Assessment of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common chronic lung diseases today and is a serious health, economic and social problem. It is characterized by a progressively worsening airway obstruction leading to respiratory insufficiency, even to death. Co-morbid mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are very common in patients with this condition and are associated with increased morbidity. Although they generally impair quality of life, they are rarely examined in the context of the clinical treatment of such patients. Studies indicate that the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms and anxiety is around 50%. This study deals with the prevalence of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and gives an overview of the instruments used for assessing the extent of such depression.