Prospective study of long COVID-related psychological and biological outcomes in individuals with tobacco use disorder

BACKGROUND: Individuals with tobacco use disorder (TUD) may be particularly vulnerable to the challenges following long COVID. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed whether individuals with TUD and no prior neuropsychiatric conditions developed new symptoms following long COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A cohort of 104 adults with TUD completed psychological and biological assessments before the COVID-19 pandemic and were reevaluated four months post-long COVID diagnosis. Evaluations covered mood symptoms, sleep, perceived stress, quality of life, and serum cortisol. RESULTS: -values < 0.001). Serum cortisol levels decreased significantly, indicating altered HPA axis activity. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that long COVID may disproportionately influence addictive disorders, not only by exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, but potentially contributing to the onset of new mental health challenges.