The implications of [SSD] on the impairment of daily life are greater in post-COVID syndrome than in asthma or COPD... 2025 Schneider et al

[Andy]

Full title: The implications of somatic symptom disorder on the impairment of daily life are greater in post-COVID syndrome than in asthma or COPD - results of a cross-sectional study in a rehabilitation clinic

Abstract

The aim was to compare the relationship between somatic symptom disorder (SSD), anxiety, depression, clinical symptoms, and daily life impairment (DLI) in post-COVID syndrome (PCS), asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In a cross-sectional study, 371 patients (161 PCS, 121 asthma, 89 COPD) of a pulmonary rehabilitation clinic received the questionnaires PHQ-15 (Patient Health Questionnaire-15) and SSD-12 (Somatic Symptom Disorder-12) to determine SSD, GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) to determine anxiety disorder, and PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) to determine depression. Lung function was estimated using whole-body plethysmography. Predictors for DLI were assessed by regression models and ROC analyses.

Association of SSD with DLI was stronger in PCS (odds ratio 13.8; 95% confidence interval 1.7-109.9) than in asthma (8.5; 2.4–30.1), and was not significant in COPD (1.9; 0.5–7.5). In asthma and COPD, strongest predictors were GAD-7 (15.0; 1.9-116.8) and PHQ-9 (8.9; 1.1–71.8), respectively. Diffusion capacity was predictive in COPD (0.947; 0.916–0.979) and asthma (0.967; 0.943–0.993), but not in PCS.

To conclude, SSD appears to have greater impact on DLI in PCS than asthma or COPD patients. This should be recognized appropriately during rehabilitation. Furthermore, increased psychological comorbidity should also be considered and adequately treated in asthma and COPD if necessary.

Open access

 

[Utsikt]

There are several explanations why PCS patients are heavily burdened, such as chronic inflammatory processes or autoimmune reactions9,10. However, as our in-depth analysis shows, the impact of SSD seems to be of particular importance.
In the univariate regression models SSD was more strongly associated with DLI in PCS than in asthma and COPD. It is conceivable that the still unexplained symptoms in PCS cause an intensive preoccupation with the disease, resulting in a higher rating in the somatization scales. Accordingly, the ROC analysis shows only for the PCS group that the association of DLI with SSD is considerably higher than the association with the triad ‘fatigue, shortness of breath, and impaired cognition. In this regard, it must be considered that information is lost when dichotomizing psychometric scales using established cut-off values, whereas the full information content is used in the ROC analysis.

Due to its interdisciplinary and multi-professional approach, inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation offers a suitable framework in which holistic treatment for patients with chronic diseases can be implemented3,37. In this context, the results can contribute to the further development of treatment options and the creation of disease-specific treatment guidelines, so that the more prevalent psychological distress (e.g. a stronger focus on anxiety disorders in patients with asthma or on SSD in patients with PCS) can be taken in to account more adequately.

 

[Trish]

Surely all the so called association between SSD and LC is simply an overlap in questionnaires.

 

[Utsikt]

Surely all the so called association between SSD and LC is simply an overlap in questionnaires.

It looks like it.

PHQ-15 asks ‘During the past 4 weeks, how much have you been bothered by any of the following problems?’ - and lists different symptoms.

This is SSD-12, my opinion is that it’s highly problematic.

Q1_I think my somatic symptoms are due to a serious illness

Q2_I am very concerned about my health

Q3_My health concerns hinder me in daily life

Q4_I am convinced my symptoms are serious

Q5_My somatic symptoms make me anxious

Q6_My somatic symptoms keep me occupied most of the day

Q7_Other people tell me my somatic symptoms are not serious

Q8_I am afraid that my symptoms will never subside

Q9_My concerns about my symptoms will never disappear

Q10_I think physicians do not take my symptoms seriously

Q11_Because of my somatic symptoms I cannot concentrate properly on other things

Q12_I am worried that my somatic symptoms will continue in the future

Item scores range between 0 and 4 (0 = never, 1 = rarely, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = very often)

From here: https://www.s4me.info/threads/neuro...oss-sectional-study-2025-shimizu-et-al.43234/

 

[Trish]

Yes, all perfectly rational responses to having LC. Nothing to do with a made up disorder called SSD.

 

[rvallee]

One day, they will find their philosopher's stone. You'll see, you'll see. Well, they won't, but it could still happen. What's sure to happen is that as long as they keep obsessing over it, they won't be working on the problem, and therefore forever perpetuate the eternal quest for the magical artefact that assures them they are the prettiest in the land.