Overview
- The findings were published January 27 in the journal Menopause using Women’s Health Initiative data, with an average participant age of 83 and 414 meeting long COVID criteria.
- Women with both long-term depression and anxiety did not have higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, yet they faced a markedly greater risk of post-infection complications.
- Higher anxiety scores correlated with symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, and elevated stress levels increased the odds of long COVID.
- Mental health history shaped safety behaviors, as those with long-term depression or both conditions were less likely to mask, wash hands, or keep distance, while early-pandemic anxiety slightly increased adherence.
- Study authors urged policymakers to target preventive measures to high-risk groups and called for community support for isolated or mentally ill individuals during future pandemics or other isolating events.