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Psychological testing was conducted on 4 gynecologic patient groups, categorized as follows: (1) 20 patients with recurrent genital herpes, (2) 16 patients with primary genital herpes, (3) 18 patients with curable sexually transmitted diseases, and (4) 20 patients who served as normal controls with no history of sexually transmitted diseases. The recurrent genital herpes group experienced significantly greater sexual dissatisfaction than the other 3 groups. However, no psychological differences on measures of depression, anxiety, somatization, and social withdrawal were noted among the groups, with all groups achieving test scores well within a normal range of functioning. We conclude that the negative aspects of having genital herpes are limited primarily to the sexual realm. In addition, it is likely that the reports in the popular press regarding the devastating psychological effects of contracting genital herpes have been not only greatly exaggerated, but also unnecessarily alarming to the general public and to those individuals who are coping adequately with the disease.

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