Anxiety and depression are associated with reduced quality of life and increased cough severity in chronic cough.

Background: Chronic cough has led to a substantial socioeconomic burden globally. Psychiatric comorbidities are reported in many chronic diseases. However, the relationship between mental disorders and chronic cough remains unclear.

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety, depression and chronic cough.

Methods: 238 patients (96 males and 142 females) with chronic cough were enrolled in this study. Responses were collected using the Cough Visual Analog Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire.

Results: According to the HADS, 9.2% and 6.3% of patients were identified as having anxiety and depression, respectively. Patients with anxiety and depression were more likely to have a reduced quality of life. Cough duration, cough severity and history of anaphylaxis were found to be positively associated with reduced quality of life in patients with chronic cough. Cough severity was considered as a dependent risk factor for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also, more severe symptoms of anxiety were observed in patients reported that a history of anaphylaxis. More female patients had a history of anaphylaxis and reduced cough-related quality of life.

Conclusions: Symptoms of anxiety and depression, longer cough duration, more severe cough and a history of anaphylaxis may reduce the quality of life in patients with chronic cough. Cough severity and a history of anaphylaxis are associated with symptoms of anxiety.