Student Resources
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The purpose of this page is to help identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues for students — and where and when to seek help. Left untreated, these issues can become debilitating and even life-threatening. If you feel that you may be experiencing these issues or find yourself concerned for a friend or peer, it is important to take action now. Mental illness is a real life threatening illness which can make you not see that you are sick. You lose insight to what is happening to you because your brain is fighting a disease.
And don’t forget: you’re not alone. Mental illness is very common among students today. According to mental health research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
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If a friend is sick
It may be difficult for you to approach a friend regarding these illnesses. After all, people often dislike being told that they’re sick, what they’re feeling, or what they should do. It’s wise to be supportive and patient, but applying too much pressure on a friend can make the situation worse. Share your concerns with a parent, a teacher, or other trusted person who can help. If you are sick If you believe that you’ve developed a mental health illness, try to remember that your friends are looking out for your best interests. They want you to be well, and they are not attacking you. Talking about your problems with someone close to you may seem like a daunting task, but try to let them help you until you are ready to seek the professional help you need to get better. |
MHA recently released Making Space for Mental Health on Campus.
The 2nd report from MHA’s Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council (CMHIC) that showcases student-led programs that are filling gaps in traditional mental health services and supports on campuses across the United States.
By highlighting the work of specific student leaders in mental health around the country, the report focuses on what is important to students and provides summaries and guides to programs that student advocates can bring to their colleges and universities. The report uses feedback from current members of the CMHIC, a group dedicated to promoting and expanding the work of student-leaders who have found creative ways to support their peers.
Check out the full report, including video interviews with each member, here.
The 2nd report from MHA’s Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council (CMHIC) that showcases student-led programs that are filling gaps in traditional mental health services and supports on campuses across the United States.
By highlighting the work of specific student leaders in mental health around the country, the report focuses on what is important to students and provides summaries and guides to programs that student advocates can bring to their colleges and universities. The report uses feedback from current members of the CMHIC, a group dedicated to promoting and expanding the work of student-leaders who have found creative ways to support their peers.
Check out the full report, including video interviews with each member, here.
Study Stress Infographic—15 Things You Need to Know
"Study Stress Infographic — 15 Things You Need to Know" discusses the common stress sources and some stress management methods. Also, the readers will learn about a gap year as an option to consider when the stress level is too high and students Find the full infographic here: ivypanda.com/blog/study-stress/
"Study Stress Infographic — 15 Things You Need to Know" discusses the common stress sources and some stress management methods. Also, the readers will learn about a gap year as an option to consider when the stress level is too high and students Find the full infographic here: ivypanda.com/blog/study-stress/
Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, it is the 10th leading causes of death, and it claims approximately 44,000 people every year. Statistics show that men are more likely to commit suicide than women. And, among youth, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death.
www.wristband.com/content/suicide-awareness-and-prevention/
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, it is the 10th leading causes of death, and it claims approximately 44,000 people every year. Statistics show that men are more likely to commit suicide than women. And, among youth, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death.
www.wristband.com/content/suicide-awareness-and-prevention/
Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health
Did you know that 75% of all mental health conditions begin by age 24? That’s why the college years are so critical for understanding and talking about mental health.
NAMI created this video based on the guide Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health developed in partnership with The Jed Foundation. Visit NAMI.org for videos: www.nami.org/collegeguide
Full pdf copy of the guide: nami_college_guide_to_mental_health__starting_the_conversation.pdf
Did you know that 75% of all mental health conditions begin by age 24? That’s why the college years are so critical for understanding and talking about mental health.
NAMI created this video based on the guide Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health developed in partnership with The Jed Foundation. Visit NAMI.org for videos: www.nami.org/collegeguide
Full pdf copy of the guide: nami_college_guide_to_mental_health__starting_the_conversation.pdf
Supporting Students in Recovery on College Campuses
There are hundreds of thousands of students in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) on college campuses across the country. But unless you know them personally, you may not even realize they are a part of the student body.
“One reason they’re a ‘hidden population’ is that a lot of students in recovery will go to campus for as long as they have to be there and then leave as quickly as they can because college campuses have been referred to as ‘recovery-hostile’ environments”. Read the full article: counseling.northwestern.edu/blog/college-substance-use-recovery-ally/
There are hundreds of thousands of students in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) on college campuses across the country. But unless you know them personally, you may not even realize they are a part of the student body.
“One reason they’re a ‘hidden population’ is that a lot of students in recovery will go to campus for as long as they have to be there and then leave as quickly as they can because college campuses have been referred to as ‘recovery-hostile’ environments”. Read the full article: counseling.northwestern.edu/blog/college-substance-use-recovery-ally/
May 16 on PBS - 'You're not alone': New documentary will feature Kids in Crisis Milwaukee youth storytellers
Wisconsin is collaborating with Milwaukee PBS on a documentary about the lives, challenges and triumphs of a group of four young people who told their stories as part of the Kids in Crisis series.
Rory Linnane wrote in her story announcing the project:
The subjects of the documentary have not had easy lives. One was born addicted to heroin. One wrote a goodbye note when he was 7 years old. One was cyberbullied relentlessly. But they are thriving, smart, funny and dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness.
The film will debut on Milwaukee PBS on May 16. It will be followed by a series of screening events around the state.
Watch it with this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8HIP7MInfQ
Wisconsin is collaborating with Milwaukee PBS on a documentary about the lives, challenges and triumphs of a group of four young people who told their stories as part of the Kids in Crisis series.
Rory Linnane wrote in her story announcing the project:
The subjects of the documentary have not had easy lives. One was born addicted to heroin. One wrote a goodbye note when he was 7 years old. One was cyberbullied relentlessly. But they are thriving, smart, funny and dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness.
The film will debut on Milwaukee PBS on May 16. It will be followed by a series of screening events around the state.
Watch it with this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8HIP7MInfQ
Ending The Silence
Helping middle and high schoolers understand mental illness makes a big difference. We can teach them about the warning signs for themselves and their friends. NAMI Ending the Silence helps raise awareness and change perceptions around mental health conditions.
Through this free classroom presentation, students get to see the reality of living with a mental health condition. During the 50-minute presentation, a young adult living with mental illness and a family member tell their stories about mental health challenges, including what hurt and what helped.
Click here to learn more.
Why Ending the Silence Matters
Helping middle and high schoolers understand mental illness makes a big difference. We can teach them about the warning signs for themselves and their friends. NAMI Ending the Silence helps raise awareness and change perceptions around mental health conditions.
Through this free classroom presentation, students get to see the reality of living with a mental health condition. During the 50-minute presentation, a young adult living with mental illness and a family member tell their stories about mental health challenges, including what hurt and what helped.
Click here to learn more.
Why Ending the Silence Matters
- 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition; only 20% of them actually get help
- About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out of school
- Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds
- The earlier the better: early identification and intervention provides better outcomes
Active Minds
Active Minds is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students, on the peer level. Active Minds was founded by Alison Malmon in 2003, after her older brother died by suicide in 2000.
From their website..."Active Minds has since become the premier organization impacting college students and mental health. Now on more than 600 campuses, we directly reach close to 600,000 students each year through campus awareness campaigns, events, advocacy, outreach, and more.
In addition to a 450+ strong chapter network of passionate student advocates, Active Minds’ programs include Send Silence Packing®, an award-winning suicide prevention exhibit; a speaker’s bureau featuring professional speakers who provide encouraging and safe mental health education for students and other audiences; and the Healthy Campus Award, which honors colleges that are prioritizing student health and well-being. "
Active Minds is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students, on the peer level. Active Minds was founded by Alison Malmon in 2003, after her older brother died by suicide in 2000.
From their website..."Active Minds has since become the premier organization impacting college students and mental health. Now on more than 600 campuses, we directly reach close to 600,000 students each year through campus awareness campaigns, events, advocacy, outreach, and more.
In addition to a 450+ strong chapter network of passionate student advocates, Active Minds’ programs include Send Silence Packing®, an award-winning suicide prevention exhibit; a speaker’s bureau featuring professional speakers who provide encouraging and safe mental health education for students and other audiences; and the Healthy Campus Award, which honors colleges that are prioritizing student health and well-being. "
- Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. You can call their Lifeline (1-866-488-7386), text, or instant message to connect with trained volunteers. The Trevor Project also has a Support Center where you can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more.
- The MoodGYM app is an interactive program that helps you explore why you feel the way you do, change the way you think, and understand what makes you upset. It uses games and other resources to help you identify and overcome troubling emotions and thoughts and show you how to develop good coping skills.
- ReliefLink app is a free app that helps you monitor and track your mood and behavior, safety planning, appointment reminders, coping mechanisms, and an emergency button. It also tweets daily affirmations and resources based on your mood and behavior.
