Mental disorders in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

Respiratory Symptoms and Psychological Distress in Farmers Living With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Farmers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often face both respiratory issues and psychological distress, which can exacerbate their condition. However, no prior research has examined how the frequency of respiratory symptoms is associated to psychological distress in these individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to explore this relationship among U.S. farmers living with COPD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involved 101 participants, a mix of on-site and online recruits, assessing respiratory symptoms and psychological distress in farmers with COPD. The study employed standard self-reported measures and utilized both simple and multiple linear regression to analyze the association between respiratory symptoms and psychological distress.

FINDINGS

Participants reported notably higher levels of respiratory symptoms (61.6 [SD = 13.3]) compared to the reference score of 12, along with elevated psychological distress (25.9 [SD = 10.6]). Factors like COPD duration, income, smoking, and emergency department (ED) visits correlated with respiratory symptoms, while age, COPD duration, income, smoking, pesticide exposure, and farm type were associated to psychological distress. Notably, even after accounting for age, smoking, and pesticide exposure, a significant association remained between respiratory symptoms and psychological distress (β = 0.46, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Respiratory symptoms were significantly associated to psychological distress, even when considering other factors. While this aligns with existing research, a future longitudinal study is crucial to establish the cause-effect relationship between these variables. Understanding this relationship could inform the development of targeted interventions to alleviate psychological distress in individuals with respiratory symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING PRACTICE

The correlation between COPD symptoms and psychological distress in farmers emphasizes the need for integrated nursing care. Occupational health nurses should prioritize combined respiratory and mental health assessments.

The prevalence of anxiety in respiratory and sleep diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is common in those with chronic physical health conditions and can have significant impacts on both quality of life and physical health outcomes. Despite this, there are limited studies comprehensively investigating the prevalence of anxiety in respiratory and sleep medicine settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide insight into the global prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in respiratory and sleep medicine outpatients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases were searched from database inception to January 23, 2023 for studies assessing the prevalence of anxiety in adult (≥16 years) respiratory and sleep medicine outpatients. Data was screened and extracted independently by two investigators. Anxiety was measured using various self-report questionnaires, structured interviews, and/or patient records. Using CMA software for the meta-analysis, a random-effects model was used for pooled estimates, and subgroup analysis was conducted on relevant models using a mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

116 studies were included, featuring 36,340 participants across 40 countries. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was 30.3 % (95%CI 27.9-32.9 %, 10,679/36,340). Subgroup analysis found a significant difference across type of condition, with pulmonary tuberculosis the highest at 43.1 % and COVID-19 outpatients the lowest at 23.4 %. No significant difference was found across anxiety types, country or age. Female sex and the use of self-report measures was associated with significantly higher anxiety estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety is a common experience amongst patients in respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient settings. Thus, it is crucial that anxiety identification and management is considered by physicians in the field.

REGISTRATION

The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021282416).

Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Smoking Behavior among Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

COPD is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and results in increased healthcare costs and disability. Smoking is the main determinant of COPD development and continued use increases mortality as compared to those who have stopped smoking. Research has indicated that cigarette smoking may play a role in attempts to regulate distressing emotional experiences and thus, may be an important transdiagnostic process underlying continued smoking behavior among adults with COPD. The current study investigated the role of ER difficulties in relation to smoking status and cigarettes smoked per day among adults with COPD. This cross-sectional study included a sample was adults with COPD (N = 320). Participants self-reported current smoking status, daily smoking, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, probable depression, probable anxiety, and dyspnea severity. DERS total scores were associated with greater odds of current smoking. With the exception of impulsivity, all other dimensions of emotion regulation were significantly associated with current smoking. Greater difficulties in emotional awareness were associated with greater cigarettes smoked per day. However, neither the DERS total score nor any other dimensions of emotional regulation were significantly associated with cigarettes smoked per day. The present study provides preliminary data linking ER difficulties to smoking behavior among adults with COPD. If corroborated by future research, these findings suggest that ER might be a potential target for smoking cessation programs among adults with COPD.

The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine in Managing Noncommunicable Diseases - The Gaps in Current Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases that are long-lasting, are considered the major cause of death and disability worldwide, and the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (nutrition, exercise, toxic control, stress management, restorative sleep, and social connection) play an important role in a holistic management of their prevention and treatment. In addition, medical guidelines are the most accepted documents with recommendations to manage NCDs.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to analyze the lack of lifestyle pillars concerning the major Brazilian medical guidelines for NCDs and identify evidence in the literature that could justify their inclusion in the documents.

METHOD

Brazilian guidelines were selected according to the most relevant causes of death in Brazil, given by the Mortality Information System, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2019. Journals were screened in the PUBMED library according to the disease and non-mentioned pillars of lifestyle.

