Depression and Anxiety States of Patients Followed in Pituitary Polyclinic: Depression and Anxiety States of Patients Followed in Pituitary Polyclinic

Authors

Afruz Babayeva Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
Mehmet Muhittin Yalçın Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
Atakan Tüm Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Aydın Tuncer Sel Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
Alev Eroğlu Altınova Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
Müjde Aktürk Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
Mehmet Ayhan Karakoç Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
İlhan Yetkin Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye
Füsun Törüner Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Türkiye

Keywords:

Pituitary diseases, pituitary adenoma, hypopituarism, quality of life, depression, anxiety

Abstract

Objective: Individuals with pituitary disease are susceptible to the development of depression and anxiety because of interventional therapies, such as surgery and radiotherapy (RT), and long-term medical care (due to hyper or hypofunction). The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels of patients in remission from different etiologies of pituitary pathology and to determine the impact of this condition on the disease, treatment approach, and other factors.

Methods: The Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory was administered to sixty patients and thirty healthy individuals. The parameters of the patient group, including the etiology of pituitary pathology, surgical and radiotherapeutic history, hormonal failure status, and replacement therapy, were recorded.

Results: The patient group’s depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher than those of the control group. In the patient group, there was no significant difference in depression and anxiety levels between those who underwent surgery and those who did not, and between those who received RT and those who did not. Furthermore, depending on pituitary adenoma functionality [functional pituitary adenoma and non-functional pituitary adenoma], hormonal secretion type (growth hormone excess, prolactin hormone excess, cortisol hormone excess, etc.), and hormone replacement treatment. There was no significant difference between the levels of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion: In our study, the presence of pituitary disease due to any etiology was associated with elevated levels of depression and anxiety. Our findings that patients with pituitary adenomas had increased levels of depression and anxiety may have implications for the long-term care of these patients. Although well-being in terms of pituitary illness is ensured in the follow-up of these patients, an effort should be made to reduce depression and anxiety. Comprehensive mental evaluation and psychotherapy should be incorporated into the treatment plan if necessary.