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Contribution title “longCOVID-Fighters”: study protocol for a comparative effectiveness evaluation of a clinical psychological intervention for adolescents and young adults with long COVID
Contribution code D1.163
Authors
  1. Sofia-Marie Oehlke Medical University of Vienna Presenter
  2. Annika Lozar Medical University of Vienna
  3. Diana Klinger Medical University of Vienna
  4. Andreas Goreis Medical University of Vienna
  5. Paul L. Plener Medical University of Vienna
  6. Oswald D. Kothgassner Medical University of Vienna
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T47 - Prevention & intervention
Abstract Aims: Long COVID is associated with persistent mental health symptoms, yet evidence-based interventions remain scarce, particularly for younger populations. Our study addresses a critical gap by evaluating the effectiveness of a clinical psychological intervention tailored to adolescents and young adults with long COVID. Additionally, we seek to compare long COVID symptom profiles from those of depressive disorders, given the significant overlap between these conditions.

Methods: Sixty patients, aged 12–24 years, diagnosed with long COVID (n=30) or a depressive disorder (n=30), will participate in 14 weekly individual therapy sessions. The multimodal therapy integrates psychological interventions for depressive symptoms, energy management strategies, relaxation techniques, cognitive training, and heart rate variability biofeedback. Primary outcomes—psychological distress, chronic stress, post-traumatic stress, and autonomic dysfunction—will be assessed at four- and eight-months post-baseline. Secondary outcomes will include changes in cognitive functioning, fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and depressive symptoms.

Results and Conclusions: This will be the first study to evaluate a clinical psychological intervention specifically for adolescents and young adults with long COVID. Preliminary baseline comparisons between the long COVID and depressive disorder groups are presented. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding and enhanced management of long COVID in young patients, ultimately informing clinical approaches for this vulnerable population.