Characterization and Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Among Patients Referred for Evaluation of Long COVID

Abstract

Background

Patients suffering from Long COVID often develop significant functional limitations. This study examined the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms within a clinical population of patients referred for evaluation of persisting symptoms after coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Participants included 50 adults with Long COVID consecutively referred for neuropsychological evaluation and administered the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI). Spearman correlations determined relationships between demographic factors, preexisting conditions, and NSI scores. Frequencies of clinically elevated NSI total and subscale scores (ie, scores >1.5 standard deviations from normative means) were calculated. Paired comparison t-tests compared mean scores across four NSI subscales (ie, Vestibular, Somatic, Cognitive, Affective).

Results

Total NSI scores were clinically elevated in 76% of our sample. Cognitive (70%) and Affective (62%) NSI subscales had significantly higher rates of elevation than Vestibular and Somatic subscales, which still had notable rates of elevation, at 38% and 44%, respectively. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were not meaningfully associated with demographic factors or preexisting medical and psychiatric conditions.

Conclusions

These findings illustrate the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms among Long COVID patients. Scores were most elevated in cognitive and affective domains, highlighting the need for clinicians to evaluate for these symptoms as part of comprehensive interdisciplinary care.