Impact of anxiety and depression on functional impairment in adolescents with asthma

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the association of anxiety and depression with psychosocial and asthma-related functional impairment in a large-population-based sample of adolescents with asthma.MethodThe sample consisted of 767 youths ages 11 to 17 with a documented diagnosis of, and active treatment for, asthma. Telephone interviews were completed with each youth and one parent to assess asthma-related symptoms and self-report of psychosocial and asthma-related functional status. Structured diagnostic interviews (Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children) were administered to determine psychiatric diagnoses. Weighted multiple linear regression models were employed to identify variables that were independently and significantly associated with levels of functioning.ResultsOne hundred twenty-five youths (16.2%) met DSM-IV criteria for one or more anxiety and depressive disorders in the last 12 months. After controlling for demographic variables, greater severity of self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms and presence of one or more DSM-IV anxiety or depressive diagnosis were associated with psychosocial and asthma-related functional status. The mental health factors were more strongly associated with measures of asthma and psychological functional outcomes than the modified Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set asthma risk measure.ConclusionsIncreased awareness of the need to assess and effectively treat psychiatric symptoms in youth with asthma may reduce the functional burden associated with asthma.