Introduction: The impact of HSV infection on the psycho-emotional status of patients correlates with the nature and the duration of the disease. HSV recurrences are often accompanied by depression, up to suicidal attempts.

Purpose: To study the effect of frequently recurring HSV infection on psycho-emotional status of patients.

Materials and methods: We estimated the prevalence and clinical structure of the depressive disorders in 44 outpatients (26 men and 18 women, mean age 31.2) with frequent genital HSV recurrences (>6 per year). Affective disorders were discovered using different estimation scales: HAM-D-21, SOFAS and CGI-S. The normal values for each scale are <7, >81 and <2 respectively. To estimate patients’ life quality, we used the 36-item MOS-SF-36.

Results: 14 (n=44) of patients showed a complete lack of vital interests, 11 (n=44) of patients had problems with appetite and sleep (early morning awakening), 9 (n=44) of patients had difficulties in concentration, 7(n=44) of patients exhibited decreased sexual interest and suffered from a sense of guilt. 12 (n=44) of patients exhibited emotional labiality, accompanied by a permanent tearfulness and shortness of temper.

The average indexes of mental condition on the Hamilton scales were >7 (HAM-D-21), <80 (SOFAS) and >2 (CGI-S). According to the International Classification of Disease (1994) this state corresponds to the diagnosis "Recurrent depressed disorder, current episode of middle degree with somatic symptoms", F33.11.

Conclusion: In those patients with frequently recurring genital HSV infection who suffer from depressive disorders a combination of antiviral and antidepressant therapies may be required.