dysfunctional breathing and anxiety related disorder

Abstract

Introduction Although dysfunctional breathing is a common symptom in general population and affects qualities of life, it is still underdiagnosed. There are some studies of prevalence of it in asthma, but few studies in mental illness. Objectives The purposes of this study were to explore the prevalence of it in anxiety related disorders, and to investigate whether anxiety influence it. Methods 150 patients diagnosed with anxiety or depressive disorders, and 135 controls were recruited. Nijmegen questionnaire was used to assess dysfunctional breathing, and Hospital anxiety depression scale was used. Results The prevalence of dysfunctional breathing in anxiety related disorders was higher than that in control. In the linear regression model, anxiety accounted for 61.2 % of dysfunctional breathing, but depressed mood. With covariate adjusted for anxiety, scores of dysfunctional breathing in anxiety or depressive disorders were higher than in controls. Conclusions Dysfunctional breathing in anxiety related disorders is higher than that in control. Adjusting anxiety, its difference is still. Anxiety affects dysfunctional breathing, but depressed mood does not. Disclosure of Interest None Declared