Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Headaches Before and After the Onset of Long COVID: A Case-Control Analysis in the Entire Population of Stockholm Region - Summary - MDSpire

Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Headaches Before and After the Onset of Long COVID: A Case-Control Analysis in the Entire Population of Stockholm Region

  • By

  • Sebastian Lindblom

  • Pia Lindberg

  • Gunnar Ljunggren

  • Seika Lee

  • Marta A. Kisiel

  • Iryna Kolosenko

  • Predrag Petrovic

  • Myrto Sklivanioti Greenfield

  • Caroline Wachtler

  • Artur Fedorowski

  • Åsa M. Wheelock

  • Axel C. Carlsson

  • November 14, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and headache before and after the diagnosis of long COVID in individuals with and without long COVID, specifically focusing on the time frames of one year prior and six months post-diagnosis.

Key Findings:
  • 10-30% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may experience long COVID.
  • Preexisting mental health conditions are a risk factor for long COVID.
  • Mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety are prevalent in long COVID patients.
Interpretation:

The study highlights the complex interplay between long COVID and preexisting mental health conditions, suggesting that mental health may influence the trajectory of long COVID symptoms, potentially exacerbating them.

Limitations:
  • The study relies on diagnostic codes which may not capture all cases of long COVID, leading to underreporting.
  • Potential biases in self-reported mental health symptoms may affect the accuracy of the findings.
Conclusion:

Understanding the relationship between mental health and long COVID is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies that address both physical and mental health aspects.

Original Source(s)

Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Headaches Before and After the Onset of Long COVID: A Case-Control Analysis in the Entire Population of Stockholm Region

  • by Sebastian Lindblom, Pia Lindberg, Gunnar Ljunggren, Seika Lee, Marta A. Kisiel, Iryna Kolosenko, Predrag Petrovic, Myrto Sklivanioti Greenfield, Caroline Wachtler, Artur Fedorowski, Åsa M. Wheelock, Axel C. Carlsson

  • November 14, 2025

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