13 Reasons Why
https://13reasonswhy.info
Netflix has responded to the outcry that followed Season 1 with a website that features many resources for youth who are struggling. This includes the custom message “REASON” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (Wisconsin’s “HOPELINE”) for free, confidential, 24/7 support and the promotion of 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Here is a blog from Netflix’s VP of Original Series, Brian Wright, where he discusses the ways in which the series creators and Netflix are addressing viewer concerns. this message from the cast will be placed before every episode that may be triggering for the new season.
A discussion guide has been created for Season 1 that contains an overview of the show, suggestions for addressing difficult topics with young people, and ideas to start the conversation. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the American Association of Suicidology have contributed to this guide along with experts from other leading organizations including:
The Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention uses this framework for safe and successful suicide prevention messaging. Additionally, here are the best practice recommendations for reporting on suicide.
The Jed Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) put together these talking points for the 13RW series.
AFSP'S Dr. Christine Moutier spoke with Mashable about Season 2 of 13RW, and was quoted in this article on their website.
MHA’s Paul Gionfriddo posted a blog last May, 13 Resources for “13 Reasons Why” Conversations, following a Facebook live conversation about the first season of 13RW and suicide prevention resources.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has compiled a collection of resources to help inform and support students and families.
ASCA Facebook Live 34 minute webinar on preparing for 13 Reasons Why Season 2
ASCA 13 Reasons Why Resources Collection
ASCA 13 Reasons Why 1-pager for school staff and parents
ASCA 13 Reasons Why addressing the issues with a comprehensive school counseling model
https://13reasonswhy.info
Netflix has responded to the outcry that followed Season 1 with a website that features many resources for youth who are struggling. This includes the custom message “REASON” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (Wisconsin’s “HOPELINE”) for free, confidential, 24/7 support and the promotion of 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Here is a blog from Netflix’s VP of Original Series, Brian Wright, where he discusses the ways in which the series creators and Netflix are addressing viewer concerns. this message from the cast will be placed before every episode that may be triggering for the new season.
A discussion guide has been created for Season 1 that contains an overview of the show, suggestions for addressing difficult topics with young people, and ideas to start the conversation. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the American Association of Suicidology have contributed to this guide along with experts from other leading organizations including:
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- DARE
- Stopbullying.gov
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention uses this framework for safe and successful suicide prevention messaging. Additionally, here are the best practice recommendations for reporting on suicide.
The Jed Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) put together these talking points for the 13RW series.
AFSP'S Dr. Christine Moutier spoke with Mashable about Season 2 of 13RW, and was quoted in this article on their website.
MHA’s Paul Gionfriddo posted a blog last May, 13 Resources for “13 Reasons Why” Conversations, following a Facebook live conversation about the first season of 13RW and suicide prevention resources.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has compiled a collection of resources to help inform and support students and families.
ASCA Facebook Live 34 minute webinar on preparing for 13 Reasons Why Season 2
ASCA 13 Reasons Why Resources Collection
ASCA 13 Reasons Why 1-pager for school staff and parents
ASCA 13 Reasons Why addressing the issues with a comprehensive school counseling model
Kids In Crisis
Kids in Crisis is USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's groundbreaking series on youth mental health. It's been recognized by the Poynter Institute and MediaShift for its engaging approach, involving dozens of community events and countless reader submissions from videos to personal essays. The lead reporter received the Wisconsin Media Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Wisconsin ranks among the worst states for rates of youth depression, youth suicide, and shortages of care providers. At the same time, hope is abundant in the stories of youth with mental health challenges, their families and their allies.
Click here to access the Kids in Crisis Series featuring stories, videos, and personal testimonials.
Kids in Crisis is USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's groundbreaking series on youth mental health. It's been recognized by the Poynter Institute and MediaShift for its engaging approach, involving dozens of community events and countless reader submissions from videos to personal essays. The lead reporter received the Wisconsin Media Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Wisconsin ranks among the worst states for rates of youth depression, youth suicide, and shortages of care providers. At the same time, hope is abundant in the stories of youth with mental health challenges, their families and their allies.
Click here to access the Kids in Crisis Series featuring stories, videos, and personal testimonials.
This is Normal
"This is Normal" is a new podcast from USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. We talk to young people about their own mental health challenges — and how they got through them. Because talking about this stuff makes us all feel a little less alone.
Click here to watch videos from students about their own personal experiences.
"This is Normal" is a new podcast from USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. We talk to young people about their own mental health challenges — and how they got through them. Because talking about this stuff makes us all feel a little less alone.
Click here to watch videos from students about their own personal experiences.
Say It Out Loud
Say it Out Loud was created to get teens talking about mental health symptoms and how they can help support each other in their journey of recovery.