RESULTS

Relevant causes of deaths in Brazil are acute myocardial infarction (AMI), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Six guidelines related to these NCDs were identified, and all address aspects of lifestyle, but only one, regarding cardiovascular prevention, highlights all six pillars. Despite this, a literature search involving over 50 articles showed that there is evidence that all the pillars can help control each of these NCDs.

CONCLUSION

Rarely are the six pillars of lifestyle contemplated in Brazilian guidelines for AMI, DM, and COPD. The literature review identified evidence of all lifestyle pillars to offer a holistic approach for the management and prevention of NCDs.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychological Distress and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Consequences

BACKGROUND

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occasionally develop acute exacerbation of COPD-a potentially fatal condition. Psychological distress was associated with acute exacerbation of COPD. However, the evidence on the effect of psychological distress on acute exacerbation of COPD remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of psychological distress on acute exacerbation of COPD and its consequences.

METHODS

The current review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsyINFO) that were searched to identify relevant articles. Pooled risk ratios and 95% confidential interval were calculated from the included studies' data with random-effect methods to estimate the effect of psychological distress on acute exacerbation of COPD and its consequences.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles were included in the review. Most revealed that psychological distress was significantly associated with increased risk of acute exacerbation of COPD and its consequences. The meta-analyses showed that psychological distress increased risk of acute exacerbation of COPD, COPD-related hospitalization, and death.

CONCLUSION

Psychological distress had negative effects on acute exacerbation of COPD and its consequences. The results of the meta-analyses show that persons with COPD and psychological distress had a greater risk of acute exacerbation of COPD, hospitalization, and death.

Global prevalence and risk factors of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2000 to 2022

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the global and regional prevalence and the potential risk factors for depression among COPD patients.

METHODS

Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases were searched for the literature related to the prevalence and risk factors of depression in COPD. Random-effect models were performed to pool the global prevalence. Sub-group analysis and meta-regression were conducted to investigate the potential heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed only on the risk factors that have been reported in a minimum of three studies.

RESULTS

A total of 79 studies from 25 countries were included. The pooled global prevalence of variably defined depression among COPD patients was 34.5% (95% CI: 30.9-38.1). The odds of depression in COPD patients were 3.53 times higher than in non-COPD participants (95% CI: 2.35-5.29). Meta-regression results showed that region, income level, and research setting are the main sources of heterogeneity. Female sex (OR=1.92), living alone (OR=2.29), BODE index (OR=1.48), dyspnea (OR=3.02), impaired quality of life (OR=1.26), and GOLD stage III∼IV (OR=1.96) were found to be significant risk factors for depression in meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one-third of COPD patients experience depression, with marked variations in prevalence across countries and regions. This study further highlights the need for the consolidation of mental health considerations into COPD treatments. High-quality, longitudinal studies and further research are needed to gain a better understanding of risk and protective factors.

BMI moderates the association between adverse childhood experiences and COPD

OBJECTIVES

Cigarette smoking and obesity are leading risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although studies have established an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and COPD, few studies have examined whether this association is moderated by cigarette smoking or body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study examined the association between ACEs and COPD, and whether cigarette smoking or BMI moderates this association.

METHODS

Data for this study came from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. An analytic sample of 75,700 adults aged 18-79 years (50.7% female) were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The outcome variable investigated was self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD, and the main explanatory variable was ACEs.

RESULTS

Of the 75,700 respondents examined, 8.1% had COPD. About one in three (33.6%) respondents had no ACEs, 23.1% had one ACE, and about one in five (20.2%) had four or more ACEs. In the multivariable binary logistic regression, we found that the association between ACEs and COPD differs by BMI status. Controlling for the effects of other factors, the association between ACEs and COPD is strongest for respondents who are obese (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.04-1.91).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate that ACEs are associated with COPD later in adulthood, and BMI moderated this association. The findings of this study add to the number of studies demonstrating the adverse impact of ACEs on chronic health outcomes among adults.

Psycho-cognitive assessment and quality of life in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-carrying the rs4713916 gene polymorphism (G/A) of gene FKBP5 and response to pulmonary rehabilitation: a proof of concept study

PURPOSE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by pulmonary and extra-pulmonary multi-morbidity including depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders. Several studies investigated the association of the FKBP5 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. The FKBP5 gene codifies the FKBP51 protein which modulates the glucocorticoid receptor in the adaptive stress response. Genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene have been associated to a higher risk of developing mental disorders. We analyzed the association of genetic variants and stress exposure investigating the susceptibility to psychological distress and the impact on cognitive balance and quality of life (QoL) of COPD patients carrying the rs4713916 polymorphism (G/A) and we examined its association, with COPD rehabilitative outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pilot study evaluated cognitive, psychological, clinical alterations/disorders, QoL, and coping strategies in 70 older adults with COPD, undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation, stratified according to the FKBP5 rs4713916 genotype (GG or GA).

