Study of depression and anxiety in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Suggested treatment of patients with COPD and astma requires promotion and psychological dimensions of patients.

Primary objective of this study was to determine frequency of developing anxiety and depression in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to gender, age and socioeconomic status and to evaluate possible differences between patients with and without high level of anxiety and depression and to find correlation between psychological aspects and disease itself.

This study included a total of 120 subjects: 60 patients with asthma and 60 patients with COPD. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire for general information on subjects, standardized Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Significant difference was found in the anxiety level in these two groups. Average value for the patients with COPD was 43 (15) and for the patients with asthma 37.5 (15.7). Statistically significant difference was also reported for the depression level among females. In female patients with COPD that level was 13.5 (14.7) and in female patients with asthma 7.5 (11). There is a correlation between anxiety and depression in patients with COPD and asthma, especially among women.

This study suggests that asthma and COPD are a significant stressor with a risk of developing anxiety and depression.