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Warwicker S, Sant D, Richard A, Cutajar J, Bellizzi A, Micallef G, Refalo D, Camilleri L, Grech A. A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis of Mental Health Admissions: Measuring the Fallout of the Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1194. [PMID: 36673950 PMCID: PMC9858631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this research article, we review the infrequently considered long-term impact of the pandemic on inpatient mental health, by reviewing the clinical parameters of all psychiatric admissions to Mount Carmel Hospital, our region's main psychiatric healthcare facility, from 2019-2021. METHODS 4292 patients were admitted during the research period of this retrospective longitudinal analysis. Taking 2019 as the pre-COVID reference year, we compared mean monthly admissions from 2020 and 2021, looking at patient demographics, status under the Mental Health Act, diagnosis, and self-injurious behaviour. RESULTS While the pandemic was reflected in a moderate increase in mean monthly presentations with suicidal ideation and suicidal self-injury, presentations in 2020 otherwise remained largely stable. This contrasted with a surge in presentations in 2021 with mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, presentations involving self-injurious behaviour continued to grow. Involuntary admissions also increased significantly in 2021. CONCLUSIONS This paper highlights the pernicious long-term impact of the pandemic on mental health presentations, demonstrated by an increase in hospital admissions and more serious presentations. These findings should be considered in the guidance for responses to any future pandemic, giving attention to the evidence of the impact of restrictive measures on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Refalo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Liberato Camilleri
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Anton Grech
- Mount Carmel Hospital, ATD 9033 H’Attard, Malta
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
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Braga LW, Oliveira SB, Moreira AS, Martins Pereira MEMDS, Serio ASS, Carneiro VDS, Freitas LDFP, Souza LMDN. Long COVID neuropsychological follow-up: Is cognitive rehabilitation relevant? NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 53:517-534. [PMID: 38143394 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duration of neuropsychological disorders caused by long COVID, and the variables that impact outcomes, are still largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe the cognitive profile of patients with long COVID post-participation in a neuropsychological rehabilitation program and subsequent reassessment and identify the factors that influence recovery. METHODS 208 patients (mean age of 48.8 y.o.), mostly female, were reevaluated 25 months after their first COVID infection and 17 months after their initial evaluation. Patients underwent subjective assessment, Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing Tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and WHOQol-Bref. RESULTS We noted a discrete improvement of neuropsychological symptoms 25 months after the acute stage of COVID-19; nonetheless, performance was not within the normative parameters of standardized neuropsychological testing. These results negatively impact QoL and corroborate patients' subjective assessments of cognitive issues experienced in daily life. Improvement was seen in those who participated in psychoeducational neuropsychological rehabilitation, had higher levels of education, and lower depression scores on the HADS. CONCLUSION Our data reveal the persistence of long-term cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID. Neuropsychological rehabilitation is shown to be important, whether in-person or online.
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Ikram M, Shaikh NF, Vishwanatha JK, Sambamoorthi U. Leading Predictors of COVID-19-Related Poor Mental Health in Adult Asian Indians: An Application of Extreme Gradient Boosting and Shapley Additive Explanations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:775. [PMID: 36613095 PMCID: PMC9819341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in poor mental health among Asian Indians was observed in the United States. However, the leading predictors of poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asian Indians remained unknown. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to self-identified Asian Indians aged 18 and older (N = 289). Survey collected information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics and the COVID-19 burden. Two novel machine learning techniques-eXtreme Gradient Boosting and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to identify the leading predictors and explain their associations with poor mental health. A majority of the study participants were female (65.1%), below 50 years of age (73.3%), and had income ≥ $75,000 (81.0%). The six leading predictors of poor mental health among Asian Indians were sleep disturbance, age, general health, income, wearing a mask, and self-reported discrimination. SHAP plots indicated that higher age, wearing a mask, and maintaining social distancing all the time were negatively associated with poor mental health while having sleep disturbance and imputed income levels were positively associated with poor mental health. The model performance metrics indicated high accuracy (0.77), precision (0.78), F1 score (0.77), recall (0.77), and AUROC (0.87). Nearly one in two adults reported poor mental health, and one in five reported sleep disturbance. Findings from our study suggest a paradoxical relationship between income and poor mental health; further studies are needed to confirm our study findings. Sleep disturbance and perceived discrimination can be targeted through tailored intervention to reduce the risk of poor mental health in Asian Indians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ikram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center [North], P.O. Box 9510, Morgantown, WV 26506-9510, USA
| | - Nazneen Fatima Shaikh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center [North], P.O. Box 9510, Morgantown, WV 26506-9510, USA
| | - Jamboor K. Vishwanatha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Usha Sambamoorthi
