A Study of The Widespread of Anxiety, Stress and Depression of Thalassemia Patients Among Thalassemia Centers in Damascus

Abstract Background Thalassemia is a congenital blood condition, which patients require blood transfusions and are vulnerable to a variety of complications. DAS (depression, anxiety, and stress) can make their situation worse. Syrian Arab republic has no reports on measuring DAS in thalassemia patients. The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale − 21 Items) assessment is used to evaluate the incidence of DAS symptoms in our thalassemia patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on teens and adults aged 12 and up who had thalassemia and were treated in Damascus centers for thalassemia, omitting patients who is below 12 years. Results There were 67 male and 93 female patients in all, with a largest percentage age group was between 16–20 years. 48 (30%) and 59 (36.7%) of patients received blood transfusions every two weeks and monthly, respectively. 40.6% of patients did not remember to take their prescription and did not commit to taking it more than twice a week. 72% of patients had depression symptoms, 79% of the patients had anxiety symptoms, and 69% of patients had stress symptoms. Conclusion Patients with thalassemia are more prone to developing psychiatric issues, which can have an impact on the disease's progression. Our findings are comparable to those of national and Arab community research, which have revealed the greatest prevalence rates. Patients with thalassemia should have their psychological evaluations done and should be referred for adequate monitoring and treatment.