Panic disorder and depression influence on the severity of aspirin-induced asthma

Aim. Studies have reported a high rate of depression (DD) and panic disorder (PD) among asthma patients, though the impact of these disorders on asthma severity remains unclear. This study evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in 100 patients with aspirin-induced asthma and association between psychiatric status and levels of asthma severity. Methods. 100 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed aspirin-induced asthma underwent psychiatric interviews and assessment using M.I.N.I 5.0, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Panic And Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). Psychiatric assessment was performed by an experienced liaison psychiatrist according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnosis. Asthma severity was assessed according to NHLBI/NAEPP 2007. There were 66 women (66%) and 34 men (34%). The average age was 52.7 (SD=12.3) for women and 49.8 (SD=13.0) for men. Results. 41% patients met the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder, and 30% of them met depression criteria. Analyses revealed that there is correlation between asthma severity and presence and intensity of psychiatric disorders. Conclusions. Results suggest that psychiatric disorders are prevalent among patients with aspirin-induced asthma and are associated with worse asthma severity. Physicians should consider the impact of these conditions when planning optimal treatment.