Control of asthma, quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms among Turkish patients with asthma

Abstract

Aim: Anxiety and depression can affect patients with asthma. It has been shown that asthma-related quality of life has previously been associated with asthma control. The aims of the present study were to investigate the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms among Turkish patients with asthma, and to evaluate the relation of anxiety and depression symptoms with asthma control and quality of life in these patients. Materials and Methods: A total number of 174 patients regularly followed-up by the asthma clinics were included to the study.Since27 patients had bronchiectasis and were receiving concomitant antidepressant therapy, 147 patients were requested to complete the ACT (Asthma Control Test), HAD (Hospital Anxiety Depression) questionnaire and asthma-specific quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). Results: Of all patients with asthma,30.6% had anxiety symptoms and 45.6% had depression symptoms, while asthma was adequately controlled (ACT≥20) in 49%. Patients with asthma and depression symptoms had significantly lower scores in total AQLQ and in all subgroups (p<0.05). Patients with adequately controlled asthma had higher quality of life and lower HAD anxiety and depression scores. A significant negative correlation was found between HAD anxiety and depression scores, and AQLQ and ACT scores (p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms is elevated among Turkish patients with asthma. These patients have poorly controlled asthma and lower quality of life. The presence of anxiety and depression symptoms is negatively associated with asthma control and quality of life.