Summary
Background: Suggested treatment of patients with COPD and astma requires promotion and psychological dimensions of patients. Aim: Primary objective of this study was to determine frequency of developing anxiety and depression in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to gender, age and socioeconomic status and to evaluate possible differences between patients with and without high level of anxiety and depression and to find correlation between psychological aspects and disease itself. Subjects and methods: This study included a total of 120 subjects: 60 patients with asthma and 60 patients with COPD. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire for general information on subjects, standardized Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Significant difference was found in the anxiety level in these two groups. Average value for the patients with COPD was 43 (15) and for the patients with asthma 37.5 (15.7). Statistically significant difference was also reported for the depression level among females. In female patients with COPD that level was 13.5 (14.7) and in female patients with asthma 7.5 (11). There is a correlation between anxiety and depression in patients with COPD and asthma, especially among women. Conclusion: This study suggests that asthma and COPD are a significant stressor with a risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Relevance
This study confirms the connection between chronic disease and mental health and vice versa. This study suggests that asthma and COPD are significant stressors with a risk of developing anxiety and depression, but also that mental conditions and well-being may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as asthma or chronic pulmonary disease. The correlation between anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pulmonary disease and asthma, especially among women, opens different strategies for the prevention of a healthy lifestyle by affecting both, physical and mental health, especially when it comes to chronic lung diseases.