APS welcomes findings of long COVID inquiry but says more needs to be done to support people with the condition and manage its future national impact

Australia’s peak body for psychology, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has welcomed recognition of the impact of long COVID on mental health and the need to support the psychological health of long COVID patients, however it says more needs to be done to support people with the condition and manage its future national impact.

The House of Representative’s Standing Committee on Health report released this week outlined the findings of the inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections.

APS President Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe said the report reflected APS advocacy on long COVID.

“The connection between mental health and long COVID must not be underestimated. The full extent of mental health impacts related to this condition is still unknown.

Dr Davis-McCabe said there was a role for psychologists to care for long COVID patients and further our understanding of this condition.

“Almost half of people who have had COVID-19 may experience psychological distress during or following infection, and about one-third may experience prolonged COVID-19 symptoms.

“Yet, fewer than 14% have received follow-up psychological assistance.

“Psychologists have a critical role in providing support to patients experiencing long COVID, and in educating other health professionals on potential post-treatment cognitive and emotional symptoms.

The committee made nine recommendations, including developing guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, calling for mental health support for patients be provided in an affordable, timely and equitable manner, and for regular review of mental health issues.

Many of the committee’s recommendations support APS recommendations.

“We’re particularly pleased the report recommends, in line with APS advice, that the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) chronic disease management item number should be reviewed to ensure long covid sufferers have access to universally available allied health treatment, including psychological support wherever they may be located,” Dr Davis-McCabe said.

“The APS is however disappointed the report does not address the critical workforce shortages facing psychology to ensure patients experiencing long COVID have access to high-quality psychological and neuropsychological healthcare.

“The Federal Government needs to do more to address this.”

~ENDS~

Further reading

Summary of APS advocacy to support psychological health of long COVID patients

The APS will continue to advocate for several ways to support people with long COVID and manage the future national impact of this condition, such as:

• Diagnosis, prevention and treatment - implement models of diagnosis, treatment and support that align with emerging research and practice-based evidence
• Workforce issues and training - address the critical workforce shortages facing psychology to ensure patients suffering from long COVID have access to high-quality psychological and neuropsychological healthcare. In addition, upskill GPs and other healthcare professionals to refer and partner to holistically assess and manage the physical, psychological, and cognitive components of the condition. 
• System drivers - recognise the need for an intersectionality-informed approach and consider the potentially long-term disabling impacts of long COVID in the context of the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions and Medicare Chronic Disease Management items. 
• Public health approaches - roll out a consumer public health information campaign that provides clear, accurate information for the community about long COVID.
• Research - fund ongoing and sustained support for interdisciplinary and holistic research into the effects of long COVID with particular attention on early intervention and psychological and cognitive treatment approaches including the role of health anxiety. 

Psychological symptoms of long COVID

Psychological symptoms of long COVID include psychological distress and related physical and cognitive symptoms, as well as impacts on social and occupational functioning and quality of life.

Symptoms can include:

• Increased fear, anxiety and worry, depressed mood and PTSD symptoms
• Poor sleep, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, dizziness
• Impaired social functioning, stigmatisation, decreased access to social support
• Memory loss, learning difficulties, reduced concentration and attention
• Reduced sense of autonomy and overall reduction in wellbeing