Immunopsychiatry and SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Links and possible consequences

0Objective. - The SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID-19) pandemic has been propagating since December 2019, inducing a drastic increase in the prevalence of anxious and depressive disorders in the general population. Psychological trauma can partly explain these disorders. However, since psychiatric disorders also havean immuno-inflammatory component, the direct effects of the virus on the host's immune system, witha marked inflammatory response, but also the secondary inflammation to these psychosocial stressors, may cause the apparition or the worsening of psychiatric disorders. We describe here the probableimmunopsychiatric consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, to delineate possible screening actions and care that could be planned. Method. - Data from previous pandemics, and existing data on the psychopathological consequencesof the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, allowed us to review the possible immunopsychiatric consequences of the SARSCoV-2 pandemic, on the gestational environment, with the risk of consecutive neurodevelopmentaldisorders for the fetus on one hand, on the children and adults directly infected being at increased risksof psychiatric disorders on the other hand. Results. - As in previous pandemics, the activation of the immune system due to psychological stress and/ or to infection during pregnancy, might lead to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disordersfor the fetus (schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders). Furthermore, in individuals exposed to psychological trauma and/or infected by the virus, the risk of psychiatric disorders, especially mood disorders, is probably increased. Conclusion. - In this context, preventive measures and specialized care are necessary. Thus, it is important to propose a close follow-up to the individuals who have been infected by the virus, in order to set up theearliest care possible. Likewise, in pregnant women, screening of mood disorders during the pregnancyor the postpartum period must be facilitated. The follow-up of the babies born during the pandemic mustbe strengthened to screen and care for possible neurodevelopmental disorders. (C) 2020 L'Encephale, Paris.

Automated summary

The study examines the potential immunopsychiatric consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders for fetuses in the gestational environment and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders for individuals directly infected. It highlights the importance of preventive measures and specialized care.