RARE BUT FRIGHTENING COMPLICATION
COVID-19 is not the first virus to be linked to psychosis. During the “Spanish flu” influenza pandemic of 1918 there were reports of post-viral psychosis.
Psychosis has been reported after infections with the other human coronaviruses, like those that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Links between coronaviruses, immune system activation and psychosis have also been found, suggesting COVID-19 may not be the only coronavirus capable of causing psychosis.
Just how common is post-COVID psychosis? The evidence to date suggests it is rare, occurring in about 0.25 per cent of COVID-19 cases who are not hospitalised (and likely have a mild infection), and 0.89 per cent of people who are hospitalised for COVID-19.
Because there have been so many cases of COVID-19 worldwide, isolated reports of post-COVID psychosis may stand out more. The frightening nature of what people might experience means we might hear more and more about them on social media and in the news.
Although the risk of post-COVID psychosis is low, people who have had COVID-19 and their families should look out for any sudden changes in personality, paranoia or delusions in the days, weeks and months following infection.
If these signs are noticed, seeking medical help is vital. Most cases of post-COVID psychosis resolve quickly with proper psychiatric care and treatment with medication.
Sarah Hellewell is Research Fellow in Faculty of Health Sciences and The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Curtin University. This commentary first appeared on The Conversation.
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