Introduction

To illustrate the prevalence and patterns of depression and anxiety in outpatients in the clinics of andrology.

Methods

The executive outpatients referred to the clinics of andrology of a large medical center from 2014 to 2015 were investigated. The presence and severity of depression and anxiety were evaluated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7). The data of primary disease, age, height, weight, educational background and occupation were also reviewed.

Results

1489 patients were included. The most common symptom for depression was "feeling tired", while for anxiety was "easily irritated". 57% patients were diagnosed with depression, and the ratio of mild depression was 31%, while severe depression were only 3%; 42% patients were diagnosed with anxiety, with mild anxiety 27% and severe anxiety 1%. Patients who received higher education and who participated in mental labor were less likely to suffer from depression. Patients with Late-onset Hypogonadism (LOH), Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Chronic Prostatitis (CP) exhibited higher risk for depression and anxiety, while less prevalence was found in patients with BPH and infertility. 535 patients (35.9%) were diagnosed with both diseases, with a percentage of 56.4% in the cohort of patients who had at least one of the disease.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in outpatients in clinics of andrology was high. Patients with LOH, ED, CP and those who had poor educational background or participated in physical work had higher risk. Most patients were diagnosed with mild to moderate stage, and it's important to evaluate the primary disease and the combined psychogenic problems objectively.

Funding

none