Somatic symptoms associated with mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

• Published in: Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2023-04, Vol.31 (2), p.147-156
• Main Authors: Theocharis, Andreas, Antonopoulos, Victor, Christodoulou, Nikos G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19 - epidemiology; Health Personnel; Humans; Medically Unexplained Symptoms; Mental Disorders; Pandemics; Regular
• ISSN: 1039-8562; 1440-1665
• DOI: 10.1177/10398562231156380

Objective The primary objective of this article was to systematically review the prevalence of somatic symptoms in patients, healthcare workers and general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objectives were to record the association between somatic symptoms and indices of mental distress and to record the qualitative characteristics of such somatic complaints. Methods Following the PRISMA methodology we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar for primary research reporting on somatic symptoms in association with mental distress. We specifically sought papers reporting on bodily distress disorder, somatic symptoms disorder or medically unexplained symptoms. Results 1569 papers were retrieved, which yielded 36 relevant studies after screening. 15 studies referred to healthcare workers, 13 to general population, 5 to COVID-19 patients, 2 compared medical with non-medical professionals and 1 was studying COVID-19 patients some of which were also healthcare workers. The reported prevalence of somatic symptoms ranged from 7.4% to 67.8%. Commonly seen symptoms were shortness of breath, dyspnea, palpitations and pain in arms, legs and joints. Conclusions Our systematic review suggests that somatic symptoms are very frequent during the pandemic and are often linked to mental distress. All three population groups are affected.