Quantifying the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) using the NIH Toolbox^® and PROMIS

To quantify neuropsychiatric symptoms reported by individuals with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) using the NIH Toolbox^® for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIHTB) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

30 PASC (20 women, 21-63 years) and 27 control (16 women, 25-68 years) participants completed three NIHTB batteries and selected PROMIS tests. Group differences on fully corrected T-scores were evaluated using analysis of covariance and Cohen's d effect sizes. A linear regression model predicted the effects from time since diagnosis.

PASC had poorer emotional health and motor function than controls, including poorer locomotion, endurance and dexterity, but normal cognitive function, ~7 months post-infection, compared to controls. PASC participants had a steeper age-related decline on 2-Minute Walk than controls. T-scores on four cognitive and three motor tests improved with longer time since diagnosis.

NIHTB and PROMIS captured the poorer emotional health and motor function in PASC, including the novel findings of deficits locomotion and dexterity. The normal cognitive performance suggests subclinical effects that may be compensated by neural and cognitive reserves, and manifested subjectively by the negative psychological effects and fatigue. The persistent emotional and psychiatric symptoms necessitate mental health treatment be prioritized.