Neuropsychological functioning in severe acute respiratory disorders caused by the coronavirus: Implications for the current COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: The coronavirus class of respiratory viruses - including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) disease. In fact, multiple mechanisms of CNS involvement have bee...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical neuropsychologist 2020-11, Vol.34 (7-8), p.1453-1479
Main Authors: Rabinovitz, Beth, Jaywant, Abhishek, Fridman, Chaya B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ARDS
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology
Coronavirus Infections - psychology
COVID-19
Humans
Mental Disorders - epidemiology
Mental Disorders - psychology
neuropsychological deficits
Neuropsychological Tests
Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology
Pneumonia, Viral - psychology
psychiatric functioning
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:Objective: The coronavirus class of respiratory viruses - including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) disease. In fact, multiple mechanisms of CNS involvement have been proposed, making it difficult to identify a unitary syndrome that can be the focus of clinical work and research. Neuropsychologists need to understand the potential cognitive and psychological sequelae of COVID-19 and the impact of the interventions (e.g., ICU, ventilation) that have been used in treating patients with severe forms of the illness. Method: We briefly review the literature regarding the neurological and neuropsychological effects of similar coronaviruses, the limited information that has been published to date on COVID-19, and the literature regarding the long-term cognitive and psychological effects of undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). Results: We discuss the roles that neuropsychologists can play in assessing and treating the cognitive difficulties and psychiatric symptoms described. Conclusions: At this time, the mechanisms, correlates, and effects of COVID-19 are poorly understood, but information gleaned from the literature on similar viruses and utilized interventions should help inform neuropsychologists as they begin to work with this population.
ISSN:1385-4046
1744-4144
DOI:10.1080/13854046.2020.1803408