Viral infections and depression

Abstract

Objective: The association between depression and viruses has been evaluated for almost two centuries now, with conflicting results. The objective of the present study is to perform a critical review of published studies in the literature about this relationship. Methods: Databases MEDLINE and LILACS were searched between 1966 and 2005 (until August). The references of the articles were used as additional source of data. Results: Studies about the link between depression and infection with viruses HIV, HCV, EBV, influenza, HSV, HBV, HAV, BDV and HTLV were analyzed. The association between HIV and depression was well documented in literature. There are evidences that the prevalence of this disorder in HIV-infected individuals is greater than that found in seronegatives. Moreover, studies concluded that depression is associated with a worse course of infection. Regarding the link between HCV and depression, studies suggested a greater prevalence of this psychiatric disorder in HCV-infected people compared with general population. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the association between other viruses and depression. Conclusion: The best-studied relationships were those between depression and viruses HIV and HCV. Regarding the association of other viruses with depression, more research is needed.