Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than your physical wellness, it can also take its toll on your emotional wellbeing. This is according to a new press release issued by the American Thoracic Society, which states, for the first time, that there’s a link between the systemic inflammation associated with COPD and depression.
According to researcher Hilary Strollo, MS, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, ‘Systemic inflammation is thought to be an important mediator of comorbidities in COPD, but the relationship between inflammation and depression has not been explored. In our study, we found a strong association between depressive symptoms and levels of the inflammatory biomarker interleukin-6 (IL-6) which was independent of the severity of airflow obstruction.’
For the study, the researchers recruited 450 tobacco-exposed people, 237 of whom were men and 215 were women. 37 (16%) males and 49 (23%) females were found to suffer from depression. This is a common health concern fro people who have COPD, and depression has previously found to be strongly associated with how severe the disease is, as well as a reduced quality of life. The study found the most significant biological variables associated with depressive symptoms were lower FEV1 (most strongly associated with depression), being female, increased IL-6 levels and being a current smoker.
To gather their data, the researchers used results from the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the UCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ). The study participants also underwent spirometry and computed tomography (CT) of the chest. Strollo explained, ‘Depression has been linked with a number of symptoms and comorbidities in COPD patients. Our findings add evidence of a strong relationship between depression and one of the hallmarks of COPD, systemic inflammation, independent of the severity of disease.’
Based on the results of this study, it is strongly suggested that, if you have COPD, you should be evaluated for depression and then treated accordingly. You should pay a visit to your health care provider for a thorough assessment if you often experience feeling sad or empty, crying, irritability, decreased pleasure in things you normally enjoy doing, weight changes, sleep disturbances or fatigue, poor concentration or an inability to make decisions.
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