We have said many times in our book and in our posts—mental illness is a medical illness! Infectious pathogens are known to cause mental illness and cognitive decline. Acute illness can hasten cognitive decline. Many believe streptococcus causes PANS, PANDA, and autoimmune disorders. Toxoplasmosis is dismissed by medical professionals as self-limiting and of no significance; yet, toxoplasmosis is known to cause mental health and autoimmune disorders. Influenza during pregnancy and toxoplasmosis are known to cause mental illness in the fetus later in life. Both strep and toxoplasmosis are known to cause seizure disorders.

Mental health professionals should attempt to diagnose infectious pathogens, and exclude infectious pathogens and medical diagnoses, before labeling a patient as having a mental illness. The covid-19 pandemic may finally force doctors and patients to accept mental illness can be caused by a medical illness.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/930224