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The Cognitive Impact of Long COVID: What Can Psychologists Do  

All Articles, Covid, Uncategorized

The Cognitive Impact of Long COVID

Dr. Julia Samton explains the science behind what causes long Covid and gives insight into other research that COVID’s effects on the brain may persist for years. Read the full article on the American Psychological Association’s website. The article highlights include:

What causes long COVID?

“Understanding the etiology of long COVID is essential because once we comprehend the cause, we can work towards a cure,” said Julia Samton, MD, board certified in neurology and psychiatry and co-owns The Midtown Practice in New York City.

Samton also pointed out that researchers have identified some additional possible risk factors for developing long COVID, including Type 2 diabetes, fragments of SARS-Cov-2 RNA in the blood, evidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the blood, and an increase in autoimmune antibodies (Cell, Vol. 185, No. 5, 2022).

“Until we develop a treatment specifically targeted to the neuropsychiatric effects of COVID, we should rely on established therapeutics to rehabilitate affected individuals,” Samton said. “A multidisciplinary team that works together to address the different components of long COVID can make all the difference in hope and physical progress.”

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About Dr. Julia Samton, MD

Dr. Julia Samton is a board-certified psychiatrist and co-founder of The Midtown Practice in Manhattan. She holds the unique distinction of being board-certified in both Psychiatry and Neurology, bringing a specialized perspective to the intersection of brain and mind functioning. Dr. Samton graduated from The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her residency training in both Neurology and Psychiatry at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center.

With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Samton specializes in treating adults experiencing mood disorders, attention difficulties, stress, and life transitions. Her therapeutic approach integrates various evidence-based modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, psychodynamic, existential and mindfulness-based interventions. Dr. Samton has pursued extensive additional training in mindfulness and meditation at renowned institutes including Omega, Kripalu, and the Mindsight Institute, completing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher Training.

Dr. Samton is passionate about helping her patients develop practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress while building resilience and authentic connections in their daily lives. In 2025, she was nominated and awarded the prestigious Castle Connelly award, which honors her excellence in clinical care.