Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms after pediatric herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis: An exploratory case series

AI Summary

Most survivors exhibited persistent neurological sequelae; seven of eight children had lasting neurological impairments.
A subset demonstrated clinically elevated emotional or behavioural symptoms, including anxiety, depressive symptoms and attention problems, years after illness.
Findings highlight need for clinical awareness and routine mental health screening in long term follow up, though prevalence and disease specific risks remain undetermined.

Bull Menninger Clin. 2026 Spring;90(2):126-143. doi: 10.1521/bumc.2026.90.2.126.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To exploratively describe long-term psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in pediatric survivors of herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis.

METHODS: In this retrospective descriptive case series conducted at two tertiary pediatric centers, admissions from 2000 to 2022 were screened for confirmed herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis. Eight families completed validated parentand self-report questionnaires assessing emotional and behavioral symptoms. Analyses were descriptive.

RESULTS: Mean age at disease onset was 5.4 years, and mean age at follow-up was 13.1 years. Seven of eight children exhibited persistent neurological sequelae. Clinically elevated emotional or behavioral symptoms were observed in a subset of children, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and attention problems.

CONCLUSIONS: Some pediatric survivors exhibited clinically relevant emotional and behavioral symptoms years after the acute illness. Although no conclusions regarding prevalence or disease-specific risk can be drawn, the findings underscore the importance of clinical awareness and mental health screening as part of long-term follow-up care.

PMID:42258389 | DOI:10.1521/bumc.2026.90.2.126

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