PREVALENCE OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN STABLE PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction: To study the prevalence of anxiety and depression in stable COPD patients.

Methodology: 100patients of stable COPD were assessed to look for the presence of anxiety and depression using beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Patients already on treatment forpsychiatric illnesses were excluded from the study. Patients with total score above cut off value (BAI >7 ORPHQ-9 >4), were assessed in the psychiatry department. Quantitative data was compiled and statistical analysis was done.

Results: Among study population 68% were males, 62% were in the age group of 60-80years, 83 % were ex smokers and 92 % of them were exposed to indoor air pollution (chullahs). It was found that 64 % of the study population had psychiatric morbidity out of which 42% had mixed anxiety and depressive symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms were more prevalent in female patients (97%, P value is0.003), and in patients who had more severe disease (P value is 0.04), 6 minute walk distance < 300 m (P value is 0.00001), percentage of desaturatoin> 3% after 6 M.W (P value is 0.0001) and Smoking Index >400.Smoking status and 6 minute walk distance were independently associated with the development of anxiety and depression with significant P values in stable COPD patients.

Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common psychiatric co-morbidities associated with COPD patients. Early diagnosis and proper management of COPD and timely evaluation for psychiatric illnesses is essential for the better outcomes in COPD patients.