A Cross-sectional Study of the Presence of Psychiatric Comorbidities among Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases

Background and Objectives: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a complex group of chronic lung conditions characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung interstitium. Although physical impairments in ILD are well recognized, the burden of psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression has not been thoroughly studied. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in ILD patients and to examine their relationships with demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical severity factors. Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to June 2023 at a tertiary care center in India. A total of 123 adult patients with diagnosed ILD were enrolled. Data collection involved a detailed clinical evaluation, pulmonary function testing (forced vital capacity [FVC], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], SpO₂), and assessment of psychiatric comorbidities using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Psychiatric comorbidity was present in 29.27% of patients. Among them, 9.75% had anxiety, 6.5% had depression, and 13.01% experienced both conditions. Female gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 19.633, P < 0.0001) and presence of comorbidities (OR: 3.121, P = 0.006) were significantly linked to psychiatric issues. Lower FVC (OR: 0.956, P = 0.010), lower 6MWD (OR: 0.994, P = 0.022), and lower SpO₂ levels (OR: 0.780, P = 0.001) were associated with increased psychological distress. Conclusion: A significant proportion of ILD patients suffer from undiagnosed psychiatric comorbidities, particularly among females and those with severe disease.