RESULTS

Carriers of rs4713916 polymorphisms (G/A) show better cognitive performances, a higher degree of independence in the daily living activities, better QoL, no presence of depressive mood and anxiety symptoms, no family history of psychiatric disorders, more ability to cope with stressors by avoiding emotions but demanding emotional support, and lesser use of anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, hypnotic-sedative drugs. No difference was found in the number of comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

These results offer valuable insights into the role of FKBP5 in the complex network of mechanisms associated to clinical, psychological and behavioral features of COPD patients.

Association between mood disorders and frequent emergency department use: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Frequent emergency department (ED) use is a growing problem that is associated with poor patient outcomes and increased health care costs. Our objective was to analyze the association between mood disorders and the incidence of frequent ED use.

METHODS

We used the Canadian Community Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada, 2015-2016. Mood disorder was defined as depression, bipolar disorder, mania, or dysthymia. Frequent ED use was defined as 4 or more visits in the year preceding the interview. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to determine the associations between mood disorders and frequent ED use.

RESULTS

Among the 99,009 participants, 8.4% had mood disorders, 80.3% were younger than 65, and 2.2% were frequent ED users. Mood disorders were significantly associated with the 1-year cumulative incidence of frequent ED use (RR = 2.5, 95% CI 2.2-2.7), after adjusting for several potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

This national survey showed that people with a mood disorder had a three-fold risk of frequent ED use, compared to people without mood disorder. These results can inform the development of policies and targeted interventions aimed at identifying and supporting ED patients with mood disorder.

The relation between psychological distress and medication adherence in lung transplant candidates and recipients: A cross-sectional study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the prevalence of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder and its associations with medication adherence in lung transplant patients.

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress after lung transplantation may impact clinical outcomes by associated behaviours such as non-adherence to medication. Evidence about the relation between psychological distress and medication adherence in lung transplant patients is limited and not well explained.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a single-centre study with a cross-sectional design in 73 lung transplant candidates and 116 recipients. Questionnaires were the Brief Symptom Inventory, Impact of Event Scale and Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale. The STROBE checklist was monitored.

RESULTS

In candidates, 39.7% reported (sub)clinical symptoms of depression, in recipients this was 21.6%. We observed suicidal ideation in recipients (8.6%), and candidates (5.5%). The prevalence of (sub)clinical symptoms of anxiety was 38.3% in candidates and 33.7% in recipients. After lung transplantation, 12% of the recipients reported clinical symptoms of PTSD related to the transplantation. Symptoms of anxiety and medication adherence were significantly and positively related in transplant recipients. We found no association between depressive or post-traumatic stress symptoms, and medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

In lung transplant patients, we found a high prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Recipients had high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms related to the transplantation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was unexpectedly high in recipients. After lung transplantation, higher levels of anxiety were related to better medication adherence. We propose that LTX recipients are very anxious to develop dyspnoea and therefore take their medication more conscientiously.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The clinical nurse specialist can play a key role in identifying and addressing psychological and behavioural problems. More prospective research on the role of anxiety and dyspnoea in lung transplant recipients is recommended.

Common Mental Disorders, Functional Limitation and Diet Quality Trends and Related Factors among COPD Patients in Spain, 2006-2017: Evidence from Spanish National Health Surveys

Certain conditions such as common mental disorders (CMDs), functional limitation (FL) and poor diet quality may affect the lives of individuals who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study sought to examine time trends in the prevalence of CMDs, FL and diet quality among male and female COPD patients living in Spain from 2006 to 2017 and to identify which factors were related to CMDs, FL and a poor/improvable diet quality in these patients. We performed a cross-sectional study among COPD patients aged ≥ 40 years old using data from the Spanish National Health Surveys conducted in 2006, 2011 and 2017, identifying a total of 2572 COPD patients. Binary logistic regressions were performed to determine the characteristics related to CMDs, FL and poor/improvable diet quality. Over the years of the study, the prevalence of FL among female COPD patients increased (p for trend <0.001). In addition, CMDs were associated to body mass index (BMI), educational level, physical activity, smoking status, occupation, chronic conditions and alcohol consumption; FL was related to age, living with a partner, educational level, physical activity and chronic conditions; and poor/improvable diet quality was associated to age, smoking status, BMI and physical activity.

Fate or coincidence: do COPD and major depression share genetic risk factors?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common comorbidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting up to 57% of patients with COPD. Although the comorbidity of COPD and MDD is well established, the causal relationship between these two diseases is unclear. A large-scale electronic health record clinical biobank and genome-wide association study summary statistics for MDD and lung function traits were used to investigate potential shared underlying genetic susceptibility between COPD and MDD. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate genetic correlation between phenotypes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for MDD and lung function traits were developed and used to perform a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). Multi-trait-based conditional and joint analysis identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing both lung function and MDD. We found genetic correlations between MDD and all lung function traits were small and not statistically significant. A PRS-MDD was significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD in a PheWAS [odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.16] when adjusting for age, sex and genetic ancestry, but this relationship became attenuated when controlling for smoking history (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13). No significant associations were found between the lung function PRS and MDD. Multi-trait-based conditional and joint analysis identified three SNPs that may contribute to both traits, two of which were previously associated with mood disorders and COPD. Our findings suggest that the observed relationship between COPD and MDD may not be driven by a strong shared genetic architecture.

