Short- and long-term psychiatric complications of COVID-19

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on global mental health, with emerging evidence suggesting significant psychiatric complications in both the short and long term. Main body This review consolidates current information on the mental effects of COVID-19, analysing psychosocial and biological factors, temporal progression of symptoms, and impacts on various populations. Acute psychiatric manifestations (0–4 weeks post-infection) include anxiety, acute stress reactions, and delirium. In the mid-term phase (4–12 weeks), persistent symptoms emerge, with studies reporting anxiety (23%), depression (17%), and sleep disturbances (31%). Cognitive impacts such as “brain fog” (32%) and memory issues (28%) also become apparent. Long-term complications (> 12 weeks) include a significant proportion of patients experiencing poor sleep (74.5%) and PTSD (78.3%) up to 9 months post-infection. Vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers, children, and pregnant women, face unique challenges. Biological mechanisms, including potential neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 and neuroinflammation, contribute to these psychiatric manifestations. Conclusion COVID-19 infection has caused a spectrum of psychiatric problems that evolve from acute to chronic stages. The persistence of symptoms beyond the acute phase highlights the need for long-term mental health support and tailored interventions. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying persistent psychiatric symptoms and developing targeted treatments for COVID-19-related mental health complications.