Self-reported depression and anxiety among COPD patients. A case-control study

Sao Paulo Med J. 2022 Mar-Apr;140(2):207-212. doi: 10.1590/1516-3180.2021.0235.R1.17062021.

Abstract

Background: Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with depression and anxiety have not been identified.

Objectives: To compare self-reported depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with COPD in relation to healthy controls.

Design and setting: Case control study at a public hospital institution in Spain.

Methods: We designed a case-control study. Patients were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from a single institution. Two groups were created: COPD and healthy controls. Data on medical history and demographic background were collected from the medical records. Self-reported depression levels were assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Self-reported anxiety was measured using the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI).

Results: Fifty-two patients with COPD and fifty healthy patients were included in this study. BDI scores were higher for COPD patients (10.23 ± 6.26) than in the control group (5.2 ± 6.56). STAI-state scores were higher for COPD patients (41.85 ± 12.55) than for controls (34.88 ± 9.25). STAI-trait scores were higher for COPD patients (41.42 ± 10.01) than for controls (34.62 ± 9.19).

Conclusions: This study showed that there were higher levels of depression and anxiety among COPD patients than among healthy controls.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Depression* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / complications
  • Self Report