The psychology of the 'long covid': why mild physical symptoms can mask a severe mental state

A study conducted by the Luxembourg National Research Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Neuropsychiatry (CHNP) has revealed: the long-term effects of Covid-19 often affect the psyche of patients just as severely, and sometimes more severely, than the body. And this is especially so in those whose physical symptoms were relatively mild.

The project involved more than 1,200 patients from Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland between 2020 and 2022. The aim is to understand how chronic manifestations of covida affect mental health and to propose more adapted forms of treatment.

As with other chronic diseases, long-standing covida is often accompanied by depression, anxiety disorders, social isolation and sleep disturbances. However, as CHNP scientific coordinator Charles Benoy emphasises, the psychiatric manifestations in these patients are very diverse and depend on the lifestyle and context of the disease.

Paradoxically, patients with less severe physical symptoms are more likely to experience more acute psychological distress. For example, for a worker in the gastronomy sector, the loss of smell or taste can cause serious emotional distress, as it directly affects their profession and sense of identity. Loss of functionality in a socially important area of life often triggers deep stress, apathy, anxiety - even though the body is formally "fine".

The study draws an important conclusion: the standard approach based on the severity of physical symptoms is insufficient in cases of long-term covidae. Patients require comprehensive and personalised treatment that combines medical rehabilitation, psychological support and social adaptation. This is especially important for people whose life roles have changed dramatically due to the disease.

While there is currently no universal treatment for the physical symptoms of long-term covidae, this study opens the door to improving patients' quality of life through psychosocial support, which may be a key element in long-term care.