Increased Risk of Depression Among Adults with Asthma: New Longitudinal Study

Strategic Insights -

Adults with asthma are at increased risk of developing depression, but few studies have identified precursors to the onset of depression. A recent study conducted in the United States aimed to identify risk factors for depression onset among a community-based sample of adults with asthma. The study used a longitudinal cohort of 439 adults with asthma, with data obtained from three telephone interviews conducted at 2-yearly intervals.

The research team, led by P.P. Katz from the University of California, Department of Medicine, found that 15% of the subjects were classified as 'depressed' at each interview. Individuals who were depressed at baseline were more likely to drop out of the study. The most consistent association with depression was found with low perceived control of asthma, measured using the Perceived Control of Asthma Questionnaire (PCAQ). A decrease in perceived control at follow-up was also associated with depression onset. The researchers concluded that low perceived control of asthma may be a risk factor that can be addressed through self-management education.

Key Takeaways:

  • 15% of adults with asthma in the study were classified as 'depressed' at each interview, indicating a significant risk of depression.
  • Individuals who were depressed at baseline were more likely to drop out of the study, suggesting a vicious cycle of depression and drop-out.
  • Low perceived control of asthma was the most consistent association with depression, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
  • Decrease in perceived control at follow-up was associated with depression onset, highlighting the importance of monitoring and addressing asthma control.
  • The study's findings suggest that low perceived control of asthma may be a modifiable risk factor for depression onset.
  • The researchers recommended that self-management education be used to address low perceived control of asthma and reduce the risk of depression onset.

Statistics:

  • 15% of adults with asthma were classified as 'depressed' at each interview.
  • The odds ratio for being depressed at baseline and dropping out of the study was 1.76 (95% CI 1.05, 2.96).
  • The odds ratio for low perceived control of asthma (PCAQ) was 0.51 per 0.5 SD difference in PCAQ (0.35, 0.75).
  • 38 individuals experienced depression onset during the study period.
  • The odds ratio for decrease in perceived control at follow-up and depression onset was 7.47 (2.15, 26.01).

Sources:

  • Katz, P.P., et al. (2010). Onset of depressive symptoms among adults with asthma: results from a longitudinal observational cohort. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 19(3), 223-230.
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest editors (2010). Increased Risk of Depression Among Adults with Asthma: New Longitudinal Study. Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.