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Comparison of Antipsychotics in the Treatment of COVID-19-Induced First-Episode Psychosis: A Review of Case Studies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study aims to systematically review COVID-19-associated first-episode psychosis cases, comparing antipsychotic selection, dosing strategies, treatment response timelines, adverse effects, and relapse rates to inform evidence-based pharmacological management. We conducted a structured narrative review of published case reports and series describing COVID-19-Induced first-episode psychosis treated with antipsychotics. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar (Jan 2020-Apr 2023) identified 42 eligible cases based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized template and summarized descriptively due to clinical heterogeneity. Variables included demographics, psychiatric features, antipsychotic(s) used, clinical course, and outcomes. First-episode psychosis (FEP) was higher in males (24, 57.1%) and the 30-39 age group (10, 23.8%). Olanzapine was the most commonly used single antipsychotic (6, 28.6%), while the combination of haloperidol and aripiprazole was the most frequently used antipsychotic regimen (4, 19.0%). Atypical antipsychotics were preferred (54.8%), with olanzapine (23, 54.8%) being the most commonly used at a mean dose of 10.9 mg/day. Reported side effects included fatigue, weight gain, akathisia, leukocytosis, and QT-interval prolongation (5, 11.9%), with a relapse rate of (2, 4.8%). This review evaluates the treatment methods for COVID-19 FEP and develops a deeper understanding of various antipsychotics used in managing psychosis and its outcomes.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103021