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Association between generalized anxiety disorder and asthma morbidity
Kim L Lavoie1, Maxine Boudreau, Annik Plourde
1Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, Research Centre, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, affiliated with the University of Montreal, Canada. k-lavoie@crhsc.rtss.qc.ca
Psychosomatic Medicine
|July 1, 2011
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is linked to poorer asthma control and quality of life. However, these associations may be explained by comorbid depression and low self-efficacy in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prevalent in asthma patients.
- The impact of GAD on asthma morbidity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between GAD and asthma control.
- To examine the relationship between GAD and quality of life in asthma patients.
- To assess the link between GAD and asthma self-efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 794 adults with asthma.
- Assessment of GAD using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders.
- Evaluation of asthma control, quality of life, self-efficacy, and spirometry.
- Statistical analysis using general linear models and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- GAD was present in 4% of the sample.
- GAD was significantly associated with worse asthma control, increased bronchodilator use, poorer quality of life, and lower self-efficacy.
- These associations were attenuated after accounting for major depressive disorder and low asthma self-efficacy.
Conclusions:
- GAD is linked to worse asthma morbidity, but comorbid depression and low self-efficacy may mediate this relationship.
- Breathlessness and bronchodilator use were uniquely associated with GAD.
- Further research is needed to explore the impact of GAD treatment on asthma outcomes.
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