Dyspnoea and comorbidity contribute to anxiety and depression in interstitial lung disease

Background and objectives Little is known about the prevalence of anxiety in interstitial lung disease ( ILD ), and the contributors to depression are not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression in people with ILD . Methods One hundred and twenty‐four individuals with ILD (age 64 years (standard deviation 12), 48 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) participated. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the H ospital A nxiety and D epression S cale to determine likely cases and borderline cases. Associations with demographic data, respiratory function, 6‐min walk and M odified M edical R esearch C ouncil D yspnoea S cale ( MMRC ) were examined. Results The prevalence of anxiety was 31%, with clinically significant anxiety in 12%. Depression was present in 23% of individuals, with 7% having clinically significant depression. Independent predictors of anxiety were a higher MMRC score ( P  = 0.005, odds ratio ( OR ) for case 2.60, 95% confidence interval 1.37 to 4.92) and higher nadir SpO 2 during walking ( P  = 0.003, OR for case 1.16, 1.04–1.30). Independent predictors of depression were a higher MMRC score ( P  = 0.006, case OR 3.84, 1.25–11.78, borderline case OR 2.44, 1.14–5.19) and a greater number of comorbidities ( P  = 0.003, case OR 2.02, 0.97–4.21, borderline case OR 2.26, 1.30–3.93). Conclusions Anxiety and depression are present in a significant minority of individuals with ILD . Dyspnoea and comorbidities are important contributors that may be amenable to intervention.