Beyond Psychosis: The Hidden Medical Conditions Behind Mental Health Symptoms

At the young age of 12, Jessica Huitson began experiencing tics. Over time, these symptoms worsened and led to whole-body fits that required hospital visits. Unfortunately, her local hospital in Durham, England dismissed her symptoms as anxiety and attributed them to excessive TikTok use, leaving her mother feeling belittled. However, further investigation revealed that Jessica actually had an autoimmune condition triggered by a bacterial infection known as Paediatric Autoimmune-Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS).

Jessica’s case is just one example of a neurological condition being mistaken for a mental health issue. There is growing evidence to suggest that various infections can trigger conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, tics, anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. In addition to infections, inflammatory disorders and metabolic conditions can also significantly impact mental health. However, these factors are often overlooked by psychiatrists due to oversights within the field.

The case of Jessica Huitson underscores the importance of thorough and comprehensive evaluation when it comes to mental health. By recognizing and addressing underlying medical conditions like PANDAS, individuals like Jessica can receive the appropriate care and support they need for improved outcomes. It is crucial that psychiatrists take a more holistic approach to mental health care by considering all possible factors that may contribute to a person’s symptoms.