RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A retrospective study of depressive illness in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) at a specialist centre
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P2386
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Lisa Parfitt
A1 Philip Marino
A1 Carl Harries
A1 Kostas Dimopoulos
A1 John Wort
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P2386.abstract
AB Background: PH is a life limiting and severely debilitating condition with no cure. The emotional well being of these patients is important as many can develop anxiety and depression, leading to significant impairment in quality of life (QOL). The current PH guidelines acknowledge the importance of psychological illness and advocate referral to psychological services (1). Other than overall QOL assessment, specific psychological assessment is infrequently performed clinically and a literature review indicates this aspect of care is under researched in the UK.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 115 PH patients at the Royal Brompton Hospital, with the aim to identify the extent and nature of depressive illness and current clinical practice in this group.Results: We found screening tools for depression were not used in routine practice. 19% of patients were taking antidepressants and referral for psychological intervention was documented in 7% of patients. Social and physical factors were highlighted as having the potential to influence the development of depressive symptoms such as occupational and marital status and functionality, which were most evident in those with PAH etiologies and lung disease.Conclusion: This study highlights a potential unmet need in assessing and managing depressive disorders in PH patients. Further research is required to better understand, screen and treat these significant conditions. Ultimately, referral to psychotherapy services should be promoted to ensure that these needs are addressed.Reference:1. Galiè, N et al, Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PH, EHJ 2009, 30 (20), 2493-2537.