Overview of Psychological Considerations in the Management of Patients with Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Abstract

Chronic respiratory illness is often difficult to manage and associate with challenges to overall health-specific quality of life issues. The mechanisms through which patients appraise health-related threats and manage coping resources to combat this threat are discussed. Early identification of psychosocial risk factors including depression and anxiety, as well as coping resources, may significantly influence the course of one’s disease and overall quality of life. Response to illness may be influenced by multiple factors and is highly variable from individual to individual. Premorbid psychological health is a predictor of the likely coping skills a patient has in place, as well as their emotional and cognitive abilities to manage the stressors of illness. However, individual experiences with disease, sensitivities to specific illness burden, limitations and threats to one’s resources and coping skills from the disease itself may take a heavy toll on the patient. The relationship between physical and mental health is in no way unidirectional. Though psychological hardiness may be protective against some diseases, it has been well established that mental illness is associated with higher risk for diseases such as cardiovascular illness, diabetes, and many cancers. In addition to premorbid risk factors that could challenge a patient’s response to illness, possible iatrogenic effects of treatment for respiratory illnesses in addition to the illness itself should be carefully tracked and managed during the course of treatment.