Perspective - Archives of General Internal Medicine (2023) Volume 7, Issue 3

COPD and anxiety: Managing mental health in respiratory conditions.

Tomoyuki Honda ^*

Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA

*Corresponding Author:

Tomoyuki Honda
Department of Radiology
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Boston, USA
E-mail: hondatomoy.54@m.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Received:31 May-2023, Manuscript No. AAAGIM-23-103432; Editor assigned:05-May-2023, PreQC No. AAAGIM-23-103432 (PQ); Reviewed:19-Jun-2023, QC No. AAAGIM-23-103432; Revised:23-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. AAAGIM-23-103432 (R); Published:30-Jun-2023, DOI:10.35841/ aaaa-5.2.136

Citation: Honda T. COPD and anxiety: Managing mental health in respiratory conditions. Arch Gen Intern Med. 2023;7(3):177

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms. While the physical aspects of COPD are well-documented, the impact of the disease on mental health, particularly anxiety, is often overlooked. This abstract aims to explore the relationship between COPD and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of managing mental health in individuals with respiratory conditions.

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms. While the physical aspects of COPD are well-documented, the impact of the disease on mental health, particularly anxiety, is often overlooked. This abstract aims to explore the relationship between COPD and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of managing mental health in individuals with respiratory conditions.

Key words

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Healthcare, Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis.

Introduction

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a set of progressive lung disorders. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most frequent of these disorders. Both of these disorders are common in patients with COPD. Emphysema gradually kills the air sacs in your lungs, interfering with outward air flow. Bronchitis is characterised by inflammation and constriction of the bronchial passages, allowing mucus to accumulate. COPD affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States. Half of those who have it are completely ignorant of it. COPD, if left untreated, can hasten disease development, cause cardiac difficulties, and worsen respiratory infections. The coexistence of COPD and anxiety creates a complex interplay between physical and psychological symptoms. Anxiety in COPD patients can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the distress caused by breathlessness, fear of exacerbations, limitations in daily activities, and social isolation. Furthermore, anxiety can negatively affect COPD management and quality of life, leading to increased healthcare utilization, impaired adherence to treatment regimens, and decreased functional capacity [1].

Managing anxiety in individuals with COPD requires a multidimensional approach. Healthcare providers should adopt a holistic approach that encompasses both physical and psychological aspects of care. This includes accurate assessment and screening of anxiety symptoms, providing patient education on anxiety management techniques, and incorporating psychological interventions into the overall COPD treatment plan. Psychosocial support, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques have shown promise in reducing anxiety levels and improving overall well-being in COPD patients. Collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential in addressing the mental health needs of COPD patients. Integrated care models that involve respiratory specialists, mental health professionals, and support groups can facilitate comprehensive management and ensure a patient-centered approach. Additionally, empowering patients to actively participate in their own care, promoting self-management strategies, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial components of managing anxiety in COPD. By recognizing the impact of anxiety on COPD patients and implementing effective interventions, healthcare professionals can enhance the overall quality of care provided to individuals with respiratory conditions. Promoting mental health alongside physical well-being is vital in optimizing the management and outcomes of COPD, ultimately improving the overall health and quality of life of those affected by this chronic respiratory disease [2].

Anxiety and depression symptoms are widespread in COPD patients, but they are rarely detected and treated effectively due to a lack of published data to aid health-care practitioners in the management of these symptoms. Furthermore, both physician attitudes and patient beliefs work against providing appropriate patient care. We have summarised existing knowledge, identified some unsolved questions, and proposed topics for ongoing and future clinical and research priority. We hope that this will drive future research in this area and enhance the care of people with COPD who have these comorbidities [3].

Depression and anxiety are frequently ignored or undertreated in COPD patients. Untreated or inadequately treated depression and anxiety have serious consequences for adherence to medical therapy, increased hospital admissions, duration of stay, and increased consultations with primary care physicians. A lack of treatment is also linked to a lower quality of life and a premature death. Collaborative care strategies designed for depression treatment in patients with other chronic diseases have not been extensively explored in COPD patients [4].

Anxiety and despair have a substantial influence on COPD patients, their families, and society. Depressed patients with chronic medical illnesses are typically sicker than their peers and adhere to therapy less frequently. Even after controlling for severity of illness, depression has been demonstrated to predict fatigue, shortness of breath, and impairment in individuals with heart disease or COPD. Patients with chronic medical sickness plus serious depression have much higher medical costs than those with chronic illness alone. Depression has a negative impact on physical functioning in patients with COPD, such as a shorter 12-minute walk distance.Furthermore, depression reduces quality of life and treatment adherence. Mood disorders may increase the likelihood of hospitalisation and rehospitalization by deteriorating health status Anxiety and despair have a substantial influence on COPD patients, their families, and society. Depressed patients with chronic medical illnesses are typically sicker than their peers and adhere to therapy less frequently. Even after controlling for severity of illness, depression has been demonstrated to predict fatigue, shortness of breath, and impairment in individuals with heart disease or COPD. Patients with chronic medical sickness plus serious depression have much higher medical costs than those with chronic illness alone. Depression has a negative impact on physical functioning in patients with COPD, such as a shorter 12-minute walk distance.Furthermore, depression reduces quality of life and treatment adherence. Mood disorders may increase the likelihood of hospitalisation and rehospitalization by deteriorating health status [5].

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression symptoms are widespread in COPD patients, but they are rarely detected and treated effectively due to a lack of published data to aid health-care practitioners in the management of these symptoms. Furthermore, both physician attitudes and patient beliefs work against providing appropriate patient care. We have summarised existing knowledge, identified some unsolved questions, and proposed topics for on-going and future clinical and research priority. We hope that this will drive future research in this area and enhance the care of people with COPD who have these comorbidities.

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