Page 86 - JCBP-3-4

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Psychological COVID-19 gastrointestinal

such as anorexia, nausea, and abdominal pain did not
Assessed for eligibility show statistically significant correlations with any of the
psychological measures.

4. Discussion
The present study investigated emotional states among
107 patients
COVID-19 patients presenting with different GI symptoms,
focusing on the relationship between these GI symptoms
and psychological outcomes. The results show that patients
Two changed cities Three denied to with GI symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting,
and were treated in complete the and abdominal pain reported significantly lower levels of
different hospitals psychological testings
negative emotions, including negative mood, anxiety, and
depression, compared to those in the D group. In addition,
these patients demonstrated higher levels of positive mood
Investigated (n=102) than those in the D group. One possible explanation lies
in the gut–brain axis, a bidirectional communication
system linking the emotional and cognitive centers
of the brain with GI function. Through inflammatory
Allocated to GI group Allocated to D group pathways and neurochemical mechanisms, SARS-CoV-2
(n=54) (n=48) infection induces alterations in gut microbiota to affect
mood and stress responses. Furthermore, diarrhea GI
Figure 1. Flowchart of participant recruitment and selection symptoms may intensify patients’ perceptions of illness
Abbreviations: D: Diarrhea; GI: Gastrointestinal. conditions, leading to elevated emotional discomfort and
health-related anxiety. Social stigma and a lack of clarity
Table 1. Patients’ demographics by group regarding symptom interpretation may further exacerbate
Demographics GI (n=54) D (n=48) the emotional burden in the GI group. 19,20
Age 48.1 (±8.41) 48.9 (±9.12) The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a marked increase in
Educational level 14.45 (±4.54) 15 (±5.74) the number of people experiencing frustrating psychological
Gender Female/male (31/23) Female/male (24/24) problems. The most prevalent mental disorders affecting
Note: Data on age and educational level presented as mean quality of life are depression and anxiety. Numerous
(±standard deviation). studies suggest that a majority of populations experienced
Abbreviations: D: Diarrhea; GI: Gastrointestinal. a high prevalence of psychological disturbances during the
pandemic. 19,20 Stressful life experiences have a significant
Table 2. Mean scores in psychological questionnaires impact on the occurrence of anxiety, particularly in people
with GI symptoms. 20,21 Furthermore, stress and depression
Psychological emotions GI (n=54) D (n=48) remain prevalent in COVID-19 patients even 3 months
Positive mood 46.4 (±8.8) 30.2 (±7.5) after a positive diagnosis. 13,14 In addition, diarrhea has been
Negative mood 26.7 (±5.4) 48.3 (±8.5) identified as the most frequently reported GI symptom in
22
Anxiety 38.4 (±7.5) 67.8 (±9.4) COVID-19 patients, affecting 50% or more of cases in
Depression 35.4 (±6.9) 62.7 (±8.4) certain studies. 1
Note: Data presented as mean (±standard deviation). Patients with GI symptoms are more likely to exhibit
Abbreviations: D: Diarrhea; GI: Gastrointestinal. signs of anxiety and depression. Depressive symptoms and
emotional stress are recognized as independent risk factors
between particular GI symptoms and scores on for the development of GI diseases. It was discovered that
psychological tests. A statistically significant positive patients with various GI symptoms were more prone
correlation was found between diarrhea and negative to depressive and anxious symptoms. Among these
23
mood (r[90] = 0.79, p<0.001), anxiety (r[90] = 0.68, symptoms, diarrhea stands out as especially distressing and
p<0.001), and depression (r[90] = 0.41, p<0.001). Similarly, often stigmatized, significantly affecting patients’ quality of
vomiting was positively correlated with negative mood life and psychological health, especially when occurring
(r[90] = 0.71, p=0.001), anxiety (r[90] = 0.60, p<0.001), and during an already stressful COVID-19 diagnosis. In
depression (r[90] = 0.32, p<0.001). In contrast, symptoms addition, diarrhea may be a sign of dysregulation of the

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2025) 80 doi: 10.36922/JCBP025040007