Mental Illness and Viruses

There is an interesting article in yesterday's Wall St. Journal (registration required) That outlines a fascinating link being researched between various viruses and a span of mental illnesses.

A growing number of studies are testing theories that viruses and other infectious agents may underlie some cases of psychiatric illnesses. The theory is that viruses and bacteria assaulting the immune system could also end up affecting the brain in such disorders as autism, depression and eating disorders.

One study,"documented the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder or Tourette's syndrome in some children who got strep throat." It is amazing how we continue to learn about ourselves and what mysteries are still out there. Even when we, as human beings, think we know everything.