[Examination and treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with COPD]

An estimated 33 percent of patients with COPD have co-morbidities in terms of anxiety and/or depression (A and D). A large proportion of these patients are not diagnosed, mainly because some of the core symptoms of A and D can be misinterpreted as being caused by COPD. Untreated A and D in patients with COPD can have a negative impact on several parameters e.g. dyspnoea and mortality. On this basis, this review argues, that special focus in primary care and hospitals on diagnosing and treating A and D in patients with COPD using anti-depressants or cognitive therapy can reduce symptom burden and significantly improve quality of life.