Selected Psychological Stress and Cognitive Function Parameters in Patients Suffering from COVID-19 Induced Telogen Effluvium

The study examined the psychological stress and cognitive function in 32 patients with COVID-19 induced Telogen effluvium (TE), a common type of hair loss, compared to 32 patients who had COVID-19 but did not develop TE. The patients completed two questionnaires: DASS-21 (The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), and a new questionnaire on cognitive functions. The results showed significant differences in cognitive functioning (p=0.008) between the two groups, with TE patients experiencing more cognitive deficits. There was also a borderline difference in the severity of anxiety symptoms (p=0.088). The study found a strong positive correlation between the deterioration of cognitive functioning and the severity of symptoms of depression (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), and stress (p<0.001). Therefore, TE in COVID-19 patients could indicate a deterioration of cognitive functioning, which is associated with the severity of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.