Illness Perception and the Severity of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Multimorbidity: Observational Cohort Studies

Abstract

Introduction. Many studies have shown a correlation between the patient’s engagement in treatment and their perception of the illness. Aim: The aim of this study has been to explore the link between the patient’s perception of their illness with anxiety and depression, and to leverage this link to promote health education. Materials and methods: The study was carried out using the following tools: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Illness Perception Questionnaire–Revised. The study participants included N = 143 patients. Results: The participants’ age was statistically significantly associated with the expected duration of the illness (p < 0.01), the conviction that the treatment was effective (p < 0.01), and the perception of the severity of the disease symptoms (p < 0.05). The employment status was statistically significantly associated with the illness perception (p < 0.01). Anxiety and depression levels were statistically significantly associated with the perceived impact of the illness on life (p < 0.001) and emotional status (p < 0.001), the perceived control over the illness (p < 0.01), the potential for recovery (p < 0.001), the concern about the illness (p < 0.001), and the impact of the illness on emotional well-being (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Individuals who perceived a high severity of illness symptoms also assessed that the illness significantly impacted their life and emotional state. The authors demonstrate a strong link of a “negative” perception of the illness with depression and anxiety. A better understanding of the illness predicted a less severe depression and lower anxiety. Implications for practice: The results suggest that the study of illness perception holds significant potential to contribute effectively to educational and psychotherapeutic practices.