Depressive Symptoms Predict Poor Adherence to Asthma Therapy Megan Rauscher (News Author) & Penny Murata, MD (CME Author) Medscape, October 20, 2006. Chest. 2006;130:1034-1038.
A study by Dr. Bartlett et al of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine demonstrated the correlation between depressive symptoms of asthma patients and impaired adherence to asthma treatment. Further, of the 59 adult post-discharge asthma patients studied, 41% were found to be significantly depressed, underlining the importance of assessing those afflicted with this disorder for depression.
That group of depressed patients were, according to Dr. Bartlett, “11 times more likely to be poorly adherent to asthma therapy [than non-depressed patients],” based on data from electronic monitors that evaluated the patients’ implementation of the prescribed regimen of inhaled or oral corticosteroid treatment. The article also provides a brief review of the impact of psychosocial factors on adherence to therapy.
CME Information:
This article is intended for primary care clinicians, allergists, pulmonologists, and other specialists who provide care for patients with asthma. Valid for CME credit through October 20, 2007
Physicians – maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s for physicians;
Family Physicians – up to 0.25 AAFP Prescribed credit(s) for physicians
Registration for CME credit and the post test must be completed online. To access the activity Post Test, please go to: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/546353.