Cronly JA, et al. - Researchers examined 174 adults and adolescents (aged ≥ 14 years) with cystic fibrosis to determine the relative significance of physical and mental health variables related to health-related quality of life in this group. Participants were asked to answer a background questionnaire comprised of self-reported physical health variables, pulmonary function (ie, FEV₁%), and body mass index. Participants were also assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised. Findings revealed a strong association of mental health variables (depression and anxiety) with health-related quality of life. Also, compared with the physical health indicators (FEV₁% and body mass index), mental health variables (depression and anxiety) showed greater effect sizes and explained a higher proportion of the variance overall. These data emphasized the utility of screening for, and treating, symptoms of depression and anxiety.