Psychological functioning of adults with cystic fibrosis

Study objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the psychological profiles of adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to investigate pre dictors of patients' psychological status. Patients and methods: Thirty-four adults with CF completed a battery of psy chological testing including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventor y-2, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. These we re compared to health status data, including pulmonary function testing and nutritional status measures. Results: As a group, adults with CF did not demonstrate significant levels of depression, anxiety, or other psychopathology. Results were not affected by age, sex, or severity of disease. Male gender predicted higher scores f or depression and anxiety, and better lung functioning predicted less anxie ty. Having a higher level of psychosocial support emerged as a strong predi ctor of better psychological functioning. Conclusions: Overall, adults with CF report relatively healthy psychologica l functioning. Better lung function and a strong social support system pred icted better psychological functioning, which may have implications for cli nical intervention.