Prevalence of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation that is usually progressive. Chronicity of this illness has been found to impair the day-to- day functioning in this population. These individuals are predisposed to psychiatric disorders which impact their morbidity. This study was planned as Indian literature in this area are sparse.Aim: This study aims to study the psychiatric morbidity in individuals with COPD.Methodology: Fifty inpatients in the Department of Pulmonology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru, diagnosed with COPD (Grade 3 and 4) consenting for the study were included in the study. Severity of COPD was staged using Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using ICD-10 criteria and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. A descriptive study is used.Results: Thirty- six of 50 patients assessed were found to have syndromal psychiatric disorders. Among them, 33 patients had tobacco dependence syndrome (TDS); 10 of whom had an additional psychiatric disorder (7 – alcohol dependence, 1 – moderate depression, 1 – generalized anxiety, and 1 – mixed anxiety-depression). The rest three had a single psychiatric diagnosis (1 – moderate depression, 1 – generalized anxiety, and 1 – dysthymia).Discussion and Conclusion: This study showed increased psychiatric morbidity in patients suffering from COPD and two-third had TDS. Depression and anxiety were also seen associated with this illness. The presence of psychiatric disorders in COPD leads to increased morbidity. However, these have not been screened for routinely. Early detection and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity in COPD will help in reducing the morbidity and increase in the level of functioning.