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Published on: May 30, 2025
[Anxiety and depression in COPD: a review]
1Laboratoire Epsylon, universités Montpellier, Montpellier, France. gregory.ninot@univ-montp1.fr
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts cognitive and affective functions, leading to high rates of anxiety and depression. Early recognition and therapeutic interventions are crucial for managing these co-occurring conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) extends beyond respiratory impairment, affecting patients' cognitive and affective functions.
- Anxiety and depressive disorders are prevalent in COPD patients, with reported rates of 50% and 33%, respectively.
- These psychological comorbidities exacerbate COPD symptoms, reduce exercise tolerance, and increase healthcare utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review contemporary definitions and the link between anxiety/depressive disorders and COPD.
- To discuss assessment procedures for these disorders in clinical practice.
- To highlight the impact of psychological symptoms on COPD management and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of contemporary definitions, links, and assessment methods for anxiety and depressive disorders in COPD.
- Analysis of the impact of these disorders on COPD patient experience and disease progression.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies for managing psychological comorbidities in COPD.
Main Results:
- Anxiety and depressive symptoms in COPD patients often stem from poor illness comprehension, psychological maladjustment, and social isolation.
- Psychological support, therapeutic education, and rehabilitation are effective interventions, with medication reserved for severe cases.
- The "hospitalization anxiety depression" auto-questionnaire is a reliable tool for symptom assessment.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety and depressive disorders are integral to the COPD patient experience and can occur at any disease stage.
- Healthcare professionals must actively screen for and address these psychological symptoms, avoiding dismissal as inevitable consequences of illness or aging.
- Effective therapeutic solutions are available, emphasizing the need for integrated care approaches.
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