Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with chronic lung disease and psychological comorbidities undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation.

Background: The study aimed to determine the effects of adding cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to pulmonary rehabilitation to treat patients with chronic lung disease and comorbid anxiety and/or depression symptoms.

Methods: An open, parallel group, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, with longitudinal follow-up of 12 months. CBT was delivered in 2 face-to-face sessions and 4 phone sessions to patients with depression or anxiety undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation.

Anxiety and depression-Important psychological comorbidities of COPD.

Anxiety and depression are common and important comorbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The pathophysiology of these psychological comorbidities in COPD is complex and possibly explained by common risk factors, response to symptomatology and biochemical alterations. The presence of anxiety and/or depression in COPD patients is associated with increased mortality, exacerbation rates, length of hospital stay, and decreased quality of life and functional status.