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Abstract

BACKGROUND:Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and is one of the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Presence of various psychiatric co-morbidities can have impact on treatment of tuberculosis and Identifying and treating them can increase cure rates of tuberculosis.AIM AND OBJECTIVES-The aim of the study is to assess the psychiatric co-morbidities and their relationship with socio-demographic variables in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis.MATERIAL AND METHODS-A total of 120 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis from the department of respiratory medicine were assessed for the presence of psychiatric co-morbidity using Mini International Neuropsychiatry Inventory (MINI).RESULT-Overall psychiatric co-morbidities were found in 54 (45%) patients out of 120. The frequency of co-occurrence of different types of psychiatric disorders was as following: depression 22.5%, social phobia 9.2%, panic disorder 7.5%, obsessive compulsive disorder 5.8%, generalized anxiety disorder 4.2%, alcohol dependence 2.5%, suicidality 1.7%. Among socio-demographic parameters, marital status and educational level were associated with psychiatric co-morbidities in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. psychiatric co-morbidities were found to be more in singles and patients with lower educational level.CONCLUSION-Psychiatric comorbidities were found to be a common problem with pulmonary tuberculosis. The Results of this study are in line with many different research works both in India and abroad. A proper address of this issue is important for the management, better outcome and policy making in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.