New research from the University of Adelaide reveals that nearly 60 percent of adolescent survivors of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) experience long-term psychological conditions. The study, led by Professor Helen Marshall AM at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute, examined 41 individuals who had contracted meningococcal disease between two and ten years prior, assessing their neurocognitive function, psychological well-being, and quality of life.
The findings, published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, compared these survivors, aged 15 to 24 at the time of infection, with 51 control participants. The results highlight significant psychological challenges faced by those who battled the disease.
Understanding Invasive Meningococcal Disease
Invasive meningococcal disease encompasses conditions such as meningitis and sepsis, all stemming from the same bacteria. In 2024, Australia reported 136 cases of IMD, with 29 occurring in South Australia alone. The disease often necessitates intensive medical intervention, as evidenced by the 54 percent of study participants who required intensive care admission.
Professor Marshall noted,
“Almost 60 percent of participants who had IMD had at least one psychological disorder, compared to 31 percent of the control participants, with alcohol dependence and PTSD being the most common.”
Despite these challenges, the study found no significant difference in overall IQ or general quality of life scores between IMD survivors and their peers.
Neurocognitive and Physical Impacts
While overall cognitive abilities appeared unaffected, the study identified specific challenges in mathematical reasoning. Dr. Mark McMillan, the first author of the paper, explained,
“This math-specific impact may reflect the hierarchical nature of math skill acquisition and its lower incidental learning opportunity; consequently, disrupted schooling could have a more pronounced impact on the math subtests we did.”
Physician assessments revealed ongoing physical issues in 15 percent of IMD cases, including seizures, motor impairment, unilateral hearing loss, and mobility challenges. Dr. McMillan added,
“While functionality was comparable between groups for most domains, IMD cases reported significantly more difficulties in energy and drive, daily routine, walking, and emotions compared to control participants.”
Implications and Future Directions
The study underscores the critical need for comprehensive support systems for IMD survivors. Professor Marshall emphasized the importance of coordinated care, stating,
“Social work support, in collaboration with educational providers, may help alleviate the burden on survivors navigating this post-IMD period in terms of their disrupted schooling.”
The research highlights a consistent theme of long-term mental health challenges among IMD survivors, calling for integrated post-discharge care that includes psychological support and social work services to facilitate vocational or educational reintegration.
This development follows a broader recognition of the need for holistic care approaches for survivors of severe illnesses, ensuring that recovery extends beyond physical health to encompass mental and emotional well-being. As healthcare systems consider these findings, the focus may shift towards more robust support frameworks for those affected by IMD and similar conditions.
