Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Disease Control and Quality of Life in Asthma Patients

Abstract

Introduction. Patients with asthma also tend to have anxiety and depression. These comorbidities may affect asthma control and quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of anxiety and depression on asthma control and quality of life. Patients and methods. Cross-sectional study of asthma outpatients was conducted at two hospitals in the Basque Country (northern Spain). Data collected included sociodemographic variables, asthma symptoms, treatment, number of exacerbations, level of control, quality of life, presence of psychological morbidities, and level of physical activity. Spirometry was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery. Results. Among 354 asthmatics, 77% had poor or partial control of their condition, 31% had anxiety alone, 2% had depression alone, and 10% had anxiety plus depression. Poor asthma control was associated with anxiety plus depression (odds ratio (OR): 3.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–12.41) as well as with female patients (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.11–3.10). Anxiety had an independent effect on reduced quality of life across all domains; anxiety plus depression had an even greater effect. Conclusion. Among patients with asthma, anxiety and depression adversely affect asthma control and quality of life, raising the possibility that treating these psychological comorbidities could improve asthma control and quality of life.

• anxiety
• asthma
• control
• control and gender
• depression
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the support of the direction of the Interior Region, Galdakao-Usánsolo Hospital, and San Eloy Hospital staff members of the different services. They also thank Mr. Patrick J. Skerrett for his assistance in editing the manuscript. This study was funded by a SEPAR grant, grants for research 2005, and grants for funding research activities in 2005 of the Research Commission of Galdakao-Usansolo Hospital.

Authorship: All authors contributed to one or all the following: the conception and design of the study, data gathering, analysis and interpretation of data, or critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. Finally, all authors approve the final version for submission.