July 31, 2024

Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms three years post-hospitalisation with COVID-19

A longitudinal prospective cohort study of 475 participants from the PHOSP-COVID cohort – who had been hospitalised with severe acute Covid infection – investigates cognitive and psychiatric health and symptoms, as well as occupation changes, at 2-3 years after Covid hospitalisation.

Covid is known to be associated with increased risks of cognitive and psychiatric outcomes, but whether these symptoms can emerge or persist beyond the first year post-infection, and what early aspects of the illness predict them, remains unknown.  This study aimed to answer these questions.

The study looked at some subjective and some objective measures of mental health (depression and anxiety) and cognitive performance, in those participants who agreed to take part (not the full PHOSP cohort).  The study is being published in the Lancet Psychiatry.

Journalists came to this press briefing to hear from the authors of the study and to ask their questions.

Speakers included:

Dr Maxime Taquet, NIHR Clinical Lecturer, University of Oxford

Prof Paul Harrison, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Oxford

Dr Rachael Evans, Clinical Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician, University of Leicester

This briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments.