Are there any psychological factors in male patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is usually seen in young male smokers. Pathophysiology of PSP remains unclear, and studies concerning emotional status are scarce. The aim of this study is to investigate psychological factors associated with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Methods: The Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered.

Results: A total of 40 patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. The mean age in the patient group was 24.60 years, while that in the control group was 26.45 years. The difference was not significant. The weight and body mass index of the patient group were significantly lower compared to those of the control group. The mean Beck Anxiety Inventory scores in the patient and control groups were 10.37 ± 11.34 and 8.25 ± 10.60, respectively. Anxiety levels did not differ between the groups (p = 0.389). The mean Beck Depression Inventory scores of the patient and control groups were 8.20 ± 8.37 and 6.80 ± 7.57, respectively, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.435). When the anger structures of the groups were compared, no difference was found in any sub-scale. Trait anxiety scores were higher in the patient group compared to those in the control group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.369).

Conclusions: This study's findings indicated that anger, anxiety, and depression levels did not differ between the primary spontaneous pneumothorax and healthy groups.