Background: Depression is one the most common mental disorders that has different symptoms such as non-stimulation, sleeping disorders, retirement and social function decreasing. It may occur in patients with chronic diseases, cancer, and asthma. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the relation between asthma and depression.

 Material and methods: For this cross-sectional study asthmatic patients referred to Shohadaye Kargar hospital in Yazd in 2006 were enrolled. Having completed the informed consent, demographic data, history of asthma and depression test of Beck (13 questions) were inquired.

 Results: Totally, 330 asthmatic patients (54% male and 46% female) were studied with a mean age of 54/5±15/5 years (range, 20-88 years). Asthmatic patients had depression more frequently than general population in Yazd (79% vs. 34%, p<0.0001). Educated subjects were more commonly affected (twice the illiterate, p<0.05). Meanwhile, risk of depression showed statistically significant association with age and history of asthma. Conclusion: Depression in more prevalent among asthmatic patients in Yazd, when compared with general population. Therefore, early treatment of asthma can cease depression.