Is shingles linked to depression?

Is shingles linked to depression?

Patients who are experiencing chronic pain and severe symptoms as a result of shingles have an increased risk of developing depression. The link between chronic pain and depression is well-documented. Research suggests that up to 66 percent of patients with chronic pain symptoms may have co-existing major depression.

Can shingles affect you mentally?

PHN pain can cause depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and weight loss. Some people will even have trouble with their daily activities, including dressing, cooking and eating.

What is the emotional cause of shingles?

Emotional stress is considered a trigger for shingles because it has been shown to weaken the body’s immune system. This can happen in those who have undergone a sudden shock, such as the death of a loved one, or people who face chronic work or life stress.

Can shingles cause mood swings?

Shingles is often a debilitating disease in the acute stage and even after resolution. While there is no cure, pharmacotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment for shingles but may be associated with side effects (e.g., sedation, constipation, mood swings).

Do shingles cause anxiety?

Can shingles cause extreme fatigue?

You may experience fatigue while you have shingles. However, it’s also possible to feel fatigued even after the shingles rash has disappeared. Fatigue may happen indirectly due to PHN, a complication of shingles that involves lingering pain.

Can stress cause shingles to recur?

Since stress affects the immune system, many researchers believe that stress could be a trigger for shingles. Researchers in multiple studies have linked chronic, daily stress, and highly stressful life events as risk factors for shingles.

Can shingles make you nauseated?

Nausea. This is typically one of the most common shingles symptoms that gets mistaken for something else. Most people can attribute nausea to something they ate or drank. Unfortunately, this symptom progresses to the point of being flu-like, though vomiting is a relatively uncommon result of this nausea.

Can shingles cause insomnia?

Pain can be mild or severe—the most severe cases can lead to insomnia, weight loss, depression, and disability. There may be other sensations, such as tingling, coldness, or loss of feeling. About 20 percent of people age 70 or greater who develop shingles may have long-lasting pain.

How do I regain energy after shingles?

If you’re experiencing fatigue during or after shingles, try out some of the suggestions below to help you cope.

  1. Set up a sleep routine. Pain from shingles or PHN can make it hard to sleep.
  2. Reduce stress. Stress can really sap your energy.
  3. Eat often.
  4. Stay hydrated.
  5. Reach out.