And now researchers say the development of these symptoms may be more common than previously thought.
The COVID-19 virus is now established as being capable of entering the human brain, McIntyre says.
Its an RNA virus that has a very robust capability of penetrating brain tissue."
Andriy Onufriyenko / Getty Images
Other viruses, like HIV, can also cause direct brain damage.
We know thatcytokines, which are molecules produced by your immune cells, do good things.
They get rid of viruses," McIntyre says.
“But the problem is they can do some collateral damage.
They can actually jeopardize the brain cell function and the brain cell structure.
And what happens then is you begin to see neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Inflammation can also lead to diminished neurotransmitter release and stunted neurotransmission, which could cause changes in mood.
McIntyre says that this is a “direct toxic effect of the virus.”
Cytokines can also increase blood clots in your brain.
“All that taken together can cause a lot of problems.
This is all good news, McIntyre says.
“[But] there are side effects.
And one of the side effects of steroids in some people is that they can cause psychosis.
McIntyre adds that steroid-induced psychosis usually resolves once someone is no longer on the medication.
What to Watch For
McIntyre says there are some warning signs to watch for.
However, other symptoms are red flagssuch as suicidal thoughts or feelings of apathy toward life.
You should also watch for signs of paranoiawhich might feel like your mind is playing tricks on you.
“That is an indication to me that that person should probably speak to a care provider.
One example van Gorp describes is a patient who developed personality changes.
Another of van Gorps patients is a physician who is experiencing slow-processing speeds and memory impairment.
She said’You know, I have to make split-second life-and-death decisions in the operating room.
Now I cant decide between a ham and a corn beef sandwich, van Gorp says.
Neither of these two patients required hospitalization for their COVID-19 symptoms.
Shes not had a known stroke.
Shes not had cardiac arrest where she would have hypoxia.
She had none of the other things that could cause brain impairment.”
What Will Treatment Look Like?
People with concussions have similar manifestations, van Gorp says.
It reminds me a lot of these long-term post-COVID patients.
Right now, treatment for some post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric issues consists of treating the symptoms.
Someone who is experiencing fluctuations in mood might benefit from a mood stabilizer, for example.
Were dealing with a biologically-related phenomenon, van Gorp says.
Its not that hes an irrational person by nature.
This is an acute change in his personality based upon a brain illness.
For now, van Gorp is treating his patient’s symptoms and taking a wait-and-see approach with ongoing monitoring.
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