COVID-19 viral infection may increase risk of neuropsychiatric sequelae

Study examines COVID-19 and historical evidence of post-viral neuropsychiatric complications

This newly published article discusses the impact of COVID-19 viral infections and the potential risk of developing neuropsychiatric complications. The authors of this study examine historical evidence of post-viral neuropsychiatric sequelae, the need for close monitoring of COVID-19 patients to determine neuropsychiatric outcomes, and encourage a psychoneuroimmunlogy perspective to assist in public mental health. ¹

The authors of this study found, “diverse types of neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as encephalopathy, mood changes, psychosis, neuromuscular dysfunction, or demyelinating processes may accompany acute viral infection, or may follow infection by weeks, months, or longer.”

Understanding the characteristics of post-viral neuropsychiatric symptoms in the aftermath of SARS CoV-2 infection and uncovering pathogenic mechanisms that can direct targeted interventions will be critical.

Clinical points of note that include laboratory comparisons show:

When discussing neuropsychiatric symptoms related to post-viral sequelae, the authors describe previous studies that have elucidated how a viral infection can create an inflammatory process that causes an abnormal immune response. This can lead to the production of autoantibodies that are cross-reactive with viral antigens and self-antigens.

The Cunningham Panel™ measures the level of certain autoantibodies directed against brain and CNS targets that are associated with post-infectious neuropsychiatric disorders. Let us know if we can assist you in your clinical management of patients who may be suffering from autoimmune-based neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms.