Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
04:59
Heat-sensitive Moxibustion as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Insomnia
Published on: May 30, 2025
Psychological distress and occupational asthma
Kim L Lavoie1, Maryann Joseph, Simon L Bacon
1Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, Division of Chest Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montré al -a University of Montreal affiliated hospital, Quebec, Canada. k-lavoie@crhsc.rtss.qc.ca
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 28, 2009
Summary
Occupational asthma significantly impacts mental health, with patients experiencing high levels of anxiety and chronic depression. More research is crucial to understand the psychological burden of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Psychology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Occupational asthma is a significant respiratory condition.
- Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, can manifest in patients.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the psychological impacts of occupational asthma.
- To define psychological impacts as stress, distress, and clinical psychiatric disorders.
- To identify the prevalence of psychological distress in occupational asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of medical and psychological publications from 1998-2008.
- Analysis of studies focusing on psychological distress in occupational asthma.
- Synthesis of findings regarding anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Only one relevant study was published between 1998 and 2008.
- Patients exhibited clinical levels of depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Anxiety disorders affected 35% and dysthymia 23% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Research on psychological factors in occupational asthma is limited.
- Patients with occupational asthma show high rates of anxiety and depression.
- Further studies are needed to fully assess the psychological burden.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...