Associations of symptoms of anxiety and depression with health-status, asthma control, dyspnoea, dysfunction breathing and obesity in people with severe asthma

Abstract

Abstract Background Anxiety and depression are comorbidities of severe asthma. However, clinical characteristics associated with coexisting severe asthma and anxiety/depression are poorly understood. The study objective is to determine clinical characteristics associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in severe asthma. Methods Severe asthma participants (N = 140) underwent a multidimensional assessment. Categorization of symptoms of anxiety and depression were based on HADS scale sub-scores and divided into four groups (< 8 on both subscales; ≥ 8 on one subscale; ≥ 8 on both subscales). Clinical characteristics were compared between subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression determined associations of clinical characteristics and anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in people with severe asthma. Results Participants were (mean ± SD) 59.3 ± 14.7 years old, and 62% female. There were 74 (53%) severe asthma participants without symptoms of anxiety/depression, 11 (7%) with symptoms of anxiety, 37 (26%) with symptoms of depression and 18 (13%) with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Quality of life impairment was greater in participants with symptoms of depression (4.4 ± 1.2) and combined symptoms of anxiety and depression (4.4 ± 1.1). Asthma control was worse in those with symptoms of depression (2.9 ± 1.1) and combined anxiety and depression (2.6 ± 1.0). In multivariate models, dysfunctional breathing was associated with symptoms of anxiety (OR = 1.24 [1.01, 1.53]). Dyspnoea was associated with symptoms of depression (OR = 1.90 [1.10, 3.25]). Dysfunctional breathing (OR 1.16 [1.04, 1.23]) and obesity (OR 1.17 [1.00, 1.35]) were associated with combined symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusion People with severe asthma and anxiety and/or depressive symptoms have poorer QoL and asthma control. Dyspnoea, dysfunctional breathing and obesity are associated with these symptoms. These key clinical characteristics should be targeted in severe asthma management.