Do copd and anxiety go together - Lung Conditions C...
Do copd and anxiety go together
The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.
I for one certainly think they do.x
me to x
Yes, they do. There has been quite a lot of research done. I am not clever with IT but if you Google COPD and anxiety you will find several academic research papers. Hope this helps. Auntymary x
I have had COPD for 20+ years and am severe now but have never had this anxiety before,
things really getting on top of me can't eat can't sleep don't feel like doing anything.
The window cleaner came this morning so I closed the curtains instead of making the beds, that is so not me, always been clean and tidy.
So been to docs and he has given me some tablets so onwards and upwards.
*polly
From the Nursing Times:-
"COPD is a progressive respiratory disorder characterised by airflow obstruction. Recurrent symptoms include a cough, sputum production, breathlessness and impaired exercise tolerance (Currie and Legge, 2006).
The disabling nature of the condition can severely affect patients’ quality of life and mental health (Garrido et al, 2006). Psychiatric comorbidity is common in patients with COPD, more so that in other respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary tuberculosis (Aydin and Ulusahin, 2001).
Anxiety disorders seem to be particularly common among people with COPD, exceeding their prevalence in the general population and in people with many other long-term conditions (Vögele and von Leupoldt, 2008). In a recent review of the prevalence of anxiety, we found as many as 74% of people with COPD may have a clinically significant level of anxiety (Yohannes et al, 2010).
Comorbid anxiety in people with COPD is associated with decreased functional status and decreased quality of life (Di Marco et al, 2006). People with COPD and comorbid anxiety may also use health services more, because they have an increased risk of exacerbations and readmissions (Laurin et al, 2009).
The management of anxiety in people with COPD is often insufficient. One study found only one quarter of people with COPD and moderate-to-severe anxiety were receiving relevant interventions (Kim et al, 2000).
This may be due to a lack of awareness among health professionals, and because it is difficult to identify anxiety in the first instance. One problem is the potential confusion in distinguishing between symptoms of anxiety and those of the respiratory disease (Yohannes et al, 2010). Many scales used to screen for anxiety include somatic measures of anxiety, which can be easily confused with the somatic symptoms of COPD, such as breathlessness and heart palpitations (Fig 1).
Despite the negative impact of anxiety on quality of life and healthcare usage, there has been little research exploring the experience and impact of anxiety among people with COPD. One study examining the experiences of living with the condition highlighted anxiety and panic as particularly distressing symptoms (Barnett, 2005). However, there has been virtually no research exploring the actual experience of living and coping with panic disorders from a patient’s perspective."
Bb, definatley go hand in hand unfortunatly. Just remember your not alone.
Think my view is much the same as Zoee's above. I have never really had any anxiety with my COPD. I was worried and concerned before diagnosis - imagining all sorts - but once 'it' had a name and I could learn the nature of my 'enemy' I was able to fight back. I am still fighting back now and I think that is why I am ok with it - it gives me a sense of some control over it.
Somewhere amongst all the reading up of the past few years, I did note that in the very severe stages when we have 02 exchange problems, there can be times when we get a sense of panic or 'impending doom' in the pit of our stomach, - usually when otherwise quiet and relaxed. Apparently in that scenario it is a primitive reaction in the brain causing it as opposed to any mental anxiety, and we just have to 'ride it through'. I did experience this on a few occasions before my 02 was sorted out. Had I not been 'forewarned' I would have wondered what was going on and panicked - as it was though I just tried to keep my muscles relaxed and PLB my way through it. The fact that I realised what was going on took any fear out of it. I would have been very scared and probably would have thought I was dying or something had I not come across it in my books.
While depression can be a hard one for some with COPD to beat, I think anxiety can be lessened or dispelled by learning and understanding all that we can about the condition - and putting what we learn into practice. That way, as we begin to feel more empowered, so we become less anxious. I also think that the isolation many of us experience as things progress is a large factor in both depression and anxiety. We need to actively fight that too - and it isn't easy. P.
I took a tablet last night and although I slept well I feel awful this morning, sweating and shaking, I don't think I will be taking any more, I am going to try to do this by myself, any tips anyone?
*polly
Sorry to hear that Polly. I have been taking mirtazapine (15mg) - usually half that as a whole one makes me feel a bit spaced out and it helps me sleep. I have had no side effects. Could be worth trying? Good luck x
yes and some days worse than others
You don't have to go it alone Polly - talk to your respiratory nurse, she will be very familiar with what you are experiencing. Also, if the tablet you took last night is a prescription one, then talk to your GP / nurse about that too - perhaps any side effects are temporary if you are new to the drug. Other than that, know that we are all behind you. Auntymary x
I get anxiety, it happens suddenly and this makes my breathing very laboured. I take a tranquilizer and sit still and I can feel myself slowly calming down and my breathing easing. I am very careful not to over-do the tranquilizers so I don't become dependent on them.
Libby.
i suffer terrible panic attacks and depression . think it goes hand in hand with copd .does anyone think we get used to medication such as anti depressants and therefore they dont work as well after a while ? i`ve been taking one for years and feeling a lot worse just lately . try to stay strong polly . carol .
Have booked to see a cognative therapist at 9.a.m. tomorrow, can't wait.
*polly
Six years ago I was diagnosed with a heart condition. Nearly went through the roof with anxiety till discovered that loads of people have this complaint, this helped talking to others and taking the pills. Six months ago I was diagnosed with COPD despite never having smoked for 10 years. So double whammy! But again loads of people "live" with COPD it may not be nice and your anxiety levels sure do increase. It's not the end of the world though thankfully just keep up to date with things and stick into this site it is an excellent one . See your G.P. re something to calm you down and it will help .
Absolutely Polly. I think any chronic illness can cause both anxiety and depression. I think doctors do understand this so if you havent seen one do! x
Hi polly - I am new to this site and I volunteer for the NHS expert patient course and Iagree with Auntymary - and also think any chronic illmess can cause anxiety and depression.. I too think most doctors would understand this so if you haven't seen one dox
Hi Polly
How is anxiety,mine is bad as trying to stop all smoking.
Do you know if you can get Antivan/Diazepam perscribed from doctor now.
Criss
concern that if i walk to the bus, i wont make it, that's become an anxiety that demeans my life, also concern angst that going out in high temps and/or high humidity, gets scary, staying in too much causes worry of too much social isolation, but using cabs more digs into budget concerns, damed to do, damned not to, all anxieties since copd from smoking years.
However steam room a few minutes feels good, lying down, but not walking out into high hot humidity. Is this the anxiety others are having?
The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.
Copd emphysema update
COPD and asthma not disabilities?
Lack of Celebs with COPD
Hip replacements with copd
