Unexplained recurrent high fever observed in a depressed adolescent

Depressive episodes in adolescents are often accompanied by various physical symptoms, but few studies have explored the association between depression and fever, This case study is the first to report the relationship between unexplained recurrent high fever and depression.

H is a 15 year old adolescent female currently in junior year. 2 + months ago, H gradually felt depressed after a class change. Around the time, the patient suddenly developed chills with no obvious trigger and fever. H was treated with anti-infective and anti-viral treatments all of which did not show significant improvement. No significant abnormality was seen in any of the related examinations. Considering that the patient’s anxiety, depression and somatic symptoms were obvious during the course of the disease, she was given venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsule 75 mg/d; tandospirone citrate capsule 10 mg Bid; alprazolam tablets 0.4 mg qn to improve mood and sleep; supplemented with transcranial repetitive magnetic stimulation therapy 2 times/d; visible light therapy 1 time/d and psychological counseling once. Over the 6 days of treatment, the patient’s body temperature gradually returned to the normal range and her mood improved significantly.

Depression should be considered a potential cause of unexplained recurrent fevers in adolescents, even when the temperature is significantly outside the normal range.