A case report: Steroid-induced mania in the context of COVID-19: The compounding impact of treatment on mental health

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively affected people's day-to-day lives, especially those with mental illness. We present a case of a manic episode with psychotic features induced by dexamethasone administered as part of COVID-19 treatment. The patient had underlying depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, but was stable before contracting COVID-19. The implications of quarantine and social stress on mood stability are also discussed. We call for better patient education on the risks of steroid-induced mania and psychosis as well as increased attention to mental illness screening and treatment during this unprecedented pandemic time.