Long COVID-19 in Adolescence: A Case Report on its Mental Health Impact

Authors

  • Maria do Rosário Monteiro Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5721-6775
  • Inês Guerra Aguiar Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7526-0646

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v34.i3.33359

Keywords:

adolescent, chronic fatigue syndrome, Long COVID-19, mental health, post-COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Long COVID-19 is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by various signs and symptoms that persist for a minimum of two months after contracting the virus. Fatigue, cognitive deficits, depression, and anxiety are among the most commonly reported neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are often accompanied by noticeable functional impairment and distress.
Here we report the case of a 14-year-old female adolescent with long COVID-19, who manifested extreme fatigue and adynamia, along with difficulties in exercising, attending school and studying. Moreover, she developed an adjustment disorder with depressive and anxiety symptoms due to the impact of the organic malaise, showing a positive response to treatment with antidepressants.
Despite the lack of in-depth conclusions regarding the underlying causes of mental health problems in long COVID-19, these issues are likely multifactorial, involving stressors, physical symptoms, and systemic inflammation. The importance of screening and early intervention for children and adolescents with long COVID-19 should be emphasized.

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References

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Monteiro M do R, Guerra Aguiar I. Long COVID-19 in Adolescence: A Case Report on its Mental Health Impact. BGMJ [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 30 [cited 2025 Dec. 9];34(3):147-51. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/bgmj/article/view/33359

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Clinical Case Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Maria do Rosário Monteiro, Inês Guerra Aguiar

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