Psychological determinants of symptoms mimicking depressive episode following a COVID-19 – a case study

The description of psychiatric and neurological consequences following SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily characterized by the biological, psychopathological, and behavioral paradigms. The focus is on examining the impact of the infection on the biological aspect of the central nervous system, the occurrence of defined disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, or neurological sequelae known as neuro-COVID. The research also investigates the influence on behaviors such as alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. In this case study, we would like to draw attention to another element, often overlooked in the literature, which is a component of the consequences of the pandemic period and experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is the emergence, during the infection period or isolation due to the pandemic, of a psychological space for reflection on various aspects of one’s own life. As exemplified by the case of the patient described below, the symptomatic consequences of such reflection may mimic depressive episode and be considered biologically conditioned by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. They could also be regarded as manifestations of long COVID. However, it is important to note that in certain situations, the emergence of reflections concerning one’s own life, career path, and current personal, professional, and social circumstances may be a significant factor influencing well-being and the type of expressed complaints. Therefore, it is essential to consider that the complaints reported by some individuals are the result of both biological consequences of illness and psychological processes associated with the disruption of their previous way of life and the availability of unoccupied time for reflection.