Experiencing COVID-19 symptoms without the disease: The role of nocebo in reporting of symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A nocebo effect occurs when inactive factors lead to worsening of symptoms or reduce treatment outcomes. Believing that one is or has been infected with COVID-19 may act as a nocebo. However, not much is known about potential nocebo effects associated with the reporting of COVID-19 symptoms.

Aim

An online survey investigated whether certainty of being infected with COVID-19, age, sex, cognitive, emotional and personality factors were associated with perceived severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Methods

Participants (N=375) filled out an online survey containing 57 questions asking about symptoms resembling COVID-19, certainty of being infected with COVID-19, anxiety, stress and personality dimensions.

Results

Certainty of being infected with COVID-

SUBMITTER: Daniali H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8807543 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature