Assessment of Depression and Anxiety among Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Depression and anxiety are common psychological comorbidities among patients with chronic diseases and significantly influence treatment adherence, quality of life, and clinical outcomes. Chronic illnesses impose long-term physical, emotional, and financial stress, increasing vulnerability to mental health disorders, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where mental health services are often underintegrated into routine care. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety among patients with chronic diseases attending outpatient healthcare facilities in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 adult patients with clinically diagnosed chronic diseases attending selected public and private outpatient facilities in Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and clinical variables and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed to estimate prevalence and examine associations with disease duration and multimorbidity. Results: Depressive symptoms were identified in 42.5% of participants, while anxiety symptoms were present in 48.1%. Moderate to severe depression was observed in 26.3% of patients, and moderate to severe anxiety in 31.9%. Patients with disease duration exceeding five years and those with multiple chronic conditions demonstrated significantly higher odds of both depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among patients with chronic diseases in Lahore and are strongly associated with longer disease duration and multimorbidity. Routine mental health screening and integration of psychosocial support into chronic disease management are essential to improve patient outcomes