Rising Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Analysis

Pancreas. 2022 Apr 1;51(4):325-329. doi: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000002019. Epub 2022 Jun 11.

Abstract

Objectives: We aim to characterize the prevalence and impact of anxiety and depression (AD) in hospitalized patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Anxiety and depression have been shown to have a significant impact on mortality and length of stay in gastrointestinal diseases, but there are limited studies evaluating its impact on CP.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample from 2007 to 2014. The outcomes were the prevalence and trend of AD, impact on mortality, length of stay, and cost and independent predictors of AD.

Results: A total of 75,744 patients with CP were included in our analysis, of which 23,323 (31%) had anxiety or depression. The prevalence of anxiety increased from 7.33% in 2007 to 20.02% in 2014. Depression increased from 18.49% in 2007 to 23.89% in 2014. Independent predictors of AD were decreasing age, female sex, and multiple comorbidities. Decreased risk was seen in African Americans, Hispanics, and those from the South and West. Anxiety and depression did not impact overall mortality or length of stay.

Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are increasingly recognized diagnosis in patients with CP. Careful management and treatment of psychiatric illnesses and improving quality of life need to be addressed for these patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Depression* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic* / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies