Long COVID Neuropsychiatric Effects

Understanding. Healing. Reclaiming Your Brain Health.

What Are Long COVID Neuropsychiatric Effects?

Long COVID, also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), describes a range of symptoms persisting for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 illness has resolved. Among the most debilitating are neuropsychiatric effects, which are changes in brain function and mental health that affect cognition, mood, and overall neurological wellbeing.

Many people with Long COVID report symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and memory problems that interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. Understanding the complex ways COVID-19 impacts the brain is essential to effective treatment and recovery.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we specialize in personalized, brain-based care that integrates advanced neuroscience with compassionate mental health support to help you navigate and heal from Long COVID’s neuropsychiatric challenges.

 

Common Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Long COVID

Long COVID affects everyone differently, but some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Cognitive Impairments (“Brain Fog”): Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slowed thinking, trouble finding words, and decreased mental stamina.

  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness not relieved by rest, often combined with cognitive sluggishness.

  • Mood Changes: Increased anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, or depressive symptoms.

  • Sleep Disruptions: Insomnia, poor sleep quality, or altered sleep patterns.

  • Headaches & Migraines: Frequent or severe headaches that may accompany other neurological symptoms.

  • Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or touch.

  • Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions, sudden mood swings, or feelings of overwhelm.

  • Dizziness and Balance Issues: Vertigo or unsteadiness that can exacerbate cognitive difficulties.

These symptoms can fluctuate and may worsen with physical or mental exertion, a phenomenon often referred to as post-exertional malaise.

 

Why Does Long COVID Affect the Brain?

Research suggests multiple overlapping mechanisms may contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms in Long COVID, including:

  • Neuroinflammation: Prolonged immune system activation can inflame brain tissue, disrupting normal function.

  • Direct Viral Effects: Although rare, the virus may invade or damage brain cells.

  • Microvascular Damage: Small blood vessel injury can impair oxygen delivery and brain metabolism.

  • Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Altered levels of serotonin, dopamine, and other chemicals affect mood and cognition.

  • Autoimmune Responses: The body’s immune system may mistakenly attack neural tissue.

  • Psychological Stress & Trauma: The emotional impact of illness, isolation, and uncertainty can worsen symptoms.

At Alleviant, our goal is to evaluate these factors comprehensively, using objective brain measures and clinical expertise to create an individualized recovery plan.

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Comprehensive Psychiatry (In-Person or Telehealth)

Our psychiatry services provide thoughtful evaluation and personalized treatment to support emotional stability, improve daily functioning, and promote long-term mental wellness.

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Medication Management

When appropriate, we prescribe medications tailored to your symptoms, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, or sleep aids, guided by pharmacogenetic testing to optimize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Our personalized neuromodulation therapy uses targeted brain stimulation to help reset abnormal brainwave patterns, reduce neuroinflammation, and enhance cognitive and emotional functioning.

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Therapy (In-Person or Telehealth)

Long COVID can trigger or worsen anxiety, depression, and post-illness adjustment challenges. Our trauma-informed therapists provide supportive counseling and evidence-based therapies to help you process these experiences.

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Spectral EEG (sEEG)

Our non-invasive sEEG technology maps your brain’s electrical activity to identify areas of dysregulation or slowed function. This objective data helps pinpoint brain regions affected by Long COVID symptoms.

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Health Coaching (Telehealth)

Our health coaches guide you through nutrition, sleep hygiene, graded exercise, and stress management techniques that promote brain healing and overall wellness.

Hope and Healing Are Possible

Long COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms can feel overwhelming and isolating, but recovery is within reach. With expert, compassionate, and personalized care, you can reclaim mental clarity, emotional balance, and your quality of life.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Click below to schedule a consultation online or contact your local Alleviant clinic via telephone. We’re here to guide and support your journey toward brain health and wellness.

Schedule Your Appointment

Schedule an appointment today by calling us at (866) 951-4325 or by clicking below.

In-person and virtual visits are available.

Insurances Accepted

Logos of various health insurance companies, including Aetna, Allwell, Ambetter, Arkansas Medicaid, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, GEHA, Humana, Magellan Health, Medicare, Optum, QualChoice, TRICARE, UnitedHealthcare.

This is not an inclusive list as we are in-network with most major insurances.