[Frequency of physical symptoms in anxiety-depressive disorders: cross-sectional study in a population of 202 psychiatric consultants].

INTRODUCTION

physical symptoms associated with anxiety-depressive disorders have been the subject of several studies for several decades given their frequencies and their consequences. The aim of our study was to specify the frequency of the major physical symptoms of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobic disorder (PhD) and depressive disorder (major depressive episode (MDD) in the framework of a depressive disorder).

METHODS

we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study on a sample of 202 consultants in a department of psychiatry.

RESULTS

the average age of patients was 42 years (19-70 years), with a slight female predominance (118; 58%). Anxiety-depressive disorders included MDD (113;56%), PD (61;30.2%), GAD (55; 27.2%) and PhD (30;14.9%). Patients with 2 to 5 and more than 5 symptoms accounted for 15.9% and 39.6% respectively (depressive disorders), and 9.5% and 62.9% (anxiety disorders). The most reported symptoms were cardiopulmonary symptoms (75%), general symptoms (73.8%) and neurological symptoms (65.8%).

CONCLUSION

physical symptoms associated with anxiety-depressive disorders are variable and often occur together. They can affect prognosis, making these psychiatric disorders difficult to treat. Early screening, paying particular attention to these physical symptoms, helps prevent these complications.