Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Recently publicized reports of paranoia, depression, and even suicide among some COVID-19 survivors have come as no surprise to Maura Boldrini, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Maura Boldrini
Throughout her career, Boldrini has investigated the neurobiological changes in the brain associated with cognitive and behavioral symptoms-including suicidal behavior.
“In psychiatry, we have been interested in understanding the role of neuroinflammation in psychosis, depression, and other mental health conditions,” says Boldrini.
“Previously, our group has found increased inflammation in the brains of people who die by suicide. And we’re now investigating if COVID-related inflammation can trigger suicidal thinking and other psychiatric effects.”