Prevalence of DSM IV anxiety and affective disorders in a pediatric population of asthmatic children and adolescents

A series of 82 children and adolescents with moderate and severe persistent asthma was studied. Their psychopathological problems were compared to tho se of 82 healthy subjects, matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. The patients completed the Child Depression Inventory, an inventory of fear s and anxiety (ECAP) and the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory. Parents of asthmatic children filled in the Child Behavior Check List to assess their social competence. The patients were examined with the revised Kiddie Sched ule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. There were more anxiety symp toms in the asthmatic group than in the control group. Asthmatics were not significantly more depressed than controls and their self-esteem was as goo d. We found 29 anxiety disorders, four affective disorders and four disrupt ive behavior disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder was the main diagnosis (n = 24). The asthmatic subgroup presenting anxiety and affective disorder s had poorer self esteem, fewer activities and worse social competence than other asthmatics and controls. Adolescents did not seem to have more emoti onal disturbances than younger patients, Girls did not have more DSM IV anx iety or affective disorders than boys. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.