Depression severity tied to respiratory symptoms

Depression levels among adults appear to be positively associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study.

The study included 10,142 individuals (mean age 59.7 years, 53.2 percent women, 78.7 percent Non-Hispanic White) representative of the entire US population. Researchers used weighted logistic regression analysis and fitted curves to examine respiratory symptoms, including COPD and asthma, in relation to the presence and severity of depression. Depression was categorized according to depression index scores, as follows: none (0–4; control), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), moderately severe (15–19), and severe (20–27).

Compared with participants in the other groups, participants in the severe depression group were more often female and tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI), and a higher level of education.

Compared with the absence of depressive symptoms, the presence of severe depression was associated with greater odds of cough (odds ratio [OR], 3.324, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.567–7.050; p=0.002) and wheeze (OR, 2.842, 95 percent CI, 1.521–5.311; p=0.002), as well as asthma (OR, 2.410, 95 percent CI, 1.371–4.236; p=0.003) and COPD (OR, 2.566, 95 percent CI, 1.236–4.921; p=0.012).

Subgroup analyses showed significant gender differences, such that men with depression had a higher likelihood of cough and wheeze. Furthermore, depression being an independent risk factor for asthma and COPD.

The present data may provide additional information that may be used for the management of respiratory symptoms and diseases.