Psychopathological, neuropsychological and sociodemographic description of the population using a post-COVID outpatient clinic: results from the 2Long4COVID BLOOD study.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is estimated to be below 1%, with notable variation across different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The syndrome is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations affecting multiple organ systems. Cognitive impairments and psychological distress are frequently observed; however, their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Objective: This study examines the sociodemographic, psychopathological, and neuropsychological characteristics of patients treated at our psychiatric post-COVID outpatient clinic (PPCO-clinic).

Method: Patients were recruited from the post-COVID outpatient clinic of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Cologne University Hospital. Assessments included observer-rated evaluations, neuropsychological testing, and psychopathological examinations. Data from 41 patients were analyzed and compared with normative data from healthy controls reported in the literature.

Results: Between April and November 2022, 42 patients attended the PPCO-clinic, with 41 included in the analysis (58.5% female; mean age: 45 years). Patients exhibited significantly poorer performance across all neuropsychological tests compared to healthy controls, with pronounced deficits in visual memory, phonematic fluency, visuomotor function, and global cognitive screening. Additionally, they reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Personality assessments revealed increased neuroticism and lower extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive neuropsychological and psychopathological assessments in individuals with PCS-particularly in cases where symptoms persist beyond the scope of routine primary care-to ensure accurate evaluation and effective management.