Korean J Psychosom Med.
2023 Dec;31(2):72-78. 10.22722/KJPM.2023.31.2.72.
Psychosomatic Symptoms Following COVID-19 Infection
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
- 2Department of Education, College of Education, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
- 3Department of Psychiatry, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- KMID: 2550620
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.22722/KJPM.2023.31.2.72
Abstract
Objectives
：This study aims to identify various psychiatric symptoms and psychosomatic symptoms caused by COVID-19 infection and investigate their long-term impact.
Methods
：A systematic literature review was conducted, selecting papers from domestic and international databases using keywords such as “COVID-19” and “psychosomatic.” A total of 16 papers, including those using structured measurement tools for psychosomatic symptoms, were included in the final analysis.
Results
：Psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms have been reported in acute COVID-19 infection, while long-term post-COVID symptoms include chest pain and fatigue. The frequency of long-term psychosomatic symptoms has been estimated to be 10%-20%. Factors contributing to these symptoms include psychological and social stress related to infectious diseases, gender, elderly age, a history of psychiatric disorders, and comorbid mental illnesses. It is suggested that systemic inflammation, autoimmune re-sponses, and dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system may be involved.
Conclusions
：Psychosomatic symptoms arising after COVID-19 infection have a negative impact on quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Understanding and addressing psychiatric aspects are crucial for symptom prevention and treatment.
