COPD increases the risk of depression. Depression and anxiety adversely affect prognosis in COPD, leading to an increased risk of exacerbation and possibly death.

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that was published in Chest in 2013. [1] It included 16 studies on depression or anxiety as predictors of COPD outcomes (incident COPD/chronic lung disease or exacerbation) and/or mortality, in 28,759 participants followed for 1 to 8 years, and six studies on COPD as a predictor of depression…

Prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with asthma and the effect on asthma control and quality of life

This is a study published 2006 in Chest.[1] 504 adults with confirmed asthma underwent a brief, structured psychiatric interview using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. Asthma control and asthma-related quality of life were assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Thirty-one per cent of patients…

An Intervention in communication cuts anxiety and depression in cancer patients

This is a study that was published in JAMA Psychiatry.[1] An intervention designed to enhance communication between oncologists and patients with advanced cancer did not improve the primary outcomes of goal-concordant care and peacefulness. There were significant reductions in moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms among intervention patients at 14 weeks. Anxiety reduction was…