Psychosocial Impact

"...The psychological effect of HSV infection frequently is substantial. Common concerns regarding genital herpes include the severity of initial clinical manifestations, recurrent episodes, sexual relationships and transmission to sex partners..."1

 

Patients with genital herpes often report a significant emotional and social burden of the disease.2

  • A large American Social Health Association (ASHA) survey found that upon initial diagnosis, the psychosocial impact of genital herpes on patients' lives results in feelings of depression (82%), fear of rejection (75%), and feelings of isolation (69%)3
  • In a large nationwide survey conducted by ASHA, up to 89% of patients with genital herpes were concerned about transmitting the virus to their partner.3 Counseling may help your patients deal with these psychosocial concerns. For more information on effective counseling, click on the link below.

The impact of genital herpes is more than skin deep.

  • For patients who have recurrences, the level of anxiety and concern can remain as high as at the time of their first diagnosis2
  • Newly diagnosed patients may have a recurrence soon after the initial episode. Median time to first recurrence in patients with a confirmed first episode was 47 days in men (n=101) and 49 days in women (n=225)4

Therefore, psychological morbidity should be an important consideration when assessing patients.5 Ask your patients about the impact genital herpes has on their lives.

  • Ask if they have a history of frequent recurrences
  • Ask if they are involved in ongoing, intimate relationships or their relationship/partner has changed

The effect of antiviral therapy on reducing patient concerns associated with transmission of genital herpes has not been evaluated.


 

 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2006. MMWR. 2006;55 (RR-11):1-92.
    2.
  2. Carney O, Ross E, Bunker C, Ikkos G, Mindel A. A prospective study of the psychological impact on patients with a first episode of genital herpes.
    Genitourin Med. 1994;70:40-45.
    3.
  3. Catotti DN, Clarke P, Catoe KE. Herpes revisited: still a cause of concern. Sex Transm Dis. 1993;20:77-80.
    4.
  4. Benedetti J, Corey L, Ashley R. Recurrence rates in genital herpes after symptomatic first-episode infection. Ann Intern Med. 1994;121:847-854.
    5.
  5. Mindel A. Psychological and psychosexual implications of herpes simplex virus infections. Scand J Infect Dis. 1996;(suppl 100):27-32.