Psycho-Neuroendocrine-Immune Aspects of Covid-19 and Its Relationship With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Publisher



Shafia S¹ ; Talei S² ; Molaei S³ ; Asghariazr V^{4, 5} ; Dadkhah M⁶
Source: Current Psychiatry Research and Reviews Published:2024

Abstract

A large body of literature indicates that the novel coronavirus disease (COVI D-19) was, and still is, a stressful and traumatic experience for different groups of people. Exposure to unexpected deaths or fear of death increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) anxiety disorder. Understanding the relationship between PTSD and SARS-CoV-2 infection can help reduce the risk of developing psychiatric diseases, especially anxiety dis-orders. Here, we used the central mega databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Spring-er, and Science Direct. We explored the articles based on keywords and related articles. Social isolation stress during quarantine and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis via increased cortisol synthesis and release seems to be key findings in current lit-erature. Evidence shows that induced neuroendocrine changes in patients with COVID-19 can cause psychiatric diseases related to fear and anxiety. Studies suspect that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can be target-ed by the infection and thereby could be a player in inducing psychiatric disorders. Here, we discuss the relationship between Covid-19 and post-traumatic stress disorder from psycho-neuroendocrine-immune aspects and highlight the pro-inflammatory cytokines as mediators in the CNS-related processes, hoping to provide insights into the pathophysiology of PTSD. © 2024 Bentham Science Publishers.