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Shimony O, Malin Y, Fogel-Grinvald H, Gumpel TP, Nahum M. Understanding the factors affecting teachers' burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279383. [PMID: 36584003 PMCID: PMC9803224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, which enforced social distancing and isolation, teachers were required to handle multiple challenges related to their work, including dealing with remote teaching, in addition to personal, medical and financial challenges. The goal of the current research was to examine factors that contributed to professional burnout and commitment to work among teachers during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A total of 344 elementary school teachers in Israel completed online self-report questionnaires, including assessments of stressors, anxiety, resilience, self-efficacy beliefs, and coping strategies. Structured Equation Modeling [SEM] was used to examine the contribution of these factors to professional burnout and commitment. RESULTS The gaps between needed and received support had a direct effect on teachers' burnout and commitment, and an indirect effect through anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs. Stress relating to remote teaching and support-gaps regarding remote teaching were the most significant of all the stressors and sources of support. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings highlight the significance of remote teaching as the main cause of stress and professional burnout and suggest that proper preparation of teachers-before and during times of crisis, may have a significant impact on their mental and professional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Shimony
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Malin
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Haya Fogel-Grinvald
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Thomas P. Gumpel
- Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mor Nahum
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Li J, Liu C, Wulandari T, Wang P, Li K, Ren L, Liu X. The relationship between dimensions of empathy and symptoms of depression among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A network analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1034119. [PMID: 36620303 PMCID: PMC9813512 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1034119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between different dimensions of empathy and individual symptoms of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear, despite the established link between empathy and depression. The network analysis offers a novel framework for visualizing the association between empathy and depression as a complex system consisting of interacting nodes. In this study, we investigated the nuanced associations between different dimensions of empathy and individual symptoms of depression using a network model during the pandemic. Methods 1,177 students completed the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), measuring dimensions of empathy, and the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), measuring symptoms of depression. First, we investigated the nuanced associations between different dimensions of empathy and individual depressive symptoms. Then, we calculated the bridge expected influence to examine how different dimensions of empathy may activate or deactivate the symptoms of depression cluster. Finally, we conducted a network comparison test to explore whether network characteristics such as empathy-depression edges and bridge nodes differed between genders. Results First, our findings showed that personal distress was positively linked to symptoms of depression. These symptoms involved psychomotor agitation or retardation (edge weight = 0.18), sad mood (edge weight = 0.12), trouble with concentrating (edge weight = 0.11), and guilt (edge weight = 0.10). Perspective-taking was found to be negatively correlated with trouble with concentrating (edge weight = -0.11). Empathic concern was negatively associated with suicidal thoughts (edge weight = -0.10) and psychomotor agitation or retardation (edge weight = -0.08). Fantasy was not connected with any symptoms of depression. Second, personal distress and empathic concern were the most positive and negative influential nodes that bridged empathy and depression (values of bridge expected influence were 0.51 and -0.19 and values of predictability were 0.24 and 0.24, respectively). The estimates of the bridge expected influence on the nodes were adequately stable (correlation stability coefficient = 0.75). Finally, no sex differences in the studied network characteristics were observed. Conclusions This study applied network analysis to reveal potential pathways between different dimensions of empathy and individual symptoms of depression. The findings supported the existing theoretical system and contribute to the theoretical mechanism. We have also made efforts to suggest interventions and preventions based on personal distress and empathic concern, the two most important dimensions of empathy for depressive symptoms. These efforts may help Chinese university students to adopt better practical methods to overcome symptoms of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang Liu
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VI, Australia
| | - Teresa Wulandari
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VI, Australia
| | - Panhui Wang
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kuiliang Li
- Department of Developmental Psychology for Armyman, School of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,*Correspondence: Lei Ren
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,Xufeng Liu
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Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Glucose and Cognitive Tests in Long COVID Patients. Brain Sci 2022; 13:brainsci13010023. [PMID: 36672005 PMCID: PMC9856023 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common long-term sequelae after COVID-19 include fatigue and cognitive impairment. Although symptoms interfere with daily living, the underlying pathology is largely unknown. Previous studies report relative hypometabolism in frontal, limbic and cerebellar regions suggesting focal brain involvement. We aimed to determine whether absolute hypometabolism was present and correlated to same day standardized neurocognitive testing. METHODS Fourteen patients included from a long COVID clinic had cognitive testing and quantitative dynamic [18F]FDG PET of the brain on the same day to correlate cognitive function to metabolic glucose rate. RESULTS We found no hypometabolism in frontal, limbic and cerebellar regions in cognitively impaired relative to cognitive intact patients. In contrast, the cognitive impaired patients showed higher cerebellar metabolism (p = 0.03), which correlated with more severe deficits in working memory and executive function (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Hypermetabolism in the cerebellum may reflect inefficient brain processing and play a role in cognitive impairments after COVID-19.
