The association between suspected long–COVID and stimulant prescribing in the United States

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the association between suspected long–COVID and receipt of a stimulant prescription among persons diagnosed with COVID-19 and to describe clinical and demographic factors associated with receiving a stimulant prescription. MethodsUS patients 18 and older who had a COVID–19 diagnosis or a positive COVID–19 PCR test from April 1st, 2020 through December 21st, 2022 recorded in a national electronic health record data set obtained from TriNetX were assessed. Comparison subjects were propensity score matched on baseline covariates to those with a symptom of or diagnosis of long–COVID. A Cox Proportional Hazards models was used to estimate the influence of long–COVID on stimulant prescription receipt. ResultsThose with long–COVID (n = 65,329) were twice as likely to be prescribed a stimulant as persons with only acute COVID–19 (n = 189,438, HR=2.162; 1.929–2.423). Among persons with long–COVID, persons with new onset ADHD (HR=7.196; 5.749– 9.007), opioid–related disorders (HR=2.140; 1.264–3.621) and mood disorders (HR=1.649; 1.336–2.035) were more likely to be prescribed a stimulant. ConclusionFurther research describing the risks associated with increased stimulant use among persons with long–COVID is warranted.