Targets of Psychological and Neuropsychological Correction in Working with Patients Who Have Undergone a New Coronavirus Infection

Relevance and scientific novelty. Currently, post-COVID cognitive disorders and neurological consequences of the new coronavirus infection (NCVI) are being actively investigated. These studies reveal a wide spectrum of dysfunctions, including deficits in memory, attention, and emotional regulation. However, issues of psychocorrective intervention in the treatment of these conditions are extremely rarely considered. Objective. To identify psychological and neuropsychological intervention targets for the rehabilitation of patients recovering from a new coronavirus infection. Object. Patients who experienced mild or moderate NCoVI. Subject. Cognitive functions and emotional functioning in patients who have had NCoVI in mild and moderate degrees. Methodology. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was conducted with 50 participants who had recovered from mild or moderate NCoVI no more than six months prior. To evaluate cognitive functions, the MoCA, FAB, Clock Drawing test and other methods were used. The emotional state was assessed using the MFI-20 asthenia scale and the HADS – hospital anxiety and depression scale, SAN test. Results and analysis. The main deficit-related factors identified were spatial and regulatory, manifested in impaired sustained attention, reduced verbal fluency, and decreased semantic memory performance. Elevated anxiety and asthenia were observed against the background of preserved motivation. Conclusions. The key targets for cognitive rehabilitation were identified: regulatory praxis, voluntary attention and quasi-spatial representations. It is important to pay attention to the anxious experiences of patients and conduct primary psychoprophylaxis to prevent depressive disorders. Maintaining motivation through recognition of successes and keeping dynamics diaries contributes to the active involvement of patients in the rehabilitation process.