Neuropsychiatric manifestations in post-COVID patients in second wave of pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: There is pooling and evolving literature on the neurological and psychological features of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2. Individuals treated for COVID may have persisting (long-haulers) and delayed onset of these symptoms. Focus has now shifted to the late sequelae of COVID infection, especially during the second wave of the pandemic. These post-COVID conditions vary in their presentation. Systematic approach is required to identify and quantify these late sequelae observed in COVID survivors. Aim: This study is set to evaluate the neuropsychiatric manifestations of post-COVID status patients consulting psychiatric and medicine outpatient clinic. Materials and Methods: The current study enrolled patients with post-COVID status visiting psychiatric/medicine outpatient clinics for neuropsychiatric symptoms which were persisting since their COVID infection or new-onset symptoms developing within 1 month of COVID infection. Psychiatric disorder is based on International Classification of Diseases 10 criteria while physician diagnosed the medical/neurological disorders. Results: A total of 60 patients visiting psychiatry outpatient clinic and 46 patients consulting medicine outpatient department were enrolled in the study. Majority had onset of psychiatric symptoms 15 days after being tested positive for COVID infection. Anxiety disorders, depression, adjustment disorders were the major psychiatric diagnosis. Fatigue and myalgia were the predominant neurological symptoms. Neurological symptoms were more prevalent in patients aged above 50 years with preexisting medical conditions and those hospitalized for COVID infection. Conclusion: Both psychiatric and neurological complications are evident as late manifestations of COVID infection. There is a need for longitudinal follow-up studies with control groups to assess post-COVID conditions. A better understanding of the post-COVID conditions and the factors that increase the proneness of an individual to these complications is essential. This knowledge will be beneficial in dealing with similar SARS infections in future.