CREVE COEUR, Mo. — It's estimated that roughly 10% of people who contract COVID-19 will experience long-term symptoms.
A new study at Washington University in St. Louis is aiming to give long COVID-19 patients hope.
For 49 years, Rev. Philip Douglass has dedicated his life to preaching the gospel.
“I was the kind of guy who would memorize my sermons,” Rev. Philip Douglass said.
After battling COVID in March 2020, Douglass was struggling to remember the scripture.
“It was quite an adjustment for me,” Douglass said. “All of my symptoms are normal for long COVID.”
Struggling for answers Douglass turned to Washington University.
“It’s been known now for some time that COVID infection can have manifestations in the brain,” said Dr. Eric Lenze.
Lenze says many long COVID patients have similar symptoms.
“Depletion of serotonin, which is an important chemical of the brain involved in mood, thinking and energy,” Lenze said.
Lenze is studying 300 patients using a drug known as Fluvoxamine, an antidepressant, to see if they show any improvement over a 12-week trial.
“We’ve had people who have completed this study already who have found some benefits,” she said.
“The trial hasn’t worked out for me,” Douglass said. “I think I’m one of the placebo.”
Though the trial is random Lenze is still offering people like Douglass, who may have received the placebo, a reason to hope.
“As long as you stick in the study, we’ll make sure that you eventually definitely get the medication, so you can see if it’s helpful for you individually,” Lenze said.
“I am hopeful,” Douglass said. “I tend to be a pretty optimistic guy.”
If you would like to enroll in Washington University's long COVID trial call 314-747-8906.