Association of Lyme Disease and Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type: Is it Inflammation Mediated?
Mattingley DW1, Koola MM2.
Author information
- 1Doctor of Medicine Program, Saba University School of Medicine, Saba, Dutch Caribbean, Netherlands and Department of Anesthesiology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, United States.
- 2Clinical Research Program, Sheppard Pratt Health System and Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
Abstract
Lyme disease has been reported to be associated with various psychiatric presentations. Borreliaburgdorferi (Bb) can present with symptoms similar to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It has been suggested that inflammation incurred during the Bb infection leads to neurodegenerative changes that result in schizophrenia-like presentations. We report a case of a 41-year-old male with a past history of Bb infection who presents with psychosis. Later in the course of his hospitalization, he developed mood symptoms and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. This case highlights the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with the unique presentation of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type in the setting of previous Bb infection.
Inflammation?! The Spirochetes eat tissue and damage nerves….in the brain. Yes there may be some inflammation. But you need to kill the bacteria….unbelievable.