Psychiatrists

Drs Jason and Lapp analyse Long COVID through a translational research lens combining medical, biological and social sciences to provide a timely summary of the evidence-based research concerning Long COVID's behavioural and medical impact. In 15 chapters, an international collaboration of 38 experts review the pathophysiology for each impacted organ system, and identify current and potential research and clinical interventions. This comprehensive text delivers a benchmark foundation of the existing Long COVID research and interventions.

Just as SARS CoV-2 was described as a mysterious, acute illness, posing worldwide healthcare challenges, it is also creating a second pandemic: Long COVID. This massive disabling event is gaining recognition as a long-term, multisystemic illness.

Further, a subset of those with Long COVID meet diagnostic criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Post-infectious illness resulting in disability is not new; what is new is that there is an identified pathogen, SARS CoV-2. Researchers are able to track prospectively affected individuals, and hopefully this will guide appropriate interventions earlier than was the case with prior post-infectious epidemics.

The above insights are particularly relevant for psychiatrists and mental health practitioners. Key chapters of interest to psychiatrists include: ‘Fatigue and Long COVID’, ‘Neurocognitive disorders’, ‘Brain and nervous system’, ‘Gastrointestinal disorders’, ‘Mental health disorders’, and ‘Patient perspectives on Long COVID advocacy, care and research’. The ‘Patient perspectives' chapter is a must-read as patients were the first to describe, name and initiate Long COVID research. Jason and Lapp posit that the Long COVID evidence suggests that a psychosomatic explanation is simplistic and inaccurate.

In summary, classifying Long COVID as a functional illness, psychosomatic or with medically unexplained symptoms appears outmoded, in comparison with the expanding pathophysiological evidence-based research with its emerging methods of possible treatments for patients experiencing post-infectious illness. Further, this challenges the premise that post-infectious illness will be cured by either cognitive behavioural therapy or graded exercise therapy. Secondary prevention efforts that target minimising further disease progression will benefit from the pathophysiological understanding of Long COVID, and interventions appear promising.

Long COVID-grant reviewers and researchers are advised to be well versed on the book's content, coupled with continuing efforts to update their understanding of the emerging evidence-based knowledge in order to avoid repeating past research mistakes. Jason and Lapp with their co-authors set an ambitious agenda and have delivered a rigorous analysis of Long COVID to researchers, clinicians, policymakers, funders and patients. It is a must-read for all in the Long COVID field.