Potential Pathophysiological Mechanisms Explaining the Association Between Viral Infections and Depression

Abstract

Depression, a common neuropsychiatric disorder, affects millions worldwide and causes immense economic and health burdens. With the COVID-19 pandemic in our recent history, more attention needs to be turned to reducing fallout from the pandemic such as depression. Various viruses, most notably SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and HHV-6B, have been associated with depression. This suggests a complex interplay between viral infections and mental health. Social and psychological factors, exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, further contribute to depressive symptoms. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include neuroinflammation, monoamine dysregulation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and more, underscoring the multifaceted nature of depression's etiology. Specifically, inflammation, mediated by cytokine storms following viral infections, contributes to neuroinflammation and subsequent depressive symptoms. While treatments targeting viral infections and depression exist independently, integrated approaches remain limited. Promising avenues include antiviral medications with antidepressant properties or vice versa, and lifestyle interventions addressing stress and inflammation. Understanding the intricate relationship between viral infections and depression holds potential for mitigating the global burden of depression through targeted interventions.