Depression in Cystic Fibrosis

The TIDES study (The International Depression and anxiety Epidemiological Study)
screened 6,088 patients (age 12+) and 4,102 parents across nine countries.
It showed that depression and anxiety were elevated in patients with CF and in parents of children with CF.
Elevations were two to three times higher than those reported in community samples
If either parent had elevated scores , the adolescent was twice as likely to report elevated depression or anxiety.

Consequences

People with untreated depression, anxiety or both:
•    May be less likely to manage their treatment plans effectively.
•    Tend to have worse lung function.
•    May have a lower body mass index (BMI).
•    Often experience more hospitalizations.
•    May experience a lower quality of life.

What is depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mental health condition  that negatively affects how people feel, think, and act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical difficulties and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home (American Psychiatric Organisation) 
Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:
•    Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
•    Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
•    Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
•    Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
•    Loss of energy or increased fatigue
•    Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or slowed movements and speech) (actions observable by others)
•    Feeling worthless or guilty
•    Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
•    Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.
(American Psychiatric Organisation) 


Treatment of depression in CF 

The International Mental Health Guidelines Committee (IMHGC) in Cystic Fibrosis have set up consensus statements for screening and treating depression in individuals with CF and caregivers.
The guidelines and questionnaires are available on our site.