Early detection of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic diseases: A primary care-based approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.8s.1025-1030Keywords:
Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Diseases, Treatment Adherence, Mental Health Screening, Disease ManagementAbstract
Background: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders are significant contributors to global morbidity and mortality.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with chronic diseases and to explore the impact of these mental health conditions on disease management and patient outcomes.
Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital MTI Peshawar from December 2022 June 2024. A total of 155 patients diagnosed with chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders, were included. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales.
Results: The results showed that 46.5% of participants had moderate to severe depression, and 43.9% experienced moderate to severe anxiety. A higher prevalence of both depression and anxiety was observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, longer disease duration was significantly associated with increased severity of both depression and anxiety. Patients with depression and anxiety had significantly poorer adherence to their chronic disease management plans compared to those without mental health conditions.
Conclusion: It is concluded that depression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with chronic diseases, particularly those with cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders. These conditions significantly impact treatment adherence and disease management. Early detection and integration of mental health care into chronic disease management are essential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Routine screening for depression and anxiety should be incorporated into the management of chronic diseases to ensure comprehensive care.
