Medical doctor and former reality star Faith Adewale has raised awareness about the potential link between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mental health disorders.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Clarity Zone podcast, co-hosted by Chinedu Ani Emmanuel (Nedu Wazobia), Adewale highlighted neurosyphilis, the advanced third stage of syphilis, as a condition that can affect the brain and cognitive functions.
“Do you know STIs can cause mental problems? There is something called neurosyphilis, the third stage of syphilis… There are many things that can lead to mental issues,” he said.
Adewale further emphasized that a significant number of patients with mental health challenges may have underlying conditions linked to untreated STIs.
“A lot of the people having mental health problems, some of them have STIs. Neurosyphilis affects your brain. It affects the way you process things,” he explained.
His remarks shed light on the importance of STI prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, particularly in the context of broader mental health care. Health experts note that untreated STIs like syphilis can, in rare cases, progress to neurosyphilis, potentially causing neurological and psychiatric symptoms including cognitive decline, confusion, and personality changes.
By raising the connection between infectious diseases and mental health, Adewale’s discussion underscores the need for integrated approaches to public health and mental wellness.
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