Comorbid Depression and Anxiety and other Psychiatric Symptoms among Dengue Patients in Metro Manila, Philippines

摘要

Dengue fever is a major epidemic in many parts of the world including the Philippines. Psychiatric symptoms were reported in adult patients yet, information on children remains inadequate. This study aimed to: identify the prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Dengue adult and pediatric in-patients and non-patient controls; explore its major determinants and; identify other psychiatric symptoms. This cross-sectional study used 2 standardized self-report screening tools among clinical and laboratory-confirmed dengue in-patients. The prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and mixed diagnosis were higher in pediatric patients (n = 225; 13%, 34.7% and 27.1%) than in controls (n = 81) and highest in adult patients (n = 43; 27.9%, 88.4% and 86.1%.). Depression and Anxiety were predicted by age, family Dengue history, myalgias and arthralgias during <2 days of hospitalization in pediatrics while being male, positive NS1 Ag, fever, acute phase and thrombocytopenia were predictors in adults. Patients, mostly pediatrics, reported fear of mosquitoes (21.1%), panic disorder symptoms (95.6%), hallucinations (4.9%), thoughts of death (36.4%), irritable mood/irritability and agitation (64.3%). This serves as benchmark for the prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and other psychiatric symptoms among dengue patients especially children. Early regular screening for these symptoms are necessary to prevent long-term, chronic psychiatric conditions.