Management and Risk of Mortality in Patients Hospitalised Due to a First Severe COPD Exacerbation

Background

Reducing the need for hospitalisation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important goal in COPD management. The aim of this study was to evaluate re-hospitalisation, treatment, comorbidities and mortality in patients with COPD who were hospitalised for the first time due to a COPD exacerbation.

Methods

This was a retrospective, population-based observational cohort study of Swedish patients using linked data from three mandatory national health registries to assess re-hospitalisation rates, medication use and mortality. Rate of hospitalisation was calculated using the number of events divided by the number of person-years at risk; risk of all-cause and COPD-related mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

In total, 51,247 patients were identified over 10 years; 35% of patients were not using inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting muscarinic antagonist or long-acting β2-agonist treatment prior to hospitalisation, 38% of whom continued without treatment after being discharged. Re-hospitalisation due to a second severe exacerbation occurred in 11.5%, 17.8% and 24% of the patients within 30, 90 and 365 days, respectively. Furthermore, 24% died during the first year following hospitalisation and risk of all-cause and COPD-related mortality increased with every subsequent re-hospitalisation. Comorbidities, including ischaemic heart disease, heart failure and pneumonia, were more common amongst patients who were re-hospitalised than those who were not.

Conclusion

Following hospitalisation for first severe COPD exacerbation, many patients did not collect the treatment recommended by current guidelines. Risk of mortality increased with every subsequent re-hospitalisation. Patients with concurrent comorbidities had an increased risk of being re-hospitalised.

Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Symptoms such as depression and anxiety are common psychiatric symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is still controversial in the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with COPD. We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the effect of CBT on anxiety and depression in patients with COPD, with a view to providing some guidance for clinical application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Computer search Web of Science, EMbase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, search time limit from the establishment of the library to August 2019. Collect the randomized controlled trial (RCT) for this topic. Two investigators independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis using RevMan5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were included in a total of 1278 patients. Meta-analysis shows that CBT can improve depression and anxiety in patients with COPD. Subgroup analysis showed that intervention time ≥8 weeks had significant differences in improving anxiety, while intervention time <8weeks had significant differences in improving depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive behavioral therapy may possibly relieve depression in COPD patients in a short period of time, and it takes longer to improve anxiety. Therefore, clinical practice can choose the appropriate intervention time according to the patient's psychological condition.

Risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. COPD has a major impact on public health, mainly because of its increasing prevalence, morbidity and mortality. The natural course of COPD is aggravated by episodes of respiratory symptom worsening termed exacerbations that contribute to disease progression. Acute Exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) can be triggered by a multitude of different factors, including respiratory tract infections, various exposures, prior exacerbations, non-adherence to treatment and associated comorbidities. AECOPD are associated with an inexorable decline of lung function and a significantly worse survival outcome. This review will summarise the most important aspects regarding the impact of different factors that contribute to COPD exacerbations.

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

and purpose: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has gained increasing attention for the treatment of psychological disorders. This study aims to establish the effectiveness of CBT on psychological and physical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Two waves of electronic searches of the PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed using Revman Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software.

RESULTS

Sixteen randomized controlled trials were eligible. There were significant improvements in anxiety (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI: -0.42 to -0.04; P = 0.02), depression (SMD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.19, P < 0.01), quality of life (MD = -5.21; 95% CI: -10.25 to -0.17; P = 0.04), and mean visits to emergency departments in the CBT groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in fatigue (SMD = 0.88, 95% CI: -0.58 to 2.35, P = 0.24), exercise capacity (MD = 28.75, 95% CI: -28.30 to 85.80, P = 0.32), self-efficacy (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.34, P = 0.14), or sleep quality (MD = 1.21, 95% CI: -0.65 to 3.06, P = 0.20).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that CBT can serve as a complementary therapy to improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life in COPD patients and deserves more widespread application in clinical practice.

Cognitive Processes in Anxiety and Comorbid Physical Illness and Health Behavior: Introduction to the Special Issue

Anxiety symptoms and disorders are the most common psychiatric problems world-wide and are vastly overrepresented among individuals with chronic illness and poor health behavior. The purpose of the current special series is to bolster attention and highlight new research on cognitive processes as a basic element that may undergird the association between anxiety and chronic illness and health behavior. Findings in this issue highlight cognitive-based risk and resilience factors related to anxiety in individuals with various chronic conditions problematic health behaviors.