Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

94% Of TB Patients Report Anxiety, 77% Depression: Study Highlights Mental Health Toll Of India's TB Burden

Nearly 94% of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/tuberculosis">tuberculosis</a></span> (<span>TB</span>) patients in an Indian study conducted in Bengaluru reported anxiety symptoms, while 77.3% showed signs of depression. The findings focus on the mental health toll that comes with TB. It also sheds light on the need to include psychological support in routine treatment of tuberculosis.

The cross-sectional study, conducted with 66 adults at the Yeshwanthpur Tuberculosis Unit in Bengaluru, found that 56.1% had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while 46.9% had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Nearly half of the participants experienced symptoms of both conditions. 

The study was conducted by Dr. Pavithra Cheluvaraj, Dr. Vishnu C. Sudhakaran, Dr. Babitha Rajan and Anjana Sasikumar Nair from the Department of Community Medicine at Ramaiah Medical College. 

The researchers examined the patients using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales. 

<h2>Why Are TB Patients May Experience Anxiety And Depression?</h2>

Stigma linked with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-tuberculosis-day-can-this-condition-spread-to-your-breasts-article-151296191" data-type="tilCustomLink">TB</a>, fear of transmitting the infection to family members and existing health conditions may contribute to anxiety and depression among patients, Dr. Pavithra told <em>Bangalore Mirror</em>.

TB treatment can also entail a prolonged course of medication and regular follow-up. Psychological distress may make it harder for patients to continue treatment or seek timely care.

According to Dr. Pavithra, anxiety and depression if left untreated could affect the course of TB treatment. Patients experiencing psychological distress may delay starting treatment or stop taking their medication, which could compromising recovery and increasing the risk of drug resistance.

“If there is delay in diagnosis or treatment, the person can spread the disease,” she said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/adenomyosis-when-the-uterine-lining-grows-into-the-muscle-article-156364858" data-type="tilCustomLink">You May Be Carrying TB, And Not Know Until It Gets Worse</a> 

<h2>How Was Mental Health Assessed In The Study?</h2>

The researchers used two standardised screening tools to assess symptoms of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/burning-skin-panic-attack-depression-godzilla-weight-loss-drug-retatrutide-linked-to-129-symptoms-article-156345523" data-type="tilCustomLink">depression</a> and anxiety.

The PHQ-9 measures depressive symptoms, while the GAD-7 tests for symptoms of anxiety. The study found that 51 of the 66 participants had symptoms linked with depression, and 62 had symptoms that indicated anxiety.

Moderate to severe symptoms were found in 31 participants for depression and 37 for anxiety. These screening results indicate the need for further clinical assessment. The findings are merely observations and they do not mean that every participant had a confirmed psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, the study was based on 66 adults in one tuberculosis unit in Bengaluru, so its findings cannot represent all TB patients in India. 

But the high percentage of participants who reported symptoms of anxiety and depression suggest that there is need for better integration of mental health screening into TB treatment.

The researchers recommended routine screening for depression and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/the-silent-struggle-of-raising-a-child-with-mental-health-challenges-how-parents-can-cope-with-stigma-article-156348126" data-type="tilCustomLink">anxiety</a> when patients are diagnosed with TB and during follow-up visits. They also called for counselling and referrals for patients with more severe symptoms.

They say that identifying psychological distress early may help doctors connect patients with appropriate support while they receive treatment for the infection.

Why Are There Summer & Winter Flu Vaccine Doses? | Expert Explains

Even though this study is based on a small sample, it speaks about the long-term effects of the disease on mental health. TB is a global health crisis, which means this study warrants further investigation and action. 

According to the WHO’s <span>Global <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/tuberculosis">Tuberculosis</a> Report</span> 2025, in 2024, more than ten million people across the globe developed TB while more than 1.2 million lost their lives to the disease. 

