Remitting neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients: Viral cause or drug effect?

J Med Virol. 2022 Mar;94(3):1154-1161. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27443. Epub 2021 Nov 19.

Abstract

Numerous reports of neuropsychiatric symptoms highlighted the pathologic potential of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its relationship the onset and/or exacerbation of mental disease. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatments, themselves, must be considered as potential catalysts for new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients. To date, immediate and long-term neuropsychiatric complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection are currently unknown. Here we report on five patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection with possible associated neuropsychiatric involvement, following them clinically until resolution of their symptoms. We will also discuss the contributory roles of chloroquine and dexamethasone in these neuropsychiatric presentations.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; chloroquine; corticosteroids; neuropsychiatric.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Chloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / complications
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Chloroquine