How much can mental health impact Long COVID symptoms? A new study suggests quite a bit

Can mental health impact Long COVID symptoms?

A recent Norwegian study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at what may have caused Long COVID symptoms in those infected with the virus.

Researchers studied young people aged 12 to 25 between December of 2020 and May of 2021. 382 had COVID-19, 85 did not, and those who were infected were assessed at the beginning of their infection and then six months later before compared to the control group of those who did not have the coronavirus.

The study found nearly 50% of both groups reported post-COVID conditions six months later. These conditions weren't specific to a viral infection, but more relating to initial symptom severity and psychosocial factors.

"50% of people having persistent problems six months later is an eye-opening finding, but it was about the same in both groups, suggesting that it wasn't the COVID that was causing those persistent symptoms," Dr. Frank Esper, pediatric infectious disease specialist and Cleveland Clinic Children's, said. "Now, I think what's very important is that we don't belittle the fact that they're still having symptoms. We're not saying that it's all in your head or that this isn't something that's very serious, because we know it is."

The study took place in Norway under lockdown during the winter months, when daylight is limited. Doctors weren't surprised to see the mental health aspect, but say it needs perspective.

Monica Robins reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/mental-health-related-long-covid-symptoms-study/95-bc289ebe-50e5-4d12-ad8b-c907767af2a6 --

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