Can depression and anxiety be predicted in hereditary angioedema? A comprehensive assessment

Abstract

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder marked by unpredictable episodes of recurrent swelling. This unpredictability, combined with the risk of death and its impact on daily life, leads to significant psychological distress, which profoundly affects patients' quality of life. Objective: This study assessed the levels of depression, general anxiety, and death anxiety in patients with HAE, along with the factors that influence them. Methods: This single-center cohort study included patients ages ≥18 years and with HAE type 1 or 2, who were followed up at the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Medical Faculty, Ege University, between December 2023 and September 2024. Participants completed questionnaires with regard to their demographics, general health, and disease characteristics. In addition, their psychological conditions were assessed by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Templer Death Anxiety Scale, a tool that has not been previously applied to this group. Results: One hundred patients participated in the study, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 40.5 ± 14.5 years; 66% (n = 66) were women. Among the participants, 30% (n = 30) had a family history of death related to HAE, and 74% (n = 74) reported experiencing oropharyngeal/laryngeal edema. Anxiety was observed in 54% of the patients (n = 54), whereas 36% (n = 36) experienced depression. Women had higher levels of anxiety than men (p = 0.048), and younger patients (ages <65 years) exhibited greater anxiety levels (p = 0.022). Mild-to-moderate depression was more prevalent among patients who had experienced a recent laryngeal attack (p = 0.031). Seventy-seven percent of the patients (n = 77) reported experiencing death anxiety, which was notably higher in those who had recent laryngeal attacks (p = 0.004) and moderate-to-severe attacks (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Patients with HAE, especially those who experienced frequent severe attacks or recent laryngeal episodes, face a higher risk of psychological distress.