Psychological comorbidity (depression and anxiety) in children with asthma

Introduction Although there is some evidence linking asthma to psychological co-morbidity, considerable controversy remains about the exact nature and strength of this association. Objective To compare the prevalence of psychological symptoms ( anxiety , depression and low level of self-esteem ), in children with partly or well-controlled asthma to that of healthy peers. Methods Using validated questionnaires we quantified the degree of symptoms of anxiety , depression and low level of self-esteem in 70 patients with asthma and in 70 healthy age-, sex-, and socio-economic-status matched controls. Results We found no significant differences in anxiety , depression or low level of self-esteem between groups (p-values ranging from 0.148 to 0.387) Small, but significant differences were found in the competence subscales “ behaviour and attitude ” (p=0.040) and “ loneliness ” (p=0.017), both being poorer in the asthma group. Conclusion Children with partly or well-controlled asthma do not have an increased risk of psychological comorbidity. Earlier reports of psychological comorbidity in asthma may be due to uncontrolled asthma.