Factors Associated with Depression in COPD: A Multicenter Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• Depression significantly impacts the prognosis and overall health outcomes for COPD patients.
• Understanding factors associated with depression in COPD is vital for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors associated with depression in patients diagnosed with COPD.
• To evaluate the relationship between depression and various clinical, functional, and quality-of-life parameters in COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study involving 115 COPD patients.
• Assessment of depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) questionnaire.
• Analysis of anthropometric data, exacerbations, 6-minute walking test, Body Mass Index, Airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise (BODE) index, quality of life (EQ-5D), and physical activity (LCADL).
• Two multiple logistic regression models were employed to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• 24.3% of COPD patients exhibited symptoms of depression (HAD-D > 8).
• Depressed patients demonstrated worse lung function, increased dyspnea, reduced exercise capacity, higher BODE index scores, poorer quality of life, and lower physical activity levels.
• Quality of life and the BODE index were significantly associated with depression (AUC: 0.84).
• In a secondary model, quality of life and dyspnea (MRC scale) remained associated with depression (AUC: 0.87).

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of COPD patients experience clinically relevant depression.
• Depression in COPD is linked to diminished quality of life, reduced exercise capacity, heightened dyspnea, and a worse overall disease burden (BODE index).
• These findings underscore the importance of screening for and managing depression in COPD management.