[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: somato-psychological dimensions].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and is a poorly understood lung disease. It is accompanied by significant psychological co-morbidities (anxiety, depression, identity and body image disorders) which are under-diagnosed and have an impact on quality of life and the frequency of  re-hospitalization. The management of COPD is multidisciplinary and its role is to prevent complications, relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Therapeutic education of the patient brings a real added value in this multidisciplinary management.