Depression Doubles Mortality Risk in Patients with COPD

The association between depression and mortality already has been shown in patients with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, a new study shows that patients with stable COPD who show significant signs of depression also may have an increased risk of mortality. Researchers from the Netherlands assessed depression symptoms in 121 patients with stable COPD and followed the patients for 8.5 years. Results showed that depression nearly doubled (odds ratio = 1.93) the risk of mortality in these patients, independent of gender, older age, and lower exercise capacity. This study is published in the March issue of the journal CHEST.