Depression symptoms and quality of life among individuals with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feldman, Jonathan M.; Zeigler, Ariel E.; Nelson, Krista; Morales-Raveendran, Esperanza; Pelletier, Teresa; Roizen, Gigia; Ren, Zhen; Jerschow, Elina
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 56:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 731
• Page End: 738
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Mental health -- minority groups -- protective factors -- resilience -- signs and symptoms; Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1490754
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) have high disease burden due to the severity of asthma and sinonasal symptoms. There is limited research on the psychological well-being and subjective experiences of patients with AERD. This study examined levels of depression symptoms, asthma-related quality of life and asthma control among AERD patients. Methods: Thirty-two adults with AERD and 39 patients without AERD (asthma-only) were recruited from outpatient asthma/allergy clinics. The sample was largely comprised of ethnic minority, inner-city patients who ranged in age from 19 to 84 years old. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini AQLQ), a self-report rating of asthma severity and spirometry testing. Asthma control and severity were determined following national guidelines. Results: AERD patients reported lower levels of depression symptoms ( p = 0.049), better overall asthma-related quality of life ( p < 0.001), and perceived their asthma to be less severe ( p = 0.01) compared to asthma-only patients. However, clinician ratings of asthma severity were more severe for AERD than asthma-only patients ( p = 0.006). No significant differences were found between the groups on asthma controller medications or oral corticosteroid bursts for asthma. Conclusions: AERD patients may be resilient given their low levels of depression symptoms and positive views of asthma-related impairment despite higher clinician-rated asthma severity. The adult onset nature of asthma in AERD might be a protective factor on mental health. Future studies should explore mechanisms linking AERD and positive psychological health outcomes and subjective perception of asthma.