Psychomotor Symptoms, Cognitive Impairments, and Suicidal Thoughts after COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Possible Allostatic Mechanism
Journal
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
3
Start Page
370
End Page
374
ISSN
2508-4798
2508-4909
Date Issued
2024-09-30
Author(s)
Abstract
Although neuropsychiatric manifestations are common in survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pathophysiology is not yet elucidated. Here we describe the case of a geriatric inpatient who developed post-COVID depression with psychomotor retardation, anxiety, hopelessness, executive function problems, and suicidal ideations. The language problems and cognitive impairments coemerged with the motor problems. We propose a mechanism associated with problems in energy prediction and regulation in which the coronavirus infection, which causes neuroinflammation and viral activity in the nervous system, interferes with the reward pathway and sensory prediction process. Sigma-1 receptor agonists such as sertraline may regulate energy expenditure and, thus, be beneficial to the process. The treatment improvements in our patient included those in the autonomic nervous system, activity, and circadian rhythm.
Publisher
The Korean Geriatrics Society
Type
journal article