Developing an Integrative, Recovery-Based, Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) Psychotherapeutic Intervention

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jul 8, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Epidemiological estimates suggest that approximately 11,390,400 Americans, and 90,300 Veterans in VA care experience symptoms for months after initial COVID-19 infection, a phenomenon known as Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or Long COVID. Common symptoms of Long COVID include prolonged fatigue, impairment of memory, concentration disorder, headache, pain, insomnia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression (Taquet et al., 2021). Longer term effects of COVID-19 have been reported in all age groups and demographics including persons with asymptomatic, mild, or severe...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. U.S. Veteran
• • 2. Ages 18-80
• • 3. Positive screen for Long COVID (e.g. COVID-19 positive, diagnosed with a PCR test, an antibodies blood test, and or a diagnosis by a physician at the JJPVAMC Long COVID Clinic and symptoms lasting 1 month or longer after infection)
• • 4. Participation in VA services at the JJPVAMC
• • 5. Sufficient clinical stability and readiness to participate in group therapy as deemed by their VA service provider
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Active alcohol or opiate dependence requiring medically supervised withdrawal
• • 2. Active psychosis
• • 3. MINI Mental Status \< 23 or inability to function in a group setting
• • 4. Unable to operate telehealth platforms or other electronic devices
• • 5. Non-English speaking
• • 6. Lack of capacity to consent
• • 7. Unable or unwilling to provide at least one contact for emergency purposes