Abstract Background:Anxiety and depression are mental health problems that result in reduced
health-related quality of life (HRQL), and increased mortality. Patients with COPD have a higher
risk of anxiety and depression compared to healthy individuals. Recent studies reported a signifi-cant relationship between the presence of anxiety and depression and the functional status of COPD
patients.
Objectives:To study the effect of treatment of anxiety and depression on the physiological status
in COPD patients.
Materials and methods:The study included 50 severe COPD patients with depression and/or
anxiety as evaluated and scored by Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
and Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) Scale. They were classified into 2 groups: group I included
25 patients who received antidepressant/anxiolytic therapy in addition to COPD treatment and
group II included 25 patients who received COPD treatment only. Modified Borg scale dyspnea
score, spirometry (vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second
and forced expiratory flow through 25–75% of expiration), arterial blood, MADRS and HAM-A
scale were assessed in all patients at the start of the study and after 3 months.
Results:Patients with severe COPD who were treated for depression and/or anxiety showed a
significant improvement in MADRS, HAM-A and dyspnea scales, spirometeric parameters and
oxygenation. MADRS and HAM-A scale showed a significant negative correlation to FEV1.Conclusion:Treatment of depression and anxiety in COPD patients is recommended as it is
associated with a significant improvement in pulmonary physiological status and HRQL. Further
studies on larger scales are recommended.