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The mental health status of many patients is intertwined with their physical symptoms, posing a challenge in primary care settings. This study investigates how the relationship between physical symptoms and mental health is influenced by sex and age. It also examines less-studied organs such as the eyes/ears and the genitourinary system in this context. A total of 258 patients first visiting a Psychosomatic Internal Medicine clinic in Japan were surveyed from September 2019 to July 2022.
Mental health symptoms were analyzed using validated questionnaires including the General Health Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.
Physical symptoms were analyzed using the Cornell Medical Index. Findings revealed sex-specific differences and found that the 40-59 years age group was more susceptible to mental health issues mainly affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. A relationship was identified between mental health and organs such as the eye/ear and the genitourinary system (which includes the organs of the genital and urinary systems). This study underscores the significant link between mental health and physical symptoms, highlighting organs most affected and variations by sex and age
