TICK-BORNE DISEASE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
A MEDICAL ILLNESS/ A MULTIDISCIPLINARY “CURE”
By Sandy Berenbaum
We in the Lyme world all know that tick-borne diseases are caused by complex organisms that can
affect just about any part of the body, and we realize that the key to getting well is finding a Lyme-
literate doctor, obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive, efficacious treatment. While
treating the medical aspect of the disease is paramount, for children and adolescents with chronic
Lyme disease, medical treatment alone is often not enough. Many of these children have Lyme related
psychiatric symptoms or educational impairments. Their serious symptoms, combined with the
duration of the illness often leads to gaps in their development. Their isolation can leave them
lonely, and inhibit their ability to interact with peers. These issues are best addressed through the
coordinated efforts of a team.
Children and adolescents with chronic Lyme, often meet the DSM criteria for one or more “mental
illnesses”--anxiety disorder, depression, anorexia nervosa, AD/HD, as well as disorders in which
behavioral problems manifest--oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and for some,
psychosis. Even though the “mental illness” may be due completely to Lyme, the serious psychiatric
symptoms cannot be ignored. For many, psychiatric medications are essential, in managing the
symptoms during treatment, including the complex issues of managing symptom flares (Jarisch
Herxheimer reactions), brought on by the antibiotics. Thus there is a need for involvement of
Lyme-literate psychiatrists who treat children.
These “mental illnesses” carry a constellation of issues. The anorectic children, for example, often
have an aversion to certain foods, or a rigid pattern of eating, and there is an obsessional quality to
their thinking, about food and exercise. Some put a pathological spin on suggestions doctors make
for a “yeast free” diet while on antibiotics, some refuse to take any medications by mouth. Weight
gain typical of some Lyme patients terrifies the anorectic, and pathological weight loss brings them
comfort. These issues need to be dealt with in individual and family therapy, to keep the anorectic
child safe and healthy during the acute phases of the illness and Lyme treatment.
Anxiety is another symptom common to children with Lyme. The anxiety presents for many in their
fears about school failure, even as their cognitively impaired brains struggle to succeed. It takes a
Lyme-literate team to deal with the anxious child with Lyme--the medical doctor who treats the
illness, the psychiatrist who prescribes the medication for anxiety, the psychotherapist who teaches
the child and family strategies for dealing with the anxiety, helps the child learn to think in a
different way (cognitively-based therapy is helpful here), and the Lyme-literate school team who
provides support and accommodations for the child who has impairments that affect learning. The
school nurse or guidance counselor can provide a brief respite, and support, for the anxious child, in
the middle of the chaos of the school day.
Behavioral problems are often due simply to the infection in the brain, and will resolve as the illness is
treated comprehensively. However, the treatment could take a long time, and the behaviors need to
be addressed and managed during these difficult times. Intervention and support of a Lyme-literate
psychiatrist and psychotherapist, as well as involvement of a parent advocate who develops a plan
for managing behaviors in the school setting can make a significant difference in the life of the child
and the family. Traditional “behavior plans” are often not effective, when the behavior is driven by
an infectious cause.
Attention needs to be paid to the tasks of the various developmental stages the child with chronic
Lyme is going through. The most difficult stage to manage is adolescence, where the Lyme patient
may deny the illness and resist treatment to be “normal”, in an attempt to individuate. At this stage,
some will self-medicate the Lyme symptoms with street drugs. If the child has been ill for a long
time, it may be difficult to distinguish between symptoms of the illness and who the child really is.
It is helpful if these symptoms are addressed in therapy, as well.
Part of the work of childhood is to develop social skills, to learn how to interact with others.
Children learn that at home, in their communities, in school, on the ball field. When a child is ill
with chronic Lyme, often her exposure to others is very limited. Some children have been on
homebound instruction for months and years, not even having the school community to interact
with. Socialization needs can be addressed in therapy, and for those who are seriously ill, some
social experiences can be built into their week.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
While physicians who treat Lyme are focused on diagnosing and treating the medical illness, it is also
important to recognize that there is more to treating the child with Lyme than ridding the body of
infection. We need an integrated approach that includes doctors, nurses, psychiatrists,
psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, educators, and advocates. It is important that we are aware of
each other’s roles, and communicate regularly.
The impact of Lyme disease on children and adolescents is not just a medical issue. By working
together to support and treat the whole child, we can help our children achieve more than physical
health. They can become resilient, life-loving, successful people, and put the nightmare of the Lyme
years behind them.
Published In Lyme Times Children’s Treatment Issue
#42 – Summer, 2005
Sandy Berenbaum, LCSW, BCD, Lyme-Literate Psychotherapist
Family Connections Center For Counseling
Offices in Brewster, NY and Southbury, CT
Phone: (203) 240-7787