Breathing disorders, anxiety related
Toolbox
Published: September 28, 2009
There have been studies done recently that suggest that individuals suffering from breathing disorders often are anxious or depressed as well.
The Harvard Health Letter reports that researchers at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston used hospital records to find 1,334 people who had been diagnosed with some type of breathing problem, including bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and several others. By asking just five questions over the phone, they preliminarily identified 80 percent (1,067) of the group as anxious, depressed, or both. Further testing showed that, as brief as those interviews were, they were 80 percent accurate.
A study-within-the-study of 204 people with COPD found that about two-thirds were troubled by anxiety or depression, yet only about a third of them were getting help for these problems.
Previous studies on this subject have generally involved patients being seen in clinics or doctors' offices. The Texas investigators say their study, published in the April 2005 issue of the journal Chest, paints a fuller picture because it isn't limited to those who are actively seeking care. More important, it shows that a simple screening for depression and anxiety is practical.
It's well documented that respiratory illness is associated with depression and anxiety. It's not clear if this is because of a direct, physiological impact on the brain. But we do know that breathing difficulties produce the sorts of limitations and loss of control in daily life that is commonly associated with these mental health problems.
Doctors should ask patients with respiratory problems about their mental health. And if you have COPD or some other chronic respiratory illness, and you're feeling low or anxious, or both, talk with your doctor about getting some help.
Barbara Hanson is director of community resource development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging. For information about senior services, call the Senior Helpline at (800) 642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit www.svcoa.org.
Meals on Wheels
Today: Corn chowder, seafood salad, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, croissant, chocolate chip cookies.
Tuesday: Pot roast, baby carrots, boiled potatoes, wheat bread, fruited gelatin.
Wednesday: Cheese Ravioli with meat sauce, broccoli, Italian bread, watermelon.
Thursday: Stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat bread, chocolate cake.
Friday: Sweet'n'sour meatballs, penne pasta, green beans and red peppers, wheat bread, Mandarin oranges with orange gelatin.
15