Pathophysiological Hypothesis of COVID-19 Psychosis

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2023 Dec 1;211(12):890-895. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001624.

Abstract

In December 2019, a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in patients with pneumonia of unknown cause. Although respiratory symptoms mainly characterize infection by this virus, neuropsychiatric manifestations of the disease are becoming more and more frequent. Among them, the appearance of psychotic outbreaks in patients experiencing the infection or after a short time after it has resolved is remarkable. This narrative review aims to describe the possible relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the onset of psychosis by developing the neurotropic capacities of the virus and analyzing the neurobiology of psychoses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Psychotic Disorders* / etiology
  • SARS-CoV-2