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He S, Wu K, Cheng Z, He M, Hu R, Fan N, Shen L, Li Q, Fan H, Tong Y. Long COVID: The latest manifestations, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e196. [PMID: 36514781 PMCID: PMC9732402 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection affects humans not only during the acute phase of the infection, but also several weeks to 2 years after the recovery. SARS-CoV-2 infects a variety of cells in the human body, including lung cells, intestinal cells, vascular endothelial cells, olfactory epithelial cells, etc. The damages caused by the infections of these cells and enduring immune response are the basis of long COVID. Notably, the changes in gene expression caused by viral infection can also indirectly contribute to long COVID. We summarized the occurrences of both common and uncommon long COVID, including damages to lung and respiratory system, olfactory and taste deficiency, damages to myocardial, renal, muscle, and enduring inflammation. Moreover, we provided potential treatments for long COVID symptoms manifested in different organs and systems, which were based on the pathogenesis and the associations between symptoms in different organs. Importantly, we compared the differences in symptoms and frequency of long COVID caused by breakthrough infection after vaccination and infection with different variants of concern, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of long COVID and propose improvement for tackling COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi‐ting He
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Kexin Wu
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Zixuan Cheng
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Mengjie He
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Ruolan Hu
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Ning Fan
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Lin Shen
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Qirui Li
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
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Is depression the missing link between inflammatory mediators and cancer? Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108293. [PMID: 36216210 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Patients with cancer are at greater risk of developing depression in comparison to the general population and this is associated with serious adverse effects, such as poorer quality of life, worse prognosis and higher mortality. Although the relationship between depression and cancer is now well established, a common underlying pathophysiological mechanism between the two conditions is yet to be elucidated. Existing theories of depression, based on monoamine neurotransmitter system dysfunction, are insufficient as explanations of the disorder. Recent advances have implicated neuroinflammatory mechanisms in the etiology of depression and it has been demonstrated that inflammation at a peripheral level may be mirrored centrally in astrocytes and microglia serving to promote chronic levels of inflammation in the brain. Three major routes to depression in cancer in which proinflammatory mediators are implicated, seem likely. Activation of the kynurenine pathway involving cytokines, increases tryptophan catabolism, resulting in diminished levels of serotonin which is widely acknowledged as being the hallmark of depression. It also results in neurotoxic effects on brain regions thought to be involved in the evolution of major depression. Proinflammatory mediators also play a crucial role in impairing regulatory glucocorticoid mediated feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is activated by stress and considered to be involved in both depression and cancer. The third route is via the glutamatergic pathway, whereby glutamate excitotoxicity may lead to depression associated with cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these dysregulated and other newly emerging pathways may provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting, serving to improve the care of cancer patients.
