Encephalitis patients at higher risk of suicide

Research has found that people who are diagnosed with Encephalitis are at a higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and mental health issues.

In a further survey 12.5 percent of patients affected by an autoimmune form of the condition had suicidal behaviours during early stages of the illness.

It comes as today is World Encephalitis Day and operates to raise awareness around the condition.

Encephalitis stems from an inflammation in the brain and is caused either by an infection invading the brain or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.

The condition affects one person every minute globally, yet almost three quarters of people don’t know what encephalitis is and what the symptoms are.

Sarah Chamberlain is from Stourbridge and was diagnosed 27 years ago. She'd just given birth to her second child before she was told she had the condition.

Since her diagnosis, Sarah has battled depression, and from the disease had constant shakes down her right hand side.

She said: "It was really hard, I can't even describe how hard it was. I went from someone who was an avid book reader.

"I have a degree in English and would read novels all the time. Now I can't concentrate to read anything and to this day I don't read.

"I couldn't think, I couldn't remember anything. I wasn't remembering little conversations or anything and it was absolutely decimating.

"It was a complete reversal of my persona."

Looking forward, health professionals are being urged by the Encephalitis Society to ask about and risk assess for these issues during all stages of treatment for Encephalitis.