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Does your child have difficulty focusing in school, have unexpected shifts in mood, or experiencing increased anxiety? While these symptoms might not immediately seem connected to physical health, they could be linked to an underlying cause: a tick-borne disease like Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is known primarily for physical symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain, tick-borne illnesses can also affect mental health and cognitive functioning.
- Memory issues
- Brain fog
- Anxiety or depression
- Trouble focusing
(Fallon et al., 1992)
The Lyme-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, can cross into the brain, triggering neurological and psychiatric symptoms, a condition called neuroborreliosis.
What Are the Psychiatric Symptoms of Lyme in Children?
Children with psychiatric Lyme disease often show symptoms that look like other mental health or neurological conditions. Parents need to look out for:
- Mood swings: Sudden shifts from happiness to irritability or sadness
- Anxiety and panic attacks: Overwhelming fears without clear triggers
- Depression: Persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors: Repetitive actions or thoughts
- Aggression or rage: Uncharacteristic outbursts
- Cognitive issues: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
How Does Lyme Disease Impact a Child’s Brain?
When Lyme disease affects the brain, it can cause inflammation that disrupts how your child thinks, feels, and behaves. For some kids, that inflammation can trigger something called PANS —a condition where an infection like Lyme leads to sudden emotional and behavioral changes, almost overnight.
Cognitive Impact of Psychiatric Lyme Disease
It has been seen in most cases that Lyme disease does not just affect the body but the brain as well. Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms have been experienced in many children and adults.
Memory Problems
- Short-term memory loss – Trouble recalling recent conversations or events.
- Long-term memory gaps – Difficulty in remembering things from the past.
Trouble with Focus & Attention
- Easily distracted or forgetful.
- Struggles with completing tasks that need concentration.
- Hard to follow conversations, instructions, or lectures.
Confusion & Disorientation
- Feeling “out of it” or lost in familiar places.
- May seem disconnected from reality.
- Families may notice sudden changes in awareness or behavior.
Brain Fog & Mental Fatigue
- Thinking feels slow or “fuzzy.”
- Mentally exhausted after even simple tasks.
- School or work becomes overwhelming.
Slowed Thinking & Processing
- Delayed responses and reaction times.
- Trouble understanding or reacting to information quickly.
- Frustration with tasks that require fast thinking—especially in kids and teens.
Executive Dysfunction
- Poor planning and decision-making.
- Difficulty staying organized and completing tasks.
- Trouble with emotional control and time management.
Emotional Instability
- Mood swings, low mood, or frequent emotional outbursts.
- Social withdrawal or increased anxiety.
- Strained relationships with family and friends.
Psychiatric Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Here are some of the ways Lyme disease can affect a child’s mood, behavior, and mental health:
Anxiety & Depression
- People with Lyme often experience persistent anxiety and low mood.
- This may be due to changes in brain chemistry, immune response, or the emotional strain of chronic illness.
- Mood shifts may linger, even after treatment has begun.
Psychosis (in Rare Cases)
- Some individuals may experience hallucinations or delusional thinking, though this is rare.
- Psychosis is more likely in those with a history of psychiatric conditions.
- In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors may occur—prompt support is crucial.
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)
- Even after antibiotics, some patients experience lingering mental health symptoms.
- PTLDS can include brain fog, memory issues, fatigue, joint pain, and emotional swings.
- This ongoing struggle can deeply impact quality of life.
If your child’s mood, personality, or behavior has changed and Lyme is a possibility, don’t ignore it. Early support matters.
How Is Psychiatric Lyme Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Psychiatric Lyme involves:
- Clinical evaluation: Assessing symptoms and medical history
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests to detect Lyme antibodies
- Neurological assessment: Evaluating cognitive and neurological function
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider who is experienced in Lyme disease, as standard tests may not always detect the infection in its early stages.
My personal encounter with Lyme Disease is not something new. At just 22 months old, my son Max’s encounter with a tick was a pivotal moment that changed our lives. We noticed sudden behavioral shifts such as picky eating, tantrums, and irritability. It seemed very unusual for him. Little did we know that these early signs were just the beginning.
By the time he was 3, Max was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, and later with PANS. It was a frightening and overwhelming journey, but through determination and a commitment to holistic care, I discovered natural solutions that brought healing and hope.
What Treatments Help Children with Psychiatric Lyme?
Treatment plans may include:
- Antibiotic therapy: To eliminate the Lyme bacteria
- Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce brain inflammation
- Psychiatric support: Therapy or medications to manage symptoms
- Holistic approaches: Nutritional support, supplements, and lifestyle changes
What Happens to Lyme if Left Untreated?
Lyme Disease can act as a trigger for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), where an infection leads to an abnormal immune response.
How Can Parents Support Their Child Through Recovery?
- Educate yourself: Understand the disease and its effects
- Advocate: Work with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide emotional support: Be patient and understanding
- Monitor progress: Keep track of symptoms and improvements
- Connect with others: Join support groups for shared experiences and advice
Parent Story: After her daughter was diagnosed with Psychiatric Lyme, Sarah found solace in a local support group. Sharing experiences with other parents helped her navigate the challenges and celebrate the small victories in her daughter’s recovery.
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
What is the difference between Lyme disease and Psychiatric Lyme?
While Lyme disease primarily causes physical symptoms, Psychiatric Lyme refers to the neurological and psychiatric manifestations resulting from the infection.
Can Psychiatric Lyme be cured?
With timely and appropriate treatment, many children recover fully. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications.
Is it safe to use psychiatric medications for children with Lyme disease?
Psychiatric medications can be part of the treatment plan but should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider familiar with Lyme disease to ensure they address both the infection and the psychiatric symptoms effectively.
Citations
Swedo, S. E., Leonard, H. L., Garvey, M., Mittleman, B., Allen, A. J., Perlmutter, S. J., … & Rapoport, J. L. (1998). Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: Clinical description of the first 50 cases. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(2), 264–271. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.155.2.264
Capanna-Hodge, R. (2023). The BrainBehaviorReset™ approach: Rethinking behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation. It’s Gonna Be OK! Podcast, Episode 141. https://drroseann.com/podcast/
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed mental health expert that is frequently cited in the media:
- The Mac Talks: Fighting the Stigma on Mental Health & Lyme Disease
- Learning to Slay the Beasts Podcast: Treating PANDAS, PANS and Lyme
- Clearly Clinical Podcast: What you need to know about PANS/PANDAS
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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