Features of clinical manifestations of disease and psychological status of adolescents with bronchial asthma of various levels of control and the influence of risk factors

Abstract

The problem of psycho-emotional state of patients with asthma is of great importance from a mental and social point of view. The aim: To find out the factors which influence mental state of adolescents, to determine features of clinical manifestations and of mental status in patients with bronchial asthma, depending on degree of its control. Materials and methods: 108 adolescents aged 11-17, ill with BA, of various levels of control. Luscher color test was used to determine the child’s mental status. Anxiety score was assessed by Spielberger-Hanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Depressive status and depression severity were evaluated by HDRS. Results: The patients with UC BA reported unsatisfactory living conditions significantly more often compared to those with C BA and the children with PC BA compared to those with C BA (р<0.01). Patients with PC BA and UC BA were found to have significantly increased proneness to conflict, marked emotional tension and lability, mood swings, increased anxiety, vulnerability and sensitivity, as compared to those with C BA. Significantly lower state anxiety was revealed in the patients with C BA as compared to those with PC BA (p = 0.004) and UC BA (p = 0.0001). Significantly lower mean values of depression values were detected in the patients with C BA compared to those with UC BA (p=0.011) and PC BA (p=0.0015). Conclusions: The major factors influencing the psychological status of adolescents were: unsatisfactory living conditions, psychic and physical punishment, stress, heavy workload etc. The patients with BA developed psychological disorders under the influence of those factors.