In a study conducted at a prominent Russian university, researchers found that cognitive dysfunction surfaced in more than half of individuals who became ill after recovering from the coronavirus. The findings also highlighted a high incidence of depression and anxiety, which tended to peak around three months after recovery. The university’s press service conveyed these results to socialbites.ca, underscoring the lasting mental health impact observed in the cohort.
Many patients reporting post-COVID symptoms describe a phenomenon commonly called brain fog, characterized by difficulties with concentration, memory lapses, and trouble recalling words during everyday tasks.
A separate investigation at Sechenov University revealed that people without a prior history of mental illness could develop depressive and anxiety disorders following a COVID-19 infection. The most pronounced mood disturbances were seen roughly three months after recovery, aligning with the broader pattern of delayed onset that clinicians noted in follow-up assessments.
Several patients were not seen by a psychiatrist until about three months after their COVID-19 onset. Many did not recognize their own clinical depression, reporting a sense of collapse, persistent fatigue, disrupted sleep at night, reduced work capacity, and a waning interest in activities they once enjoyed. When evaluated by a psychiatrist, the majority were diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders, predominantly of moderate intensity with fewer cases reaching the severe end of the spectrum, as explained by Professor Marina Kinkulkina, Doctor of Medical Sciences, during an interview with socialbites.ca.
Another report from Sechenov Moscow State Medical University pointed to cognitive challenges among more than half of fifth-year students during the first three months after recovery. They found that applying extra time and effort was often necessary to assimilate educational material. In more than four out of five cases, the severity of cognitive impairment showed a notable reduction within six to twelve months, signaling a trajectory toward recovery for many students.
Kinkulkina emphasized that despite the initial severity of clinical symptoms, treatment for these conditions tends to be effective. In the fourth week of therapy, more than half of patients exhibited meaningful improvement, and by the eighth week, more than ninety percent sought help reported significant progress. This pattern indicates that timely intervention can yield rapid and meaningful gains in functioning for many individuals recovering from COVID-19-related mental health effects.
In related discussions about cognitive health, researchers also explore nonpharmacological approaches. Among these, singing therapy has been studied for its potential to support the psyche in related conditions such as dementia, illustrating the broader interest in holistic strategies to bolster mental well-being during recovery and aging alike.