[The study on relationship between negative mood states and asthma control and quality of life]

To explore the relationship between psychological status including depression and anxiety, and asthma control and quality of life.

A brief, structured psychiatric interview using the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were applied to 156 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed asthma. Asthma control and asthma-related quality of life were assessed using the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). Detection of FEV1, FVC and PEF with standard spirometry for all patients was conducted. The patients were divided into depression (DG), anxiety (AG), depression and anxiety (ADG), and non depression and/or non anxiety (NADG) groups according to the scores for depression and anxiety degree. Level of asthma control, quality of life and pulmonary function of different groups were compared and a multiple regression model was set for the analisis.

Sixty five percent of patients (n=101) had symptoms of depression or anxiety (18% had depression, 5% had anxiety, and 42% had both). Analyses revealed independent effects for depression but not anxiety, on total ACQ and AQLQ scores (both P<0.05). Moreover, there was no interaction effects on anxiety and depression coupled with anxiety.

It suggests that depression but not anxiety, is associated with worse asthma control and asthma-related quality of life. Physicians should consider the differential impact of negative mood states when assessing levels of asthma control and quality of life.