[abstract] DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY FOLLOWING ACCIDENTAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning results in cognitive sequelae, but there is no prospective results regarding depression and anxiety outcomes. METHODS: With IRB approval, we enrolled accidental CO poisoned patients in a prospective outcome study from November 1992 through February 1999. The Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories were administered at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-CO poisoning. The depression and anxiety scores were considered normal ( less than 10), mild (10-16), moderate (17-29), and severe (30-63) for depression and anxiety. Data expressed as mean +/- SD. RESULTS: We enrolled 150 patients: 58percent (87/150) were male, 37percent (56/150) lost consciousness, COHb =19.2 +/- 11.4percent, age 37 +/- 15 years; education level 13.1 +/- 2.5 years. Prior psychiatric history was present in 13.5percent (20/149) of patients and 38percent (56/148) had six-week cognitive sequelae. Depression was present in 28percent at 6 weeks, 18percent at 6 months, and 17percent at 12 months. Anxiety was present in 25percent at 6 weeks, 21percent at 6 months, and 23percent at 12 months. Depression, percent (N) 6 wks 6 mo 12 mo Anxiety, percent (N) 6 wks 6 mo 12 mo, Normal 72 (86) 82 (115) 83 (113) Normal 75 (90) 77 (110) 77 (104), Mild 16 (19) 10 (14) 10 (14) Mild 10 (12) 11 (15) 17 (23), Moderate 8 (10) 8 (11) 5 (7) Moderate 10 (12) 9 (13) 6 (8), Severe 4 (5) 0.7 (1) 1.5 (2) Severe 5 (6) 1.4 (2) 0 (0), Depression decreased from 6 weeks to 6 and 12 months. Prior psychiatric history was a risk factor for depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Accidental CO poisoning results in new depression and anxiety. Depression improved over time. Prior psychiatric history was a risk factor for depression and anxiety. Supported by Deseret Foundation Grants, LDS Hospital ( 247, 275, 305)