Exploring the psychological impact of long COVID: symptoms, mechanisms, and treatments
Shi Shen1, Xin Zhao1, Jianxin Pei2
1Infection Control Office, Xi'an Public Health Center (Xi'an Emergency Medical Center), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
Long COVID (LC) refers to a multisystem condition that persists after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition to physical symptoms, the psychological impact is particularly pronounced. This review summarizes the manifestations, potential mechanisms, epidemiological characteristics, and current interventions related to psychological disorders in LC. Drawing on domestic and international literature, it highlights anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the primary psychological symptoms. These symptoms may be associated with neuroinflammation, immune abnormalities, vascular dysfunction, and psychosocial stress. Although research in this area is still developing, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, neuromodulation, and lifestyle interventions show promise as treatment approaches. This review aims to provide insights that can inform future research on clinical treatments and psychological care for individuals with LC.
More Related Videos
08:25Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
08:15Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
