Are Brain Health Issues Linked to Death from COVID-19?

Having a psychiatric diagnosis significantly increases the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, being hospitalized with the illness, and dying from COVID-19, according to a pair of new studies. One study in World Psychiatry assessed the impact of a recent diagnosis of a mental health disorder—including ADD/ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia—on the risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality. This study analyzed electronic health records of 61 million adult patients from 360 hospitals nationwide through July 29, 2020. Patients with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder had nearly a 50% increased risk of dying from COVID-19 (8.5%) compared with people with COVID who didn’t have a mental illness diagnosis (4.7%). Patients with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder had nearly a 50% increased risk of dying from COVID-19.

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People with a mental health problem were also at significantly higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and being hospitalized (27.4% vs 18.6%). This link was strongest in people diagnosed with depression or schizophrenia. The investigators also found that women with mental disorders had higher odds of COVID-19 infection than men. The gender disparity was highest in those with ADD/ADHD. And African Americans were more likely to become infected with COVID-19 than Caucasians, with the largest ethnic gap seen in those with depression. The other study, which appeared in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data on 1,685 hospital patients with COVID-19 and found that those who had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder were about 50% more likely to die than patients without a psychiatric diagnosis. The diagnoses investigated in this study included mental and behavioral health disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and self-harm. These findings are a critical reminder that mental health matters, and it’s of paramount importance to take care of your emotional, behavioral, and cognitive health.

MENTAL HEALTH IS LINKED TO PHYSICAL HEALTH

Most people—including many healthcare professionals—assume that mental health is purely psychological, but our mental well-being is tied to our biological health. And it’s a two-way street. Physical health problems can contribute to psychiatric issues, and mental health problems can increase the risk of certain physical diseases. For example, people with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and of developing it at a younger age. On the other side, research shows that people with CVD have a greater risk of depression and dementia. Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health, has identified the major biological risk factors that are tied to mental health problems. Here are 3 of the most important ones to know.

MENTAL HEALTH AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of physical diseases, such as CVD, cancer, and arthritis. You may be surprised to discover that systemic inflammation has also been associated with a variety of psychiatric, cognitive, and behavioral issues, including:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Decreased motivation
• Suicidal behavior

The link between depression and inflammation has been widely studied. Research shows that depression is a known side effect of certain medications that intentionally increase inflammation (including vaccinations and interferon, a drug used to treat some cancers and hepatitis). Conversely, medications and nutritional supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties—including aspirin, ibuprofen, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumins—have been shown to lower depression in people with chronic inflammation. In the JAMA Network Open study on psychiatric diagnoses and COVID mortality risk, the investigators suggest that “Psychiatric symptoms may arise as a marker of systemic pathophysiologic processes, such as inflammation, that may, in turn, predispose to mortality.” Other research, including a study in Clinical Infectious Diseases, found that people with high levels of C-reactive protein—a biomarker for inflammation—are more likely to develop severe illness from COVID-19. Smart Strategies: To reduce chronic inflammation, eliminate inflammatory foods from your daily diet, including sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fats that are high in omega-6 fatty acids (such as many refined vegetable oils).

MENTAL HEALTH AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The human body’s immune system has two key functions—defense and tolerance. It defends against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It’s also on the lookout for internal troublemakers, such as cancer cells. The immune system also regulates your level of tolerance to potential environmental triggers, including allergens—everything from pollen and bee stings to peanuts and corn. When your immune system carries out these key functions optimally, it helps keep your body (and your mind) healthy. Weak defenses or a low tolerance level (or an immune system that becomes overwhelmed) increases your vulnerability to infections, such as COVID-19, makes you more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, and increases your risk for anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Having an autoimmune disease is associated with an increased risk for:

• Mood disorders (45% increased risk)
• Schizophrenia (45% increased risk)
• Bipolar disorder
• ADD/ADHD
• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease

Smart strategies: Boost the immune system with nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D, zinc, and therapeutic mushrooms. Eat more garlic, a natural immunity enhancer. In addition, practice stress-management techniques since stress hurts your immune system.

MENTAL HEALTH AND INFECTIONS

Infectious illnesses, including Lyme disease, streptococcus (strep throat), helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and others are a major cause of psychiatric and cognitive problems that few medical professionals recognize. Children who had an infectious disease had a significant increase in mental health problems as adults, according to a large study from Denmark. Additional research from that country found that being hospitalized for any infectious disease as a child or as an adult increased the risk for mood disorders by 62% later in life. Chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, disrupt the immune system and cause damaging inflammatory responses, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of Immunology. It may increase vulnerability to viruses, such as COVID-19, and may worsen outcomes. Smart strategies: Get tested for common infections and consult with an integrative medicine (also called functional medicine) physician. Eliminate foods that are possible allergens, such as sugar, gluten, dairy, corn, and soy, as well as artificial colors, additives, and preservatives. ADD/ADHD, depression, and other mental and behavioral health conditions—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.