Patients’ experiences of living with Long Covid and their beliefs about the role of psychology in their condition

Some patients with chronic conditions are unreceptive to a psychological approach. This study aimed to explore the experience of Long Covid (LC) with an emphasis on patients' beliefs about the role of psychology. UK participants (<i>n</i> = 14) with either self-reported or diagnosed LC took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis described three main themes: 'Living in uncertainty', 'Why should I trust you if you don't believe me?' and 'Once I know the cause people will believe me'. Transcending these themes was a tension between professional experts and experts by lived experience and a dichotomy between psychological and medical explanations. Overarching all themes was a sense that synthesising the biological and psychological components of LC could help to resolve this tension. In summary. living with LC is characterised by feeling disbelieved which can drive the rejection of psychology. Helping patients feel listened to may encourage a more positive approach to psychological support.