Long Covid Treatment Shift: Vienna’s AKH Hospital Scraps Psychiatry-Based Clinic
Plans for a dedicated Long Covid clinic at the Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien), initially proposed for the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, have been abandoned following significant criticism of the proposed treatment approach. The hospital confirmed the decision on Monday, citing concerns that Long Covid is primarily a somatic, rather than psychiatric, condition.
Expert Concerns Over Misdiagnosis and Treatment
The core of the controversy revolved around a treatment concept borrowed from therapies for treatment-resistant depression. Experts warned that framing Long Covid as primarily a psychological issue could lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate care. Psychiatrist Georg Schomerus of the University Hospital Leipzig highlighted the “clinically really many differences” between Long Covid and depression, according to reports from the APA.
Bettina Grande, a German psychologist specializing in Long Covid and ME/CFS, emphasized the need for Long Covid clinics to be located within immunological, neurological, or internal medicine departments – firmly within the realm of somatic medicine.
Treatment Concept Details
The proposed four-stage therapy at AKH Wien involved a treatment strategy mirroring those used for treatment-resistant depression. This included herbal remedies, antidepressants, other psychopharmaceuticals, and, in some cases, ketamine therapy.
Internal Preparations and Previous Trials
Despite the eventual rejection, internal preparations for the clinic were underway, with individuals able to register their interest on a waiting list. Last year, Austrian broadcaster ORF and the magazine Datum reported on treatment attempts led by psychiatrist Lucie Bartova, specializing in treatment-resistant depression, at the AKH Wien.
The Future of Long Covid Care: A Somatic Focus
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.
The Rise of Specialized Clinics
While the AKH Wien’s psychiatry-based clinic won’t move forward, the need for specialized Long Covid care remains critical. Expect to witness an increase in clinics integrated within immunology, neurology, and internal medicine departments. These clinics will likely focus on addressing the wide range of symptoms experienced by Long Covid patients, including fatigue, neurological issues, and immune dysfunction.
Immunological and Neurological Research
The rejection of the AKH Wien’s plan may also spur increased research into the immunological and neurological underpinnings of Long Covid. Understanding the long-term effects of viral infection on these systems is crucial for developing effective treatments.
The Role of Interdisciplinary Teams
Effective Long Covid care will likely require interdisciplinary teams comprising physicians from various specialties, including immunologists, neurologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, and physical therapists. Psychological support will remain important, but as a component of a broader, somatic-focused treatment plan.
Related Health Trends
Alongside the evolving understanding of Long Covid, several other health trends are gaining prominence:
- Decreased Influenza Cases: Reports indicate significantly fewer influenza cases compared to the previous year.
- Focus on ME/CFS: Increased attention is being paid to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a condition with overlapping symptoms with Long Covid.
- Vaccination Availability: Covid-19 and influenza vaccines are becoming more readily available through physician practices.
FAQ
What is Long Covid? Long Covid refers to a range of long-term health problems that can occur after a Covid-19 infection.
Why was the AKH Wien clinic rejected? The clinic was rejected because experts believed the proposed treatment approach, based on depression therapy, was inappropriate for a primarily somatic illness.
Where can Long Covid patients seek care in Vienna? Patients with psychological symptoms can still be treated at the General Outpatient Clinic of the University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at AKH Wien.
What are the key symptoms of Long Covid? Common symptoms include fatigue, neurological issues, and immune dysfunction.
Is Long Covid a psychological illness? Experts increasingly recognize Long Covid as a complex, multi-system illness with significant physiological components, not solely a psychological condition.
Pro Tip: If you are experiencing symptoms of Long Covid, consult with a physician specializing in post-viral illnesses for accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Did you know? The treatment concept initially proposed for the AKH Wien clinic involved ketamine therapy, a treatment typically reserved for severe, treatment-resistant depression.
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