Abstract

To investigate the frequency of depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and also the relation between the stages of COPD and depression, 64 male patients followed up in our hospital. Eighteen (28.1%) outpatients and 46 (71.9%) inpatients were included in a prospective study. Socioeconomical conditions, history of drug use and number of emergency visits within the last one year were questioned, and pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis were done.

The patients were grouped as mild (FEV1Ž50%), moderate (FEV1 = 49-35%), severe COPD (FEV1 <35%) by FEV1 levels according to the American Thoracic Society. Presence and signs of depression were assessed by Zung Depression Scale. The mean age of the patients was 63±9 years (62-84). Seventeen (26.5%) of 64 patients were classified as mild, 10 (15.6%) as moderate and 37 (57.8%) as severe COPD. Depression was diagnosed in 19 (29.6%) of all COPD patients, and in 23% of the patients with mild, 30% of those with moderate, and 32% of those with severe COPD. There was no significant relation between the stages of COPD and the frequency of depression. The depression scores of the inpatients were significantly higher than those of the outpatients (Man-Whitney U= 272.5; p= 0.034). There was a weak correlation between the depression scores and PCO2 (r= 0.316; p= 0.05), and a weak negative correlation between depression scores and FEV1 values (r=-0.251; p=0.05). Social factors such as presence of social insurance, living with the family and regular use of drugs were not significantly correlated with the presence of depression.

In conclusion, depression in COPD is frequently seen in inpatients and can be correlated with PCO2 and FEV1 levels but social factors do not affect the development of depression.