1467 – Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in patients with thalassemia in a greek transfusion center

Introduction Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that requires lifelong adherence to a complicated and burdensome medical regimen which could potentially impact emotional functioning of patients. Objectives To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in adult patients with thalassemia. Aims To explore possible demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of these symptoms. Methods 117 patients (19-61 years old, M age = 37.2Plusmn;9.3; 63% female) took part in the study. Depression, anxiety stress scale (DASS) was used along with SF12 for health related quality of life and a questionnaire about sociodemographic characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 16. Results Severe depressive symptoms were found in 17 patients (15%), anxiety symptoms in 11(9.6%) and stress symptoms in 35(30.2%). Sex, age, education, marital status and income had no significant correlation with anxiety and stress. In depression there was a significant difference between single and married patients (x2=6.990 p Conclusions Given these findings, regular screening for anxiety stress and depression symptoms could help to identify at-risk patients to provide them with appropriate psychological support with the goal of improving emotional health.