Panic attacks and panic disorder in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cognitive behavioral perspective

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Panic disorder is up to 10 times more prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients than the general population.
• Anxiety significantly reduces quality of life and increases healthcare costs for COPD patients.
• Understanding the high rates of panic in COPD is crucial for effective disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the high prevalence of panic attacks and panic disorder in COPD patients.
• To examine the applicability of the cognitive model of panic anxiety in COPD.
• To review the potential of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety in COPD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on panic disorder, COPD, and the cognitive model of panic.
• Examination of experimental and clinical evidence for CBT in COPD patients with anxiety.
• Analysis of epidemiological data and theoretical conceptualizations.

Main Results:

• The cognitive model of panic anxiety, involving catastrophic misinterpretation of physical sensations, appears applicable to COPD.
• Dyspnea in COPD is a physical sensation prone to catastrophic misinterpretation, potentially triggering panic.
• Preliminary evidence suggests CBT may be effective in treating anxiety and panic attacks in COPD patients.

Conclusions:

• The cognitive model provides a framework for understanding panic in COPD.
• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) holds promise for managing anxiety and panic attacks in COPD patients.
• Further research is needed, highlighting the role of mental health professionals in multidisciplinary pulmonary teams.