Stress before infection may predict long COVID, study finds

NCT ID NCT05652634

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether chronic stress before catching COVID-19 makes long COVID more likely. Researchers followed 380 adults who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and had symptoms. They measured stress levels and tracked whether symptoms lasted beyond four weeks. The goal is to understand if stress is a risk factor, which could help identify people who might benefit from extra support.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If chronic stress is confirmed as a risk factor, it could point toward stress-management strategies to help prevent long COVID.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It cannot prove cause and effect, and results may not apply to everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19 long COVID-19 Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Medical University Graz, Division of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy

    Graz, Styria, 8036, Austria