Currently, India bears the lion's share of TB burden compared to other countries. Uneven access to <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/drug-resistant-tb">drug-resistant TB</a></span> treatment, financial hardships, stigma, prolonged treatment are some of the factors that may contribute to deteriorating mental health of TB patients. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

94-of-tb-patients-report-anxiety-77-depression-study-highlights-mental-health-toll-of-indias-tb-burden

tuberculosis

tuberculosis mental health

Drug-resistant TB

tuberculosis study

tuberculosis anxiety

tuberculosis depression

global tuberculosis report

glp-1-drugs-may-lower-risk-of-heart-complications-infections-after-surgery

GLP-1 Drugs May Lower Risk Of Heart Complications, Infections After Surgery

73-of-mouth-cancers-in-indian-women-linked-to-smokeless-tobacco-men-accounted-for-more-than-57-study

73% Of Mouth Cancers In Indian Women Linked To Smokeless Tobacco, Men Accounted For More Than 57%: Study

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Nearly 94% of tuberculosis (TB) patients in an Indian study conducted in Bengaluru reported anxiety symptoms, while 77.3% showed signs of depression. The findings focus on the mental health toll that comes with TB. It also sheds light on the need to include psychological support in routine treatment of tuberculosis.The cross-sectional study, conducted with 66 adults at the Yeshwanthpur Tuberculosis Unit in Bengaluru, found that 56.1% had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while 46.9% had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Nearly half of the participants experienced symptoms of both conditions. The study was conducted by Dr. Pavithra Cheluvaraj, Dr. Vishnu C. Sudhakaran, Dr. Babitha Rajan and Anjana Sasikumar Nair from the Department of Community Medicine at Ramaiah Medical College. The researchers examined the patients using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales. Why Are TB Patients May Experience Anxiety And Depression?Stigma linked with TB, fear of transmitting the infection to family members and existing health conditions may contribute to anxiety and depression among patients, Dr. Pavithra told Bangalore Mirror.TB treatment can also entail a prolonged course of medication and regular follow-up. Psychological distress may make it harder for patients to continue treatment or seek timely care.According to Dr. Pavithra, anxiety and depression if left untreated could affect the course of TB treatment. Patients experiencing psychological distress may delay starting treatment or stop taking their medication, which could compromising recovery and increasing the risk of drug resistance.“If there is delay in diagnosis or treatment, the person can spread the disease,” she said.Also read: You May Be Carrying TB, And Not Know Until It Gets Worse How Was Mental Health Assessed In The Study?The researchers used two standardised screening tools to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety.The PHQ-9 measures depressive symptoms, while the GAD-7 tests for symptoms of anxiety. The study found that 51 of the 66 participants had symptoms linked with depression, and 62 had symptoms that indicated anxiety.Moderate to severe symptoms were found in 31 participants for depression and 37 for anxiety. These screening results indicate the need for further clinical assessment. The findings are merely observations and they do not mean that every participant had a confirmed psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety and depression.Additionally, the study was based on 66 adults in one tuberculosis unit in Bengaluru, so its findings cannot represent all TB patients in India. But the high percentage of participants who reported symptoms of anxiety and depression suggest that there is need for better integration of mental health screening into TB treatment.The researchers recommended routine screening for depression and anxiety when patients are diagnosed with TB and during follow-up visits. They also called for counselling and referrals for patients with more severe symptoms.They say that identifying psychological distress early may help doctors connect patients with appropriate support while they receive treatment for the infection.      TB Is A Global Health CrisisEven though this study is based on a small sample, it speaks about the long-term effects of the disease on mental health. TB is a global health crisis, which means this study warrants further investigation and action. According to the WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, in 2024, more than ten million people across the globe developed TB while more than 1.2 million lost their lives to the disease. Currently, India bears the lion's share of TB burden compared to other countries. Uneven access to drug-resistant TB treatment, financial hardships, stigma, prolonged treatment are some of the factors that may contribute to deteriorating mental health of TB patients. 

94% of tb patients report anxiety, 77% depression: study highlights mental health toll of india's tb burden

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

94% Of TB Patients Report Anxiety, 77% Depression: Study Highlights Mental Health Toll Of India's TB Burden

GLP-1 Drugs May Lower Risk Of Heart Complications, Infections After Surgery

73% Of Mouth Cancers In Indian Women Linked To Smokeless Tobacco, Men Accounted For More Than 57%: Study

Retatrutide Driving Peptide-Linked Emergency Hospital Admissions In Australia: What Are The Risks?

Health Conditions A-Z

94% Of TB Patients Report Anxiety, 77% Depression: Study Highlights Mental Health Toll Of India's TB Burden

GLP-1 Drugs May Lower Risk Of Heart Complications, Infections After Surgery

73% Of Mouth Cancers In Indian Women Linked To Smokeless Tobacco, Men Accounted For More Than 57%: Study