Anxiety and depression in adolescents with beta thalassaemia major

Purpose: The course of Beta Thalassaemia Major triggers children's susceptibility to anxiety and depressive mood. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anxiety and depression in adolescents with Beta Thalassaemia Major and its relationship with hospitalisation. Materials and Methods: This correlational case-control study was conducted with a total of 77 healthy children (case=39, control=38) with a confirmed diagnosis of major thalassaemia. The data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form", Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale - Child Version (RCADS-CV) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale. Results: When the comparison of the mean RCADS-CV scores according to the groups was analysed, it was found that the mean Major Depressive Disorder sub-dimension score was significantly higher in the case group. It was found that 61.5% of the children in the case group and 92.1% of the children in the control group experienced moderate depression and the difference was statistically significant. In addition, when the RCADS-CV cut-off score of 71 and above was evaluated, it was found that 12.8% of children with Beta Thalassaemia Major had a pathological picture. Conclusion: The high prevalence of major depressive disorders in children with Beta Thalassaemia Major and hospitalisation-related depression levels in healthy children is highly significant.