Depression and suicidality in COPD: understandable reaction or independent disorders?

Both depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prevalent, severe and often comorbid disorders. There is a risk of undertreatment for depression in patients with COPD as depressive symptoms, including suicidal tendencies, can erroneously be conceptualised as an understandable reaction to COPD and not as signs of an independent depressive disorder. In this context, the comorbidity rates of COPD and depression, the risk of suicidal behaviour in patients with COPD, and the evidence base for pharmaco- and psychotherapy in these patients are reviewed. Because symptoms of depression and COPD overlap it remains unclear how far the prevalence of major depression in COPD exceeds that in the general population. The suicide risk appears to be increased in COPD. Methodological studies providing evidence for the antidepressant efficacy of antidepressants or psychotherapy in patients with COPD are lacking. Recommendations for clinicians on how to separate depression from an understandable reaction to COPD are provided. Given the profound effects of depression on quality of life, life expectancy, COPD prognosis and suicide risk it is important to carefully diagnose and treat depression in patients with COPD according to national guidelines.