Neuropsychiatric Burden of SARS-CoV-2: A Review of Its Physiopathology, Underlying Mechanisms, and Management Strategies
Aliteia-Maria Pacnejer,
Anca Butuca,
Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea,
Anca Maria Arseniu,
Adina Frum,
Felicia Gabriela Gligor,
Rares Arseniu,
Razvan Constantin Vonica,
Andreea Loredana Vonica-Tincu,
Cristian Oancea,
Cristina Mogosan,
Ioana Rada Popa Ilie,
Claudiu Morgovan,
Cristina Adriana Dehelean
Affiliations
Aliteia-Maria Pacnejer
Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania
Anca Butuca
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Anca Maria Arseniu
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Adina Frum
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Felicia Gabriela Gligor
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Rares Arseniu
County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brînzeu”, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
Razvan Constantin Vonica
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Andreea Loredana Vonica-Tincu
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Cristian Oancea
Department of Pulmonology, Center for Research and Innovation in Personalized Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
Cristina Mogosan
Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400029 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioana Rada Popa Ilie
Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Claudiu Morgovan
Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
Cristina Adriana Dehelean
Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania
The COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was linked to significant neurological and psychiatric manifestations. This review examines the physiopathological mechanisms underlying these neuropsychiatric outcomes and discusses current management strategies. Primarily a respiratory disease, COVID-19 frequently leads to neurological issues, including cephalalgia and migraines, loss of sensory perception, cerebrovascular accidents, and neurological impairment such as encephalopathy. Lasting neuropsychological effects have also been recorded in individuals following SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction, suggesting a lasting impact on mental health. The neuroinvasive potential of the virus, inflammatory responses, and the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in neuroinflammation are critical factors in neuropsychiatric COVID-19 manifestations. In addition, the review highlights the importance of monitoring biomarkers to assess Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement. Management strategies for these neuropsychiatric conditions include supportive therapy, antiepileptic drugs, antithrombotic therapy, and psychotropic drugs, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Understanding the long-term neuropsychiatric implications of COVID-19 is essential for developing effective treatment protocols and improving patient outcomes.
