DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0095

Pages: 1097-1104

Aims and objectives: Psychiatric morbidities significantly contribute to the functional impairment in patients with chronic respiratory disease [CRD]. The burden of psychiatric morbidities seems to vary with geographical areas and other factors. This study was carried out with the aim to find out the psychiatric morbidities in stable chronic respiratory disease patients in our region, India so that a proper assessment of mental health and comprehensive management can be planned. Methodology: Cross sectional observational study design was used. 160 patients diagnosed with CRD attending respiratory OPD were included. Structured proforma containing socio-demographic details and text revision of fourth edition of diagnostic and statistical manual disorders (DSM IV TR) diagnostic criteria for diagnosis were used for psychiatric evaluation. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD], Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAMA] and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale [BPRS]were used to assess the severity of the respective conditions. RESULTS: Psychiatric evaluation of CRD patients revealed that 50% developed psychiatric morbidity. Majority were males, aged above 50 years, married and from rural background. 75 (46.88%) cases were COPD followed by asthma 34[21.25%] cases. 37.5% were tobacco users. 74 (46%) cases fulfilled criteria for major depression disorder and 6 (4%) had features of anxiety disorder. In 80 (50%) cases no psychiatric disturbance was found. CONCLUSION: Major depression disorder is the most common psychiatric morbidity followed by anxiety. Careful observation for psychiatric morbidities among chronic respiratory disease patients may help in early identification and better management.