Association of Anxiety With Asthma: Subjective and Objective Outcome Measures

Background: The relationship between anxiety and asthma is currently being intensively studied. Objective: The authors examined anxiety that influences and is influenced by this complex disease. Method: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with asthma at a hospital outpatient department, excluding known psychiatric patients. A sample of 195 patients, mostly middle-aged women with moderate/severe asthma, underwent pulmonary function and airway-inflammation tests and were given anxiety rating questionnaires. Results: A high level of anxiety was present in 70% of the patients. Anxiety was associated with worse subjective asthma outcomes and increased use of medication/healthcare services, but with decreased airway inflammation, and was not associated with lung function. Conclusion: Anxiety seems to influence patients' perception/awareness of asthma symptoms. (Psychosomatics 2010; 51: 39-46)