Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition, which can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. In a 2019 study, researchers assessed 73,225 adults hospitalized for SCD to understand the prevalence of depression among them. The findings revealed that comorbid depression was more common in females aged between 35 and 50, and was associated with a higher risk of major complications and a higher cost per hospital admission.[1] However, it is important to note that this study only looked at hospitalized patients, and did not evaluate a causal relationship between SCD and depression. Nonetheless, the data suggest that incorporating mental health assessments for individuals with SCD could improve patients’ outcomes.
References
- ^Onyeaka HK, Queeneth U, Rashid W, Ahmad N, Rajan SK, Jaladi PR, Patel RSImpact of Depression in Sickle Cell Disease Hospitalization-Related Outcomes: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS).Medicina (Kaunas).(2019-Jul-17)