A case of catatonia after COVID-19 infection in a patient with bipolar disorder

VernacularTitle:双相障碍患者新型冠状病毒感染后紧张症1例
Author: Wanqi SUN ¹ ; Chongze WANG ¹ ; Qinyu LYU ¹
Author Information

1. 上海交通大学医学院附属精神卫生中心，上海　200030
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Catatonia; Bipolar disorder; SARS-CoV-2
From: Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2024;57(4):234-238
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Psychiatric symptoms caused by COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are common in clinical practice. In addition to the anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which are often seen, COVID-19 infection also leads to new onset of psychotic symptoms or exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric symptoms. This study reported a case of a patient with a history of bipolar disorder who presented with clinical manifestations of catatonia after COVID-19 infection. Neurological impairments in this patient were confirmed by neurological physical examination, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid examination. After treatment with lorazepam, glucocorticoids, and low-dose antipsychotics, the patient′s catatonia was significantly relieved. Clinicians should pay attention to the neurological damage caused by COVID-19 infection to be providing comprehensive analysis, diagnosis, and integrated treatment for patients who develop psychiatric symptoms after COVID-19 infection.