Prevalence and impact of depression on COPD

Background: Depression is a mental disease frequently present in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) usually seen as a poor prognosis factor. The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of depression in COPD patients in our population. Additionally, to determine the association of depression with poor clinical response to treatment. Methodology. Design: epidemiological, cross-sectional and multicentre study. Inclusion criteria: patients over 40-years-old, well established diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC <0.7 post-bronchodilator), chronic cigarette consumption (≥ 10 pack-year), recruitment from primary care clinics. The presence of depression was established according to Beck questionnaire. Results: 139 patients (36% suffering any kind of depression, 55% with moderate to severe depression; only 33,3% of patients were previously diagnosed). Significant differences were found as to gender (females), living alone, contiuous oxygen therapy (all p<0.05). Patients with depression were more symptomatic (mMRC dyspnea grade), have higher impact of COPD (CAT questionnaire), more exacerbations and less physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire) (all p<0.05), as shown in table 1. Conclusions: Mental depression is a prevalent disorder in COPD patients and frequently it is not diagnosed and not treated. Depression is related with more frequent exacerbations, sedentary life style, increased degree o dypsnea and a significant impact on health related quality of life. Study partially supported by Menarini. Table 1.