European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, diffuse
interstitial lung disease of unknown cause that occurs primarily in older adults. Several
causes for IPF have been proposed, including diabetes mellitus, smoking, metal
particles, and sawdust. IPF is the commonest and most severe form of idiopathic
interstitial pneumonia. No curative medical treatment is available for IPF, and lung
transplantation remains the only effective treatment. Psychiatric comorbidities are
common in patients of IPF. Among them, depression and anxiety are more common.
Aim and objective: To study the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis who
visited Chest and TB OPD were recruited in the study. They were assessed in detail for
the presence of depression and anxiety with the help of the Hamilton Depression and
Anxiety rating scale.
Results: A total of 30(60%) patients out of 50 have comorbid depression and anxiety.
Conclusion: Depression and Anxiety were found to be a common problem in patients
with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. A proper address of this issue is important for
management, better outcome, and policymaking in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary
Fibrosis.