Anxiety and depression in adult patients with cystic fibrosis in Croatia: results from adult CF centre

Abstract

Objectives: Living with chronic illness such as cystic fibrosis (CF) is accompanied by medical and psychological difficulties. To identify and treat depression and anxiety in CF, the CF Foundation and the European CF Society invited a panel of experts, including physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, a pharmacist, parents and an individual with CF, to develop consensus recommendations for clinical care. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety and depression by using validated mental health survey data. Methods: CF patients were recruited from adult CF centre in Zagreb, Croatia from October 2016 to December 2017. 22 patients (13 female, 9 male, mean age 24, 18-33 years) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Results: 82% and 59% of our patients had a normal anxiety and depression score (0-4), 41% of patients have symptoms of anxiety, and 18% of the patients have symptoms of depression (score between 5 and 9). No one had any serious anxiety and/or depression present. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are serious complication of chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis. Our results highlight the need for improved early identification and management strategies for psychological illnesses in adult CF patients. Research efforts are needed to identify effective strategies for delivering anxiety and depression treatment in CF patients and to assess their risks and benefits. Furthermore, strategies that help patients maintain or even improve lung function may be an interesting topic for further studies to learn more about resources and successful coping strategies.