The research was carried out by the Mater Hospital.
Long Covid can lead to trauma and depression, according to a new study.
Research carried out in the Mater Hospital in Dublin has found significant evidence of brain-related neurological and psychiatric conditions among Irish patients with long Covid.
The study, of 155 patients over 14 months, found almost 20% had moderate to severe depression one year after getting Covid, while almost 75% were using alcohol to a concerning degree.
Two studies, conducted in the Mater’s long-Covid clinic in partnership with North Dublin GPs, have now found that psychological and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression and PTSD are more common in these patients than among the general public.
Professor Jack Lambert, a consultant in infectious diseases who carried out one of the studies, said it had been expected the lasting complications of Covid would be primarily related to the heart and lungs.
“Our research has clearly indicated this is not the case.
"Within just six months of commencing the study, it was evident the long-term problems our patients are facing are neurological and neuropsychiatric,” he said.
Jack Lambert, Clinical Professor and Consultant in infectious diseases at the Mater Hospital spoke with Clem Ryan on Kildare Today: