Evidências científicas sobre a presença de transtornos mentais resultantes da infecção por SARS-COV-2 em pessoas com Covid-19: Scoping Review

Abstract

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Its form of transmission occurs through respiratory particles, such as droplets and, mainly, aerosols and is known to trigger respiratory manifestations. In addition to the respiratory system, the virus can reach the Central Nervous System (CNS), directly and indirectly, which may result in the emergence of neuropsychiatric alterations. In addition, the psychological impacts caused by the pandemic can enhance such changes. Thus, the objective was to: Identify scientific evidence on the presence of mental disorders due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in people diagnosed with COVID-19; identify the types of mental disorders; to describe the pathophysiological association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with mental disorders; and describe the age and sex characteristics of the population studied. This is a Scoping Review carried out in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, BVS, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Embase, LILACS. And on the following sites: Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Gray Literature. The descriptors (comorbidity OR sequel OR complications) AND (Mental Health OR Mental disorders OR Mental Illness) AND (SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 OR coronavirus) were used. The inclusion criteria were: articles that answered the guiding question, with individuals who had not been previously diagnosed with mental disorders, articles available in full, composed of varied methodological approaches, online, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The following were excluded: articles without free access; opinionated letters to the editor; editorials; and books. Ten studies were selected, which pointed to the high prevalence of mental disorders in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, its etiology is multifactorial, being attributed to the damage of the infectious process and to the stressors, resulting from the current pandemic. The disorders found were: stress disorders; of humor; psychotics; obsessive-compulsive; of anxiety and sleep-wakefulness. Of these, those with the highest prevalence of involvement were anxiety and depression. There was not a significant difference in terms of prevalence by sex. The mean age of study participants was 46.1 years. It was observed that most studies did not indicate a form of mental support for patients diagnosed with the disorders. Thus, it is necessary to know the possible sequelae of COVID-19, in order to provide comprehensive support to this population.