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Uncontrolled asthma may lead to emotional disorders

Researchers discovered a correlation between emotional disorders and the degree of asthma control and quality of life, according to a recent study.

“Anxiety and depression are more common in the uncontrolled asthma group and the statistical significance of this relationship is stronger,” the researchers wrote. “It is more plausible to suggest that emotional disorders are the result of poor asthma control.”

The study focused on 174 patients who were diagnosed with asthma between March 2012 and September 2012. Each patient in the study received no therapy for their allergy and were not receiving therapy for psychiatric illnesses or chronic diseases such as diabetes that could change their emotional status. All patients underwent a skin prick test (ALK-Abello) and answered Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) surveys. The researchers also assessed patients using a five-item questionnaire regarding asthma symptoms, rescue medications and the daily impact of asthma on a patient’s life.

Researchers found at least one allergen in 78.7% of patients. The HAD mean anxiety score was 8.07, the mean depression score was 7 and the overall mean HAD score was 15.07. Overall, 33.3% of patients had anxiety and 47.7% had depression. The overall mean ACT score was 18.32 and AQLQ score was 4.3.

The investigators indicated there was no significant difference in anxiety and depression, asthma control or quality of life scores between atopic and nonatopic patients who had a skin prick test. However, asthma control and quality of life scores were lower in patients with anxiety and depression.

“Both the prevalence and severity of emotional disorders are related to the degree of asthma control and quality of life,” the researchers wrote.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.