NEI Podcast E262 - Psychiatric and Neurological Symptoms of Long COVID with Dr. Roger McIntyre
Aug 27, 2025
Dr. Roger McIntyre, a leading psychiatrist and pharmacologist from the University of Toronto, discusses the growing neuropsychiatric implications of Long COVID. He explores the links between neuroinflammation and symptoms like cognitive impairment and fatigue. The conversation delves into the complexities of treatment options, including innovative approaches like lithium orotate and personalized therapies. McIntyre also highlights the disparities in diagnosis and treatment, especially in minority populations, advocating for a nuanced understanding of this challenging condition.
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Long COVID Is Broad And Heterogeneous
- Long COVID (PASC/PCC) is a heterogeneous syndrome affecting many organ systems with over 50 reported symptoms.
- Symptoms often appear within 2–3 months of infection and can persist for months to years.
Immune-Brain Link Explains Cognitive Symptoms
- Neuroimmune interactions likely explain many cognitive and reward deficits seen in long COVID.
- Studying long COVID can illuminate immune-driven mechanisms relevant to depression and cognition.
Historical Parallel: Encephalitis Lethargica
- Roger recalled encephalitis lethargica after the 1918 Spanish flu as a historical parallel to long COVID.
- He noted post-infectious syndromes have historically produced chronic neuropsychiatric problems.