A survey on 564 cases of inpatients with anxiety and depression in general hospitals in 2015

Abstract

Objective: To understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in medical patients in general hospitals and find out main influencing factors.

Methods: According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 564 inpatients from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University were selected during January to June of 2015. Patients were assessed for anxiety and/or depression by use of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMAS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMDS). Meanwhile, final diagnosis was made on the basis of diagnostic criteria listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

Results: In different departments, the positive rate (HADS ≥ 8) was the highest in Department of Oncology (45.42%), and the lowest in Department of Gastroenterology (16.05%). After assessment with the help of HAMD and HAMA, the prevalence of anxiety/depression was the highest in Department of Oncology (46.43%), and the lowest in Department of Gastroenterology (16.05%). There was no statistical significance in diagnostic results acquired from HAMD and HAMA (p = .071). Two types of diagnostic methods were highly consistent (κ = 0.852, p = .000). Inpatients aged from 40 to 59 years, with junior high school education or below, very tiring work, poor marital status (separated, divorced, widowed), unharmonious family, low personal income, completely self-paying and family history of anxiety and depression, currently unable to take care of themselves were more prone to anxiety and depression (p < .05).

Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety and depression in medical patients in general hospitals is high due to many influencing factors. It is necessary to establish an effective diagnosis and treatment system for anxiety and depression, in order to make patients easy to receive an early and comprehensive treatment and improve their life quality.