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Abstract
Introduction: The global emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae threatens a return to the pre-antibiotic era. While the microbiological resistance mechanisms are well-documented, the psychopathological sequelae of being diagnosed with a potentially incurable sexually transmitted infection remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the psychosocial burden and catastrophic cognition in patients with MDR N. gonorrhoeae compared to those with drug-susceptible strains.
Methods: We employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. A sample of 200 patients (100 MDR vs. 100 Susceptible) was recruited based on an a priori power analysis to ensure sufficient sensitivity for detecting medium effect sizes. Participants completed the adapted Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Subsequently, 20 MDR-positive participants underwent in-depth semi-structured interviews analyzed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results: The MDR group exhibited significantly higher mean scores for catastrophic thinking (PCS: 38.4 versus 14.2, p<0.001), anxiety (GAD-7: 16.5 versus 8.1, p<0.001), and depression (PHQ-9: 14.8 versus 6.5, p<0.001). The adapted PCS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s a= 0.94). Qualitative analysis revealed core themes of stigma ("The Leper of the Modern Age") and systemic fear ("The Ticking Time Bomb").
Conclusion: A diagnosis of MDR N. gonorrhoeae precipitates a unique and severe psychological syndrome characterized by high catastrophizing and psychosocial distress. Integrated psychiatric care and cognitive behavioral interventions are essential components of the clinical management for this demographic.
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