Evaluation of the relationship between some mental state parameters and the quality of life in patients with allergic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of thestudy was to assess the relationship between symptoms of depression, the level of sense of coherence (SOC) and the quality of life in patients with allergic diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 50 bronchial asthma patients, 72 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, and 48 patients with atopic dermatitis. The control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. The mental status and quality of life were assessed by questionnaires: Short Form-36 Health Status Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sense of Coherence-29 (SOC-29).

RESULTS

Mean depression severity values were higher in allergic rhinitis patients and atopic dermatitis patients than in the control group. Patients in the latter group also showed higher rates of depression than those with bronchial asthma. In all study groups, statistically significantly lower values of sense of coherence were demonstrated compared to healthy subjects. There were no differences in the values of sense of coherence, in comparisons between the study groups. In all patient groups, lower values in physical functioning (PCS) of the quality of life scale were observed compared to the control group. The severity of symptoms of depression in all groups showed negative correlations with quality of life parameters and a sense of coherence. In addition, the SOC value correlated negatively with the parameters of mental functioning (MCS) of the quality of life scale.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Patients with atopic dermatitis showed the greatest severity of depressive symptoms. (2) Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis showed abetter quality of life than patients with chronic bronchial asthma and patients with atopic dermatitis. (3) Low level of sense of coherence in patients suffering from allergic diseases and the occurrence of symptoms of depression can worsen the quality of life.