Assessing Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Long COVID: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a South Texas Long COVID Clinic
Authors: Wells Anne Marie , Rolin Summer , Robles-Ramamurthy Barbara , Gibson-Lopez Gabriela , Goros Martin , Gelfond Jonathan A , Gelfond Stephen , Balfanz Philip , Deuter Melissa , McGeary Donald , Verduzco-Gutierrez Monica 
Published: November 2024

Long COVID, previously known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), refers to prolonged symptoms or diagnosable conditions following COVID-19 infection. The neuropsychiatric profile of Long COVID patients remains ambiguous. This study aimed to assess neuropsychiatric symptoms in a retrospective cohort of Long COVID patients (N = 162) at a Rehabilitation Medicine clinic in South Texas. Clinical data from patient records were used to calculate a Symptom Score, and screening tools for stress/PTSD (PCL-5), anxiety (GAD-7), and quality of life (SWL) were employed to evaluate if Long COVID duration and severity could predict neuropsychiatric outcomes. The majority were female (71%) and Hispanic (53%) who presented for treatment of Long COVID symptoms during the study period, including fatigue (93%), coughing/shortness of breath (81%), fever (67%), anosmia (58%), ageusia (54%), and weight loss (56%). There was a high burden of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including subjective cognitive impairment (79%), headache (74%), and insomnia (58%). Symptom Score (median = 9, IQR [8,11]) was significantly correlated with increased depression (PHQ-9; p < 0.05), anxiety (GAD-7; p < 0.05) and elevated stress/PTSD (PCL-5; p < 0.05) symptoms. Long COVID patients taking stimulants or mood stabilizers had higher GAD-7 (p < 0.031, p < 0.035) and PHQ-9 (p < 0.034, p < 0.009) scores but not PCL-5 scores. Importantly, duration of Long COVID symptomatology also did not predict PCL-5 scores. No patient factors (e.g., sex, age, BMI, ethnicity) mediated Symptom Score. Nonetheless, historically marginalized groups, such as women and Hispanics, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This study is the first to utilize validates screening tools to determine the presence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Long COVID patients. These findings may guide clinical management and future research on Long COVID, especially in historically excluded populations.

Scope Statement

We enthusiastically submit our Original Research article, entitled “Assessing Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Long COVID: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a South Texas Long COVID Clinic” for consideration for publication in the journal Frontiers in Neurology. We believe the scope of our article aligns well with the scope and aim of the journal’s Neurorehabilitation Section.

Long COVID is a debilitating neurological disorder with prominent and enduring cognitive and psychological impact. This study sought to characterize Long COVID symptoms from a cohort of patients at a Rehabilitation Medicine/Long COVID clinic in Southwest Texas. We stratified symptoms using validated psychiatric evaluation tools (e.g., PCL-5, GAD-7, PHQ-9) to determine if and to what extent psychiatric comorbidity exacerbated Long COVID symptoms. Our findings suggest that a Long COVID patient’s depression, anxiety, and stress/post traumatic stress scores are highly correlated with other neurological symptoms. We advance the implementation of a Long COVID “Symptom Score”, as well as the use of validated screening instruments to identify psychiatric features of Long COVID with the goal of maximizing life satisfaction and function over the course of treatment.