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Houben S, Bonnechère B. The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Cognitive Function and the Implication for Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7748. [PMID: 35805406 PMCID: PMC9266128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that patients with severe COVID-19 disease may have symptoms that continue beyond the acute phase, extending into the early chronic phase. This prolonged COVID-19 pathology is often referred to as 'Long COVID'. Simultaneously, case investigations have shown that COVID-19 individuals might have a variety of neurological problems. The accurate and accessible assessment of cognitive function in patients post-COVID-19 infection is thus of increasingly high importance for both public and individual health. Little is known about the influence of COVID-19 on the general cognitive levels but more importantly, at sub-functions level. Therefore, we first aim to summarize the current level of evidence supporting the negative impact of COVID-19 infection on cognitive functions. Twenty-seven studies were included in the systematic review representing a total of 94,103 participants (90,317 COVID-19 patients and 3786 healthy controls). We then performed a meta-analysis summarizing the results of five studies (959 participants, 513 patients) to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on cognitive functions. The overall effect, expressed in standardized mean differences, is -0.41 [95%CI -0.55; -0.27]. To prevent disability, we finally discuss the different approaches available in rehabilitation to help these patients and avoid long-term complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Houben
- Scientific Direction Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Technology-Supported and Data-Driven Rehabilitation, Data Sciences Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Neuropsychological Outcomes in Adult Patients and Survivors of COVID-19. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040465. [PMID: 35456140 PMCID: PMC9025655 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to affect central nervous system functions through various indirect, and possibly direct, mechanisms. We are only now beginning to understand the possible effects of the virus on human cognition. This review summarizes extant yet limited literature on clinical neuropsychological findings in adult coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and survivors. Neuropsychological outcomes were often in the form of cognitive screen results, although various studies administered comprehensive batteries. With respect to screens, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment appeared relatively sensitive to cognitive dysfunction associated with COVID-19. Patients and survivors presented with weaknesses on screens and comprehensive batteries, although the pattern of these weaknesses was not specific to etiology. Broadly, weaknesses were suggestive of executive dysfunction, although more than one study did not detect significant impairment. Weaknesses should be interpreted cautiously due to potential confounds/contributing factors (weaknesses may partly reflect psychiatric sequelae; weaknesses may be over-interpreted due to inadequate assessment of premorbid functioning). Studies reported different approaches in defining impairment, likely contributing to variable findings. The current review discusses ongoing efforts to harmonize approaches to evaluating neuropsychological functioning globally, as well as emphasizes taking a comprehensive approach towards understanding how the disease affects cognition.
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Psychological Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: Insights into Pathophysiology and Risk Factors of Long COVID-19. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11010061. [PMID: 35053059 PMCID: PMC8773222 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of studies associating COVID-19 survivors with increased mental health consequences. Mental health implications related to a COVID-19 infection include both acute and long-term consequences. Here we discuss COVID-19-associated psychiatric sequelae, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drawing parallels to past coronavirus outbreaks. A literature search was completed across three databases, using keywords to search for relevant articles. The cause may directly correlate to the infection through both direct and indirect mechanisms, but the underlying etiology appears more complex and multifactorial, involving environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Although most risk factors and prevalence rates vary across various studies, being of the female gender and having a history of psychiatric disorders seem consistent. Several studies will be presented, demonstrating COVID-19 survivors presenting higher rates of mental health consequences than the general population. The possible mechanisms by which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the brain, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and causing these psychiatric sequelae, will be discussed, particularly concerning the SARS-CoV-2 entry via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors and the implications of the immune inflammatory signaling on neuropsychiatric disorders. Some possible therapeutic options will also be considered.
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Hashimoto K. Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, impact of childhood trauma in psychiatric disorders, and predictable biomarkers for bipolar disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:753-755. [PMID: 35751656 PMCID: PMC9243931 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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Mazza MG, Palladini M, Poletti S, Benedetti F. Post-COVID-19 Depressive Symptoms: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacological Treatment. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:681-702. [PMID: 35727534 PMCID: PMC9210800 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still spreading worldwide over 2 years since its outbreak. The psychopathological implications in COVID-19 survivors such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments are now recognized as primary symptoms of the "post-acute COVID-19 syndrome." Depressive psychopathology was reported in around 35% of patients at short, medium, and long-term follow-up after the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms are known to increase fatigue and affect neurocognitive functioning, sleep, quality of life, and global functioning in COVID-19 survivors. The psychopathological mechanisms underlying post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms are mainly related to the inflammation triggered by the peripheral immune-inflammatory response to the viral infection and to the persistent psychological burden during and after infection. The large number of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and the high prevalence of post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms may significantly increase the pool of people suffering from depressive disorders. Therefore, it is essential to screen, diagnose, treat, and monitor COVID-19 survivors' psychopathology to counteract the depression disease burden and related years of life lived with disability. This paper reviews the current literature in order to synthesize the available evidence regarding epidemiology, clinical features, neurobiological underpinning, and pharmacological treatment of post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milan, Italy. .,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy. .,PhD Program in Cognitive Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mariagrazia Palladini
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892PhD Program in Cognitive Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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