Prevalence and correlates of severe anxiety in patients with first hospitalization for major depressive disorder combined with dyslipidemia: a large sample cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Anxiety symptoms and dyslipidemia are common comorbidities in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and there are complex pathophysiologic as well as clinical mechanisms underlying the association between the three. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of severe anxiety in first-time hospitalized patients with MDD with dyslipidemia. Methods: We included 708 patients with major depressive disorder with comorbid dyslipidemia and collected their sociodemographic and general clinical data as well as biochemical parameters such as lipids, thyroid function and blood glucose. We also completed the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Positive Symptom Scale (PSS) and Clinical General Impression Scale (CGI) to assess their clinical symptoms. Results: The prevalence of severe anxiety disorder in MDD patients with dyslipidemia combined with first hospitalization was 11. 02%. HAMD score, PSS score, history of suicide, body mass index (BMI), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, and tetra-iodothyronine (FT4) level were the risk factors for the development of severe anxiety disorders in patients with MDD who were comorbid with dyslipidemia. Higher HAMD scores and TSH level may exacerbate the development of severe anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: This study reports and identifies the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in first-time hospitalized MDD patients with comorbid dyslipidemia, as well as risk factors for anxiety symptoms and severity of anxiety symptoms, and these identified factors may be potentially useful and informative for preventing and intervening in severe anxiety in this target population.