The participants answered questions about their quality-of-life months after recovering from COVID-19 infection.
To understand the underlying causes, researchers homed in on two biomarkers found in the blood.
Glial cell activation indicates brain inflammation and is often seen in autoimmune diseases likemultiple sclerosis.
Malte Mueller / Getty Images
The researchers found that the biomarker for brain inflammation was more prevalent in people who experienced anxiety.
This held true even when researchers accounted for demographic differences like age, sex, andbody mass index.
Thats encouraging, Hanson said.
It does give us a suggestion that there might be a mechanistic cause to that neuropsychiatric symptom of anxiety.
While her case was, she said, only mild to fairly moderate, her symptoms were long-lasting.
It became a very frustrating process to get through recovery, she added.
While Lewiss cognitive difficulties have subsided, her symptoms remain.
Another Piece in the Long COVID Puzzle
This study is relatively small, Becker said.
Still, the study contributes to an ever-growing body of knowledge on the neuropsychiatric implications of long COVID.
Hanson said it may even help researchers better understand chronic anxiety not associated with COVID-19.
Scientists still have a lot to learn about the precise mechanisms leading to long COVID outcomes.
Long COVID is unlikely to be a single consideration.
Some health systems, however, provide resources for cognitive rehabilitation for some patients.
2022;9(3):e1151.
A systematic review.Am J Respir Crit Care Med.
