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s Hopkins Health Alert

The Mental Health Consequences of COPD

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When you hear that you have a serious medical condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it's normal to feel anxious and worried about the future. And with the increasing limitations on daily activities that often accompany the condition, it's not surprising that you're likely to feel sad. But if these feelings last for more than a few weeks and interfere with your daily life, you could have an anxiety disorder or depression.

Many people with COPD suffer from anxiety and depression. But what is startling is the magnitude of the problem. One study of more than 1,000 people with COPD or other chronic breathing disorders found that 80% had depression, anxiety, or both. Another recent study found that the psychological toll of COPD is especially hard on women: They face twice the risk of men.

In spite of the prevalence of depression and anxiety among people with COPD, studies show that only about one third get help. Fortunately, both of these mental health conditions are treatable. That's why it's so important for people with COPD and their loved ones and caregivers to be on the lookout for signs of anxiety and depression and to get treatment.

It's not surprising that COPD can lead to depression and anxiety. The realization that you can no longer do things you once enjoyed coupled with the social isolation that results from staying at home more often can lead to depression.

You might also panic or feel anxious when you are having a bout of breathlessness. Or you may worry incessantly about whether you will be able to get your breath under control during breathing problems. What's more, the corticosteroids you may be taking can lead to depression and emotional instability. But what you might not know is that depression and anxiety can make your COPD symptoms worse and decrease your ability to function.

For example, individuals who are depressed are less interested in following their COPD treatment plan. They are also less likely to quit smoking or make attempts to stay active. Similarly, anxiety can decrease your ability to deal with breathlessness and even make the breathlessness worse.

Because of the vicious circle -- COPD increasing the risk of depression and anxiety, and these feelings, in turn, worsening your COPD -- it's important to talk to the doctor about getting help.

Posted in Lung Disorders on January 21, 2010