Assessment of Anxiety and Depression and Their Associated Factors in Patients Presenting to Breast Services

Abstract

Studies show that anxiety and depression are very common across patients presenting to outpatient services for medical illnesses. We expect similar or even higher scores in patients with breast complaints, owing to vitality of breast in terms of sexuality, identity and confidence. Though redundant data is available for breast cancer patients, previous studies have failed to highlight prevalence of psychiatric illnesses in patients with benign breast conditions. We have conducted a pilot study to determine prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients presenting to the Breast Services of a tertiary care center in Western India. We also assessed the associated factors predicting the risk of anxiety and depression. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 consenting patients who attended the Breast Services for any breast related complaint(s). Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 scores. Important demographic characteristics were also noted. Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests were the statistical tests used.

As per the cut off points of anxiety and depression employed by the questionnaires, a high percentage of the Breast Services patients were at risk for psychiatric disorder with prevalence of 46.4% for anxiety and 29.7% for depression. Younger age, unmarried or single status, higher education and working status can be predicting factors associated with depression and anxiety.