Publication Type Review
Authors Rabinovitz B, Jaywant A, Fridman C
Journal Clin Neuropsychol
Volume 34
Issue 7-8
Pagination 1453-1479
Date Published 09/09/2020
ISSN 1744-4144
Keywords Betacoronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, Mental Disorders, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral
Abstract 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.
DOI 10.1080/13854046.2020.1803408
PubMed ID 32901580
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