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.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Medical University Graz, Division of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy
Graz, Styria, 8036, Austria
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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