Living with breathing pattern disorder: a scoping review

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework to develop a comprehensive overview of how the experience of breathing pattern disorder (BPD) has been conceptualized and reported in the literature. The Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Medline and PsycINFO electronic databases were searched from the earliest available reports until 13^th May 2025. The reference lists of included reports were also screened for appropriate literature. Only reports relating to adults and published in English were included. Sixty-two reports were included in the final review. The following eight themes emerged; 1: Symptoms were diverse and frequently mimicked serious pathology. 2: Symptom triggers were often stress related. 3: Precipitating life experiences for BPD included physical or psychological trauma, chronic anxiety or stress. 4: The diagnostic pathway was often prolonged and complex. 5: Patient reaction to diagnosis varied from welcoming, sceptical or rejection. 6: Healthcare use was frequent due to symptoms mimicking serious pathology and a prolonged diagnostic pathway. 7: BPD was associated with panic, anxiety, fear, phobias and depression. 8: BPD was also associated with reduced quality of life and poorer asthma control. Evidence for the experience of BPD is poorly represented in the literature, mainly viewed from a Western perspective and found in simple case reports over 25 years old and snippets within empirical studies. Literature searching was confounded by the change in terminology over time, and the lack of agreed definition and diagnostic methods for BPD. Further research is required employing more diverse and rigorous study designs to clarify the definition and diagnostic methods for the condition, as well as explore experience of BPD, including experience from outside Europe and North America.