Depression and pulmonary function in outpatients with asthma
Journal
Respiratory Medicine
Date Issued
March 1, 2004
DOI
10.1016/j.rmed.2003.09.018
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between
depression, anxiety and pulmonary function in asthmatics. Thirty-eight adult
asthmatic patients underwent psychometric evaluation with the DSSI/sAD questionnaire,
filled in an asthma questionnaire and underwent spirometry. The majority
of patients suffered from mild-persistent asthma. Twenty-six reported symptoms of
anxiety and 25 reported symptoms of depression. A statistically significant reduction
in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values was observed in asthmatic patients with symptoms of
depression. The mean value of FEV1 was 81.84(720.83) in patients without
symptoms and 63.73(717.99) in patients with symptoms of depression. The mean
values of FEV1/FVC were 0.85(70.11) and 0.75(70.10), respectively. These findings
indicate a high frequency of depression and anxiety in adult asthmatic patients. A
biological linkage between depression and impaired pulmonary function is proposed.
depression, anxiety and pulmonary function in asthmatics. Thirty-eight adult
asthmatic patients underwent psychometric evaluation with the DSSI/sAD questionnaire,
filled in an asthma questionnaire and underwent spirometry. The majority
of patients suffered from mild-persistent asthma. Twenty-six reported symptoms of
anxiety and 25 reported symptoms of depression. A statistically significant reduction
in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values was observed in asthmatic patients with symptoms of
depression. The mean value of FEV1 was 81.84(720.83) in patients without
symptoms and 63.73(717.99) in patients with symptoms of depression. The mean
values of FEV1/FVC were 0.85(70.11) and 0.75(70.10), respectively. These findings
indicate a high frequency of depression and anxiety in adult asthmatic patients. A
biological linkage between depression and impaired pulmonary function is proposed.
Subjects