This interactive program begins with a short film highlighting the 10 common warning signs and showing three youth who share their experiences with mental health issues. After the film, Marina Pappas, executive director of NAMI Racine County, will facilitate an interactive panel discussion of parents and youth on their personal journey to start the conversation about mental health. This program is for ages 13 and above.
In association with Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health and NAMI Racine County
Thursday, May 10, 2018
6:00-7:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.
SC JOHNSON GOLDEN RONDELLE THEATER
1525 Howe Street, Racine, WI 53403
Parking is available in the lot at the intersection of 14th and Franklin Streets.
may_10_program_say_it_out_loud.pdf
Reservations are encouraged – RSVP: Click here (or email Rondelle@scj.com)
Say it Out Loud was created to get teens talking about mental health symptoms and how they can help support each other in their journey of recovery.
This interactive program begins with a short film highlighting the 10 common warning signs and showing three youth who share their experiences with mental health issues. After the film, Marina Pappas, executive director of NAMI Racine County, will facilitate an interactive panel discussion of parents and youth on their personal journey to start the conversation about mental health. This program is for ages 13 and above.
In association with Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health and NAMI Racine County
Thursday, May 10, 2018
6:00-7:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.
SC JOHNSON GOLDEN RONDELLE THEATER
1525 Howe Street, Racine, WI 53403
Parking is available in the lot at the intersection of 14th and Franklin Streets.
may_10_program_say_it_out_loud.pdf
Reservations are encouraged – RSVP: Click here (or email Rondelle@scj.com)
Seize The Awkward
NEW YORK (JANUARY 17, 2018) – On Wednesday, January 17, along with partners The Jed Foundation (JED) and the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, launched a national groundbreaking ad campaign, “Seize The Awkward.
”This campaign encourages young adults to visit SeizeTheAwkward.org and follow @SeizeTheAwkward on Instagram for information and resources – this campaign will work to empower teens and young adults to reach out and help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health. “Seize the Awkward” launched with an extensive suite of digital assets including online video and digital banners. Several media companies will also be supporting the campaign at launch and throughout the year with customized content and donated media.
Along with partners The Jed Foundation (JED) and the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, launched a national groundbreaking ad campaign, “Seize The Awkward.” This campaign will work to empower teens and young adults to reach out and help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.
NEW YORK (JANUARY 17, 2018) – On Wednesday, January 17, along with partners The Jed Foundation (JED) and the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, launched a national groundbreaking ad campaign, “Seize The Awkward.
”This campaign encourages young adults to visit SeizeTheAwkward.org and follow @SeizeTheAwkward on Instagram for information and resources – this campaign will work to empower teens and young adults to reach out and help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health. “Seize the Awkward” launched with an extensive suite of digital assets including online video and digital banners. Several media companies will also be supporting the campaign at launch and throughout the year with customized content and donated media.
Along with partners The Jed Foundation (JED) and the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, launched a national groundbreaking ad campaign, “Seize The Awkward.” This campaign will work to empower teens and young adults to reach out and help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.
Support for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
College programs, funding, and other key resources to ensure successIntellectual disabilities exist within the larger spectrum of developmental disabilities such as ADHD, Anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy and down syndrome. As the number of academic programs for students with these types of disabilities grows, it’s important for learners and their families to have access to details about their options. Read on to learn about various college programs and funding opportunities to support this population of students, and see what our expert has to say about available support services and resources on today’s college campuses.
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/students-with-intellectual-disabilities/
College programs, funding, and other key resources to ensure successIntellectual disabilities exist within the larger spectrum of developmental disabilities such as ADHD, Anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy and down syndrome. As the number of academic programs for students with these types of disabilities grows, it’s important for learners and their families to have access to details about their options. Read on to learn about various college programs and funding opportunities to support this population of students, and see what our expert has to say about available support services and resources on today’s college campuses.
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/students-with-intellectual-disabilities/
Mental Health in College
From: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-student-mental-health/www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-student-mental-health/
A Student’s Guide to Recognizing Disorders, Seeking Help and Promoting WellnessGoing to college is a dream for millions of Americans, yet those with psychiatric disabilities may question if it’s even a possibility. While mental illness may add extra considerations to the process of attending college, there are many options available to turn this goal into a reality. Current college students utilize campus mental health services more than any generation before them, showing that students are taking charge of their mental health and that colleges have services in place to help. In this guide, learn more about common mental illnesses, support systems, and how to request accommodations.
