Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 59, Issue 6 , Pages 429-443, December 2005

Psychological characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A review

  • Kia Minna J. Hynninen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5015, Norway
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Christiesgt. 12, Bergen N-5015, Norway. Tel.: +47 404 535 64; fax: +47 55 58 98 77
    • ,
  • Monica H. Breitve

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5015, Norway
    • ,
  • Alice B. Wiborg

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5015, Norway
    • ,
  • Ståle Pallesen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5015, Norway
    • ,
  • Inger Hilde Nordhus

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5015, Norway

Received 7 October 2004; received in revised form 6 April 2005; accepted 6 April 2005.

Abstract 

Objective

The aim of this study was to review research on psychological characteristics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and to summarize the findings of associations between psychological variables and various aspects of life, illness, and health in COPD patients.

Methods

The following databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library.

Results

A total of 81 studies, published between 1968 and 2004, was identified. The reviewed studies indicated that patients suffering from COPD have a high prevalence of psychological disorders and may function at a reduced level of efficiency due to neuropsychological impairments. Psychological characteristics also seemed to be associated with functional disability and reduced quality of life.

Conclusion

Psychological characteristics are important variables that interact with physical symptoms, and they should be taken into account when treating COPD patients. More studies with rigorous methodological designs are needed to describe the role of psychological variables in COPD accurately and reliably.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, Psychological characteristics

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PII: S0022-3999(05)00096-6

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.04.007

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 59, Issue 6 , Pages 429-443, December 2005

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