Anxiety and depression in bronchial asthma

The aim of the study was to establish the frequency and follow the clinical course of depression and anxiety in patients with bronchial asthma. 57 patients (37 atopic and 20 nonatopic) with mild and moderate bronchial asthma and 53 subjects matched for age and sex as control groups were included in the study. The following questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to evaluate anxiety and mood state. The level and prevalence of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in both groups of asthmatics in comparison to healthy subjects. Symptoms were mild and moderate. Nonatopic patients were more depressed and anxious than atopics.