Depression and anxiety together raise long COVID risk in older women

A UC San Diego study finds a stark connection between pre-existing mental health conditions and the development of long COVID symptoms.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:15am

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A groundbreaking study from UC San Diego reveals a stark connection between pre-existing mental health conditions in older women and their risk of developing long COVID. Researchers found that women with a history of both depression and anxiety were 78% more likely to experience persistent symptoms months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. This research highlights the complex interplay between psychological well-being and the body's response to viral illness.

Why it matters

The study's findings align with growing evidence suggesting that chronic stress and mental health disorders can dysregulate the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to prolonged illness. It also suggests that mental health challenges can impact preventative behaviors, indirectly increasing the risk of infection and, subsequently, long COVID. The implications of this research extend to the need for integrated healthcare models that address both physical and mental well-being, particularly in the context of ongoing and future pandemics.

The details

The research, analyzing data from the long-running Women's Health Initiative, demonstrates that the combination of depression and anxiety presents a significantly heightened risk – a risk that wasn't necessarily reflected in a higher infection rate, but rather in the severity and duration of post-COVID symptoms. The study also found that higher anxiety scores were linked to common long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, and that elevated stress levels, in general, also increased the odds of developing the condition. Interestingly, the study uncovered a behavioral component, with women with pre-existing depression, or both depression and anxiety, being less likely to adhere to public health guidelines like mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing.

  • The study was conducted by researchers at UC San Diego in 2026.

The players

UC San Diego

A public research university located in San Diego, California, known for its groundbreaking research in various fields, including healthcare and public health.

Dr. Wael Al-Delaimy

The senior author of the study and a professor at UC San Diego's School of Public Health.

Women's Health Initiative

A long-running, nationwide research program focused on addressing the most common causes of death, disability, and frailty in postmenopausal women.

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What they’re saying

“Some people have only anxiety. Some have only depression. When these conditions occur together, they usually indicate more severe mental illness.”

— Dr. Wael Al-Delaimy, Senior author of the study (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Future research will likely focus on identifying biomarkers that can predict an individual's susceptibility to long COVID based on their mental health profile. Additionally, healthcare providers may begin incorporating mental health history into risk assessments for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, and public health messaging will need to be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of individuals with mental health conditions.

The takeaway

This research reinforces the critical need for accessible and affordable mental healthcare, as investing in mental health is also an investment in public health preparedness. The rise of telehealth offers a promising avenue for expanding access to mental healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.