| Popis: |
Depression and anxiety are common, debilitating comorbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are associated with poorer medical and psychological outcomes, but early evidence suggests that this population largely does not receive appropriate psychological treatment. The present study examines prevalence of depression and anxiety among individuals with COPD in the general United States population and their patterns of mental healthcare utilization. Cross-sectional data from 14,784 individuals in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Hierarchical linear regression was used to predict PHQ-8 and GAD-7 scores based on COPD diagnosis. Chi-square tests were used to compare group differences in clinically significant depression and anxiety, mental healthcare utilization, and type of mental health intervention used. Significant findings were further analyzed using exploratory logistic regression. After controlling for covariates, COPD diagnosis was associated with higher depression and anxiety. In individuals with clinical depression and anxiety, COPD diagnosis was associated with greater mental healthcare utilization compared to those without COPD, with individuals with COPD using antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications at higher rates than talk therapy. The present study adds to the current literature noting high levels of depression and anxiety among individuals with COPD, drawing from a large community sample. Findings suggest, given the high levels of psychological comorbidities in COPD, a need for psychological screening and intervention as part of COPD treatment, as well as evaluation of the efficacy of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in COPD. Further study of patterns of mental healthcare utilization in COPD is also required, particularly with attention to how disease severity impacts utilization and what specific barriers to mental healthcare utilization are most salient in the COPD population. |
