Incident Depression In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Uk Population-Based Study

Background: Depression is frequently reported in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). There is little information available on the incidence following a COPD diagnosis. Aims: To assess the incidence of a new diagnosis of depression or prescription for antidepressants in individuals with and without COPD. Methods: A matched cohort study using The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database was conducted. Patients with confirmed COPD diagnosis, aged over 40 years old were matched by age, gender and GP practice to up to 4 subjects without a COPD diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between COPD and the first episode of depression or antidepressant prescription. Results: 44,362 patients with COPD and 124,140 subjects without COPD were identified. The incidence rate of depression per 1000 person-years following COPD diagnosis was greater (11.4; 95% CI: 10.9–11.8) compared to subjects without COPD (5.7; 95% CI: 5.5–5.8) (p Conclusion: The greater risk of incident depression in patients with COPD highlights that healthcare professionals should be observant to symptoms.