Frontiers in Psychology (Jun 2022)

Risk and Protective Factors of Psychological Distress in Patients Who Recovered From COVID-19: The Role of Cognitive Reserve

  • Maria Devita,
  • Elisa Di Rosa,
  • Pamela Iannizzi,
  • Sara Bianconi,
  • Sara Anastasia Contin,
  • Simona Tiriolo,
  • Marta Ghisi,
  • Marta Ghisi,
  • Rossana Schiavo,
  • Nicol Bernardinello,
  • Elisabetta Cocconcelli,
  • Elisabetta Balestro,
  • Anna Maria Cattelan,
  • Davide Leoni,
  • Biancarosa Volpe,
  • Daniela Mapelli

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.852218
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Recent studies reported the development of psychological distress symptoms in patients who recovered from COVID-19. However, evidence is still scarce and new data are needed to define the exact risk and protective factors that can explain the variability in symptoms manifestation. In this study, we enrolled 257 patients who recovered from COVID-19 and we evaluated the levels of psychological distress through the Symptoms Checklist-90-R scale. Data concerning illness-related variables were collected from medical records, while the presence of subjective cognitive difficulties, both before and after the illness, as well as the level of the cognitive reserve (CR), were assessed over a clinical interview. Results revealed that being female and reporting the presence of subjective cognitive difficulties after COVID-19 were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. At the same time, being admitted to the hospital and having a high CR were protective factors. Adding new information to this emerging research field, our results highlight the importance of a complete psychological and cognitive assessment in patients with COVID-19.

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