Social Psychiatry, Vol. 53 No. 2, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2025.99
Biopsychosocial Determinants of Post-COVID Syndrome
Anita Lauri Korajlija
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Nataša Jokić-Begić
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Tanja Jurin
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Matea Šoštarić
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Post-COVID syndrome is a complex condition encompassing various consequences of recovering from the acute phase
of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this review article is to use the biopsychosocial model in order to analyze the physical,
psychological, cognitive, and social difficulties that patients may experience after hospital discharge, as well as their
impact on the patients’ quality of life. Particular emphasis is placed on the long-term consequences of treatment in
intensive care units (ICUs) outside the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on post-intensive care syndrome (PICS),
and the association of these consequences with post-COVID syndrome. A literature review was conducted to examine the
prevalence and nature of post-COVID symptoms, and their similarity to PICS symptoms. Long COVID includes symptoms
such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties. Psychological disturbances often reduce the quality of life,
while the risk factors include age, sex, and comorbidities. Hospitalization increases the risk of post-COVID symptoms,
while vaccination reduces the likelihood of severe disease outcomes. The long-term consequences of ICU treatment are
associated with PICS. Survivors frequently experience post-COVID symptoms and psychological difficulties. This article
highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in treating these syndromes, and underscores the need for
further research to develop prevention and intervention strategies. In conclusion, the findings indicate an overlap between
post-COVID syndrome and PICS, emphasizing the need for individualized therapeutic approaches that would include
medical and psychological support.
Keywords
Post-COVID; Long COVID; Mental Health; Post-intensive care syndrome - PICS
Hrčak ID:
334888
URI
Publication date:
25.8.2025.
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