The Mental Health Impact of Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic Respiratory Diseases are the third leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for over 4 million deaths per year. It’s believed that over 550 million people worldwide suffer from Chronic Respiratory diseases and these have a huge impact on both physical and psychological health. Some of the most common chronic respiratory diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic sinus disease. There is no doubt that Chronic Respiratory Diseases are associated with a major impact on the wellbeing and mental health of affected individuals. Anxiety and depression are common and important comorbidities in patients with CRD.

The presence of anxiety and/or depression in CRD patients is associated with increased mortality, exacerbation rates, length of hospital stay, and decreased quality of life and functional status.

We often concentrate on the physical symptoms, but what is the impact of having chronic respiratory disease on mental health, and what should physicians take into account?

EUFOREA invites Professor Andreas Von Leupoldt, Professor of Health Psychologist at the Research Group Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, and Chabha Djouder, a dedicated member of the Patient Advisory Board of EUFOREA and French patient advocacy group Anosmie.org. In this EUFOREA news show, we present physician and patient perspectives to you.