Copd Foundation talks about depression

http://www.copdfoundation.org/

The Link between COPD and Depression
July 14th, 2010 | Author: Lillie Carrero

Most COPDers have probably already heard that the changes that come with a COPD diagnosis may increase their risk of depression. However, what many of them might not know is that 40 percent of people living with COPD are estimated to be suffering from depression as well.



Information about the actual relationship between COPD and depression has been limited until recently. A study conducted in the UK, published in the European Respiratory Journal, investigated 169 COPD patients over a one year period.

Researchers were trying to find out if symptoms of depression increased during times of exacerbation and their findings showed that the symptoms of depression for COPDers increased significantly from baseline measurement, during exacerbation. Those that participated were also found to have higher overall depression scores at baseline.

According to Dr. Vijai P. Sharma, “depression in people with COPD is reported to be more common than in the general population.”

“Even in the general population, 1 in 8 people would experience clinical depression more than once. As for people with COPD, more patients are likely to experience recurrent episodes of depression,” he says.

Why exactly is there a link between COPD and depression to begin with? Well, many people diagnosed with COPD report having trouble sleeping, eating and working. Most importantly, participating in the activities they enjoyed the most has become difficult.

Emotional changes occur as well. A person with COPD can lose confidence when they’re constantly dealing with an incessant cough and shortness of breath, among other symptoms. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease usually means having to change a lifestyle for COPDers and that can translate into a feeling of despair. Without a good support team, many individuals can start feeling empty, hopeless, and sad, all of which are signs of depression.

Although the negative impact of any chronic illness can be said to cause depression, experts are saying that the incidence of depression seems to be higher in people with COPD, compared with those suffering from other major chronic diseases.

Dr. Rachel Norwood of the National Jewish Medical and research Center in Denver says depression is “more prevalent in people with COPD than in people with other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and even cancer.”

Why is this depression more prevalent in COPD? Well, according to Norwood, this could be due to some organic or chemical-reactive component of COPD and one such component could be the nicotine ingested through smoking. She states that “smokers have a higher rate of depression than individuals in the general population” which she refers to as the “double-barreled situation.”

“Depressed people tend to smoke, and smoking can cause COPD. Impairment and dysfunction associated with COPD makes a patient even more depressed which leads to more smoking,” she says.

To make matters worse, some COPDers struggling with depression are not even being treated for it.

It’s recommended that someone living with COPD and starting to experience depressive thoughts or symptoms should seek medical help. Fortunately, depression can be treated and your doctor will be able to provide such treatment.

Also, it’s important to get involved in activities that will boost your mood. Participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can help lift your spirits along with aiding you stay active and healthy physically.

I would also advise getting acquainted with other COPDers, through support groups for example. They will have the best insight into the battles you are fighting because they are going through it themselves! In fact, they might be able to offer tips on what helped them cope with the disease.