Mental Health Impact of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever significantly impacts mental health, with psychological effects occurring before, during, and after infection. Anticipatory anxiety and fear are common due to the threat of infection, while during infection, individuals often experience acute distress, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Post-infection, prolonged fatigue, depression, and PTSD-like symptoms may occur. Up to 80% of individuals experience anxiety during the acute phase. The psychiatric sequelae include anxiety, depression, mania, and psychosis, with neuroinflammation and systemic factors involved in the pathogenesis. Effective management requires both medical and psychological interventions, and a comprehensive public health strategy should integrate mental health support to mitigate these effects.