Vienna Hospital Cancels Long Covid Clinic After Criticism

Proposed psychiatric-based treatment approach deemed inappropriate for complex somatic condition

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Plans for a dedicated Long Covid clinic at the Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien) have been abandoned following significant criticism of the proposed treatment approach. The hospital cited concerns that Long Covid is primarily a somatic, rather than psychiatric, condition. Experts warned that framing Long Covid as primarily a psychological issue could lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate care.

Why it matters

This decision signals a growing recognition within the medical community that Long Covid is a complex, multi-system illness with significant physiological components. The emphasis is shifting towards a more holistic, body-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment, rather than a psychiatric-focused model.

The details

The core of the controversy revolved around a treatment concept borrowed from therapies for treatment-resistant depression. The proposed four-stage therapy at AKH Wien involved a treatment strategy mirroring those used for treatment-resistant depression, including herbal remedies, antidepressants, other psychopharmaceuticals, and, in some cases, ketamine therapy. Experts highlighted the 'clinically really many differences' between Long Covid and depression, and emphasized the need for Long Covid clinics to be located within immunological, neurological, or internal medicine departments.

  • The hospital confirmed the decision to cancel the clinic on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Georg Schomerus

A psychiatrist at the University Hospital Leipzig who highlighted the 'clinically really many differences' between Long Covid and depression.

Bettina Grande

A German psychologist specializing in Long Covid and ME/CFS who emphasized the need for Long Covid clinics to be located within immunological, neurological, or internal medicine departments.

Lucie Bartova

A psychiatrist at the AKH Wien who led previous treatment attempts involving a psychiatric-based approach.

AKH Wien

The Vienna General Hospital where the proposed Long Covid clinic was planned.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This decision highlights the growing recognition that Long Covid is a complex, multi-system illness that requires a somatic-focused, interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, rather than a psychiatric-based model. The rejection of the AKH Wien's plan may spur increased research into the immunological and neurological underpinnings of Long Covid, which is crucial for developing effective treatments.