Neuropsychological disorders after COVID-19. Urgent need for research and clinical practice

Abstract

Purpose: Numerous studies suggest that infection with coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19 illness, can lead to changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, some individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection may also present the symptoms of neuropsychological disorders. The goals of this literature review is the synthesis of various perspectives and up-to-date scientific knowledge as well as the formulation of initial recommendations for clinical practice. Views: According to current state of knowledge, numerous SARS-CoV-2 infection-specific and nonspecific risk factors exist for brain damage, which might lead to neuropsychological impairments in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. The emerging evidence suggests significant behavioral and cognitive deficits in COVID-19 survivors, which are present in the early phase after recovery and persist for several months. Neuropsychological disturbances can potentially include a wide spectrum of disorders, yet deficits of attention, memory, executive functions, language and visuospatial orientation are among most commonly identified. The relationship between cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances and severity of COVID-19 symptoms needs to be submitted to further research. Conclusions: The scientific knowledge resulting from neuropsychological empirical studies during the COVID-19 pandemic allows for a postulate of an urgent evidence-based systematic neuropsychological research to be conducted among COVID-19 survivors. More than anything, the recovered individuals must be provided with adequate neuropsychological help in the form of neuropsychological diagnosis, monitoring and rehabilitation.

Factors associated with prolonged COVID-related PTSD-like symptoms among adults diagnosed with mild COVID-19 in Poland

“…The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw. The findings are part of a larger research project on neuropsychological functioning and quality of life of people after COVID-19 that was conducted between May 2020 and June 2022 ( Łojek et al, 2021 ; Malinowska et al, 2022 ). The study consisted of a baseline (T1) and a follow-up (T2) assessment at approximately 4-month interval.…”

Problem postaw antyszczepionkowych w dobie COVID-19 — analiza w kontekście wymiarów psychopatologicznych i oparte na doświadczeniu własnym propozycje postępowania

“…schorzenia, ma ono charakter wielonarządowy, powoduje objawy wtórne i prawdopodobnie przybiera formę latentną [1]. Zjadliwość koronawirusa dotyczy między innymi ośrodkowego układu nerwowego, w konsekwencji czego może dojść do rozwoju niespecyficznych zaburzeń psychicznych, zwłaszcza w zakresie upośledzenia funkcji poznawczych [2][3][4][5][6].…”