Study links steroid-dependent asthma to depression

By Shereen Jegtvig NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – People with severe asthma who rely on prednisone are more than three times more likely to be depressed than those with severe cases who don’t use prednisone and those with mild to moderate asthma, according to a new study from The Netherlands. Prednisone-dependent asthma patients “deserve” screening for depression and anxiety, the authors say, both to alleviate their suffering and possibly improve their physical health through mental health treatment. “There’s a well-established connection with asthma, as well as chronic illness in general, and higher reports of depression than the general population,” Dr. Rebecca Hashim told Reuters Health. Prednisone is a steroid anti-inflammatory medication used to treat asthma attacks, often among people with severe symptoms.