The Evaluation of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis in Terms of Depression

Introduction and Objective: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive and fatal genetically inherited severe disease. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental disorder that sometimes involves suicidal thoughts and death can occur when suicide is committed. The prevalence of depression has increased in CF patients. In our study, CF patients who were followed up monthly were investigated in terms of depression. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of children aged 10-18 years with CF and the control group consisted of age- and gender-matched healthy children. Demographic data and depression status of the groups were analysed prospectively. The depression scale for children (DSC), which has been proven to be valid and reliable, was used for the diagnosis of depression. The total score obtained according to the DSC and the presence of depression according to the DSC were recorded. Results: Sixty per cent of the study group (n=30) and 70 per cent of the control group (n=30) were male (n=21), and the distribution was similar. History of psychiatric outpatient clinic, total score of the DSC, body mass index (kg/m(2)), consanguinity status between parents and total sleep duration were statistically significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of depression, suicidal ideation, educational status, family type, place of residence, smoking exposure and parental psychiatric history. Although not statistically significant, there were numerically increased depressive symptoms and tendencies in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusion: CF is a chronic disease and the risk of depression is increased in CF patients. In addition to medical treatments, it is important to protect mental health. Adequate mental health support improves the physical symptoms of the disease and increases patient and family compliance with treatment. In conclusion, we think that it is important to perform routine mental health screening during the disease process.