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Keywords

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus infections; coronavirus infections/complications; virus diseases; neurologic manifestations; neurobehavioral manifestations; bipolar disorder; disinhibition; neuropsychiatric

Disciplines

Community Health | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Neurology | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection is notable for a high degree of symptom diversity. Emerging evidence suggests viral invasion of the central nervous system; therefore, serious neurological and psychiatric manifestations are anticipated. We present the case of a 67-year-old male physician with a history of stable Bipolar Disorder for decades, hospitalized for persistent COVID-19 symptoms with documented positive serology, who presented with new and acute onset neuropsychiatric symptoms of disinhibition proximate the viral infection. We postulate neuroinvasion as the putative origin of the patient’s psychiatric instability. Further investigation is needed to expand upon our understanding of the potential for neuropsychiatric morbidity related to SARS-CoV-2 for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. Furthermore, there are no current studies addressing the risks for neurological and psychiatric symptomatology in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with persistent chronic mental illness.

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