From: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-student-mental-health/www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-student-mental-health/
A Student’s Guide to Recognizing Disorders, Seeking Help and Promoting WellnessGoing to college is a dream for millions of Americans, yet those with psychiatric disabilities may question if it’s even a possibility. While mental illness may add extra considerations to the process of attending college, there are many options available to turn this goal into a reality. Current college students utilize campus mental health services more than any generation before them, showing that students are taking charge of their mental health and that colleges have services in place to help. In this guide, learn more about common mental illnesses, support systems, and how to request accommodations.
Guide to Sleep for College Students & Older Teens
Expert Advice on How to Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep deprivation and students go hand in hand. Between classes, exams, work, extracurricular and social activities, and homework high school and college students aren’t getting enough sleep each night, which can have a major impact on their health as well as their GPAs. Learn why catching enough Z’s can help you earn more A’s, and get strategies to create and maintain a healthy balance between life, school and sleep.
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/guide-to-sleeping-for-college-students-and-teens/
Expert Advice on How to Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep deprivation and students go hand in hand. Between classes, exams, work, extracurricular and social activities, and homework high school and college students aren’t getting enough sleep each night, which can have a major impact on their health as well as their GPAs. Learn why catching enough Z’s can help you earn more A’s, and get strategies to create and maintain a healthy balance between life, school and sleep.
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/guide-to-sleeping-for-college-students-and-teens/
Additional Resources
Student and Young Adult-Specific Resources
Student and Young Adult-Specific Resources
- American College Health Association
- APA's College Mental Health Page
- Beyond OCD: Overcoming OCD - The College Student's Guide
- Bibliography of Suicide Prevention Research for Colleges and Universities
- Campus Health and Safety
- Critical Mental Health Resources for College Students
- Kognito's At-Risk on Campus
- NAMI's Networking Site for Young Adults with Mental Illness
- Screening for Mental Health, Inc: College Response
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center - Information for College Students
- ULifeline
- HBCU Center For Excellence In Substance Abuse & Mental Health
- Jewish Association for the Mentally Ill (UK)
- National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
- National Organization of People of Color Against Suicide
- Preventing Suicide by American Indian and Alaska Native Youth and Young Adults
- SAMHSA Office of Behavioral Health Equity
- The U.S. Office of Minority Health
- Active Minds: LGBQ Mental Health Resources
- Active Minds: Transgender Mental Health Resources
- Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists
- Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling
- A Practitioner's Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children
- Eating Disorders in LGBT populations
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
- LGBT Populations: A Dialogue on Advancing Opportunities for Recovery from Addictions and Mental Health Problems
- National Coalition for LGBT Health
- PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays
- National Transgender Discrimination Survey Report on Health and Health Care
- The Trevor Project
Serious Infections and the Subsequent Risk of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents
From: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2716981
On December 6, JAMA Psychiatry published a report from Denmark showing that serious infections in childhood, especially those resulting in hospitalization, are occasionally followed by childhood psychiatric problems. Such problems include obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, behavior disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and ADHD. Most childhood infections do no result in any such problems. Since the study followed more than one million children from birth, the results are very impressive. Such research can only be done in countries like Denmark that have national case registers covering all medical and psychiatric care for the entire population.
The idea that an infectious agent can cause a psychiatric disorder is, of course, not entirely new. Many adult psychiatric disorders have been linked to viruses such as the herpes family and influenza, to bacteria such as that which causes syphilis, and to parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii that can cause toxoplasmosis. Regarding childhood psychiatric disorders, reports of streptococcus bacteria causing obsessive compulsive disorder and tics in children, the PANDAS syndrome, date to the late 1990s.
From: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2716981
On December 6, JAMA Psychiatry published a report from Denmark showing that serious infections in childhood, especially those resulting in hospitalization, are occasionally followed by childhood psychiatric problems. Such problems include obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, behavior disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and ADHD. Most childhood infections do no result in any such problems. Since the study followed more than one million children from birth, the results are very impressive. Such research can only be done in countries like Denmark that have national case registers covering all medical and psychiatric care for the entire population.
The idea that an infectious agent can cause a psychiatric disorder is, of course, not entirely new. Many adult psychiatric disorders have been linked to viruses such as the herpes family and influenza, to bacteria such as that which causes syphilis, and to parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii that can cause toxoplasmosis. Regarding childhood psychiatric disorders, reports of streptococcus bacteria causing obsessive compulsive disorder and tics in children, the PANDAS syndrome, date to the late 1990s.