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Mental disorders and asthma in the community
Renee D Goodwin1, Frank Jacobi, Wolfgang Thefeld
1Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Archives of General Psychiatry
|November 12, 2003
Summary
This study found a significant association between asthma and various mental disorders, including anxiety and bipolar disorder, in adults. Further research is needed to understand shared causes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide.
- Mental disorders represent a significant public health burden.
- The relationship between asthma and mental health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physician-diagnosed asthma and mental disorders in a representative adult population.
- To identify specific mental disorders linked to current and lifetime asthma diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of 18- to 65-year-old adults in Germany participated.
- Asthma diagnoses were confirmed by physicians.
- Mental disorders were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview based on DSM-IV criteria.
Main Results:
- Current severe asthma was linked to higher odds of anxiety disorders, specific phobia, panic disorder, and panic attacks.
- Lifetime severe asthma showed associations with anxiety disorders, panic disorder, panic attacks, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder.
- Nonsevere asthma was associated with affective and somatoform disorders.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for an association between physician-diagnosed asthma and a range of mental disorders in adults.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering mental health in asthma management.
- Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore causality and shared mechanisms.