The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Depression and Anxiety in the Long-COVID Population.
Journal of patient-centered research and reviews – January 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions show promise for alleviating anxiety and depression in long-COVID patients. In a small sample of 30 participants enrolled in a six-week virtual therapy program, pre- and post-intervention assessments revealed no significant changes in depressive or anxiety symptoms. Despite these findings, previous studies suggest mindfulness can reduce anxiety and enhance quality of life for those with chronic illnesses. As long-COVID presents complex neuropsychiatric challenges, further exploration with larger cohorts could illuminate effective mental health strategies for this population.
Abstract
Long-COVID is a complicated, post-viral syndrome involving multiple body systems and can present with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Little has been reported about the neuropsychiatric symptoms of long-COVID, and validated treatments do not yet exist. There is prior evidence that mindfulness-based strategies have been helpful for those with chronic illnesses; shown significant decreases in anxiety, stress, and depression; and enhanced quality of life. In this study, we report on the utility of a mindfulness-based intervention on levels of anxiety and depression in a long-COVID population. Our hospital system founded both a "Covid Recovery Clinic" (CRC) and a "Post-COVID Resilience Program" (PCRP). The PCRP consisted of a six-week virtual group therapy protocol that focused on mindfulness-based practices. Before and after the therapy intervention, participants answered questionnaires to capture depressive and anxiety symptoms. Pre- and post-questionnaire scores do not show a significant improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms, although the study was limited by a small sample size. Further research is needed to investigate whether similar programs with a larger sample size can improve the mental health status of patients suffering from long-COVID.