Infection tied to higher risk of pediatric mental illness

Children and teens hospitalized for infections were 84% more likely to be diagnosed later with mental health disorders and 42% more likely to receive prescriptions to treat mental conditions, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry. The findings, based on data for 1.1 million youths in Denmark born from 1995 to 2012, found a history of outpatient treatment for infection was associated with 40% increased risk of mental illness diagnosis and 22% higher rates of prescription for mental illness.

National Public Radio (12/5),  HealthDay News