Correlates of Perceived Health-Related Quality of Life in Post-Treatment Lyme Encephalopathy

Chandra AM, Keilp JG, Fallon BA. Correlates of perceived health-related quality of life in post-treatment Lyme encephalopathy. Psychosomatics. 2013 Nov-Dec;54(6):552-9. doi: 10.1016/j.psym.2013.04.003. Epub 2013 Jul 9. PMID: 23845316; PMCID: PMC5507690.

A significant portion of Lyme disease-treated patients experiences persistent symptoms for months or even years, including pain, fatigue, and neurocognitive issues, collectively referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. Determining whether ongoing infection is present remains challenging with current technology, raising an open question. Alternatively, a post-infectious immune-mediated process could be responsible for sustained symptoms.

As fatigue and depression significantly impact the reported decline in both physical and mental functioning in patients with PTLDS, clinicians should thoroughly evaluate these symptoms. It is advisable to consider addressing these issues when selecting treatment interventions. Subsequent controlled studies should investigate the efficacy of such approaches for patients dealing with PTLDS.

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