[Dyspnoea and psychopathology in the elderly patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol. 2011 Jan-Feb;46(1):21-6. doi: 10.1016/j.regg.2010.07.004. Epub 2010 Sep 24.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease with dyspnoea perception as a main symptom. In severe stages, dyspnoea can constitute a risk factor for depression, anxiety and somatization disorders.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the presence of these psychopathologies based on dyspnoea and severity stages in patients with COPD.

Materials and methods: Patients (n = 51) were evaluated by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the dyspnoea scale (MRC), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and spirometric criteria.

Results: The increase in dyspnoea level and disease severity lead to a progressive worsening of anxiety, depressive and somatic symptoms with clinical relevance (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between those parameters (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The early detection and treatment of these psychopathologies associated with dyspnoea and progression of the disease must be taken into account in this complex pathology.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Depression / etiology
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Dyspnea / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / complications
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / psychology*
  • Severity of Illness Index