COVID increases risk of schizophrenia? Read what a new study has found

COVID cases are increasing globally. India recorded more than 4,400 COVID cases as on Friday. Cases of COVID have been increasing in the country ever since the first case of JN.1 variant was detected in Kerala. The JN.1 variant, an offshoot of the BA.2.86 variant is currently responsible for more than 60% of COVID cases in the US.

In view of the emerging variants of the COVID-causing coronavirus, it is essential to know about the effects of the virus on the human body.

A new study has shed light on the effect of COVID on the cognitive function of the brain. The study, not peer-reviewed yet, found a substantial increase in the likelihood of being diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorder (SSPD) after experiencing moderate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 study is consistent with the known neurotropism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other reports of increased risk of major psychiatric disorders following Covid-19 infection,” said Asif Rahman, from the Department of Industrial & Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University.

“Further research is required to identify specific characteristics of populations and individuals who may be at a particularly high risk of developing SSPD and potentially other significant psychiatric conditions following Covid-19 infection. Understanding these psychiatric risks associated with Covid-19 is an essential component of our strategy to address the evolving landscape of long-Covid,” added Rahman, in the paper posted on a preprint site.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, disrupted emotions, and abnormal perceptions of reality. It typically manifests in early adulthood, impacting a person's ability to function in daily life. Common symptoms include hallucinations (false sensory perceptions), delusions (false beliefs resistant to reason), disorganized thinking, and impaired social or occupational functioning.

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The exact cause of schizophrenia is unclear, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors likely contribute. Genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalances (particularly involving dopamine), and structural brain abnormalities are implicated.

Subtypes of schizophrenia exist, with paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, residual, and undifferentiated forms identified. Treatment often involves antipsychotic medications to manage symptoms, therapy to enhance coping skills and social functioning, and support from mental health professionals, family, and friends.

While medication can help control symptoms, the course of schizophrenia varies, and individuals may experience periods of remission and relapse. Early intervention and ongoing support are crucial for managing the condition. Stigma surrounding schizophrenia persists, highlighting the importance of education and understanding to promote empathy and effective mental health care.
How did the researchers find this correlation?

Different from other studies, the team took acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID lab negative cohorts as control groups to accurately gauge the impact of COVID on SSPD. Data from 19,344,698 patients were methodically filtered to create propensity-matched cohorts: ARDS, Covid-positive, and Covid-negative. They analyzed the hazard rate of new-onset SSPD across three distinct time intervals: 0-21 days, 22-90 days, and beyond 90 days post-infection.

COVID positive patients consistently exhibited a heightened hazard ratio across all intervals, the findings showed.

“These are notably higher than both ARDS and Covid-19 lab-negative patients,” the team said. “Intriguingly, our data indicated that younger individuals face a heightened risk of SSPD after contracting Covid-19, a trend not observed in the ARDS and Covid-negative groups,” they added.


(With inputs from IANS)