As the world sees a new surge in Covid-19 cases, a new study has shown a link between SARS-CoV-2 infections and the onset of intellectual fitness disorders such as schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental condition characterised by hallucinations, delusions and other cognitive impairments.
Previous studies suggest that it could simply be triggered by viruses, such as the flu or even Covid-19.
The new study, not peer-reviewed yet, found a substantial increase in the likelihood of being diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorder (SSPD) after experiencing moderate to severe illness due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, in comparison to a group of individuals who had non-Covid Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
“Our result is consistent with the well-known neurotropism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other reports of an increased threat of primary psychiatric disorders after Covid-19 infection,” said Asif Rahman, of West Virginia’s Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management. University.
“Further studies are needed to identify the expressed characteristics of populations and Americans who would possibly be at higher risk of developing SSPD and potentially other significant psychiatric disorders after Covid-19 infection. Understanding those Covid-19-related psychiatric threats is critical component of our strategy to cope with the changing landscape of long Covid,” added Rahman, in the article published on a preprint site.
Unlike other studies, the team took lab-negative cohorts for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and Covid-19 as control groups to assess the effect of Covid-19 on SSPD.
Data from 19,344,698 patients were methodically filtered to create propensity matched cohorts: ARDS, Covid-positive, and Covid-negative.
They analysed the hazard rate of new-onset SSPD across three distinct time intervals: 0-21 days, 22-90 days, and beyond 90 days post-infection.
According to the results, Covid-19 patients consistently had a higher threat index at all intervals.
“These are notably higher than both ARDS and Covid-19 lab-negative patients,” the team said.
“Interestingly, our data indicated that younger Americans face an increased risk of SSPD after contracting Covid-19, a trend seen in both the ARDS and Covid-negative groups,” they added.
The study underscores the vital importance of keeping a close watch on the mental well-being of those recovering from Covid-19. Their persistent increased risk points to a wider societal concern, especially regarding severe psychiatric conditions like SSPD.
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