripheral nerve disorders than those without serious infections. Encephalitis showed the highest relative increase in risk, while cognitive impairment contributed the largest number of excess cases. As per EMJ Reviews, adults experienced a greater rise in risk than children, although paediatric patients also showed increased vulnerability following severe infections.
Findings Highlight Need for Long-Term Follow-Up
The researchers said the findings underscore the importance of monitoring patients even after they recover from severe infections. Early identification of psychiatric and neurological complications could improve patient outcomes and help healthcare providers deliver timely interventions. However, the authors noted that the study establishes an association—not a direct cause-and-effect relationship—and further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms behind these long-term effects.
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