Do patients with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder experience more somatosensorial amplification, hypochondriasis, and fear of COVID-19?

Objective: Mental illnesses are important determinants in response to the pandemic. However, there only a limited number of studies investigating effects COVID-19 individuals with mental illnesses. We aimed reveal fear COVID-19, somatosensorial amplification levels, anxiety, depression, and stress levels patients major depressive disorder (MDD) generalized anxiety (GAD). Method: evaluated 500 participants three groups. This study enrolled 137 MDD, 140 GAD, 223 healthy controls. Participants were Whiteley Index 7, Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), The Fear Scale. Results: There was statistically significant difference between groups’ SSAS, DASS-21, Index, scores. In post hoc analysis, DASS-21 subscale scores higher patient groups than control group (p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that Fear, DASS-S had effect on amplification. Conclusion: findings our show MDD GAD susceptible normal bodily sensations. hypochondriasis appear be essential Accordingly, is need develop effective psychological interventions focused these factors GAD.