Mechanisms of New-Onset Psychosis during the Covid-19 Pandemic: What Ignited the Fire?

Abstract

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with the emergence of various psychiatric illnesses, although very little literature has focused on the effect of COVID-19 on psychosis. Preliminary data have shown possible increases in new-onset psychosis.

Methods

Using MEDLINE, we performed a review of the current literature to identify the mechanisms by which pandemics may increase psychosis risk and generate evidence-based recommendations to control surges of psychosis. We identified 85 relevant studies, of which 34 were case reports on psychosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Underlying mechanisms of psychosis include “direct viral mechanisms,” such as neuroinflammation linked with the coronavirus, and “nonviral mechanisms,” such as stress, isolation, and uncertainty.

Conclusions

Improvement of our understanding of the pathophysiol-ogy of psychosis related to COVID-19 along with implementation of strategies to fight against stress and social isolation in addition to awareness campaigns regarding new-onset psychotic symptoms are much needed to optimize early detection and management of psychosis.