ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS

Abstract

Patients with chronic lung disease often face a difficult journey with progressive physical symptoms and significant emotional or psychological burdens. Great advances have been made in addressing the physical challenges of these conditions, with innovations addressing some of the physical symptoms and the appearance of a broader range of multidisciplinary professionals in chronic care services. However, the broader multidisciplinary expertise available in secondary care may not always be fully reflected in the primary care setting. Furthermore, many of the mental health challenges with chronic respiratory conditions are not as well recognized as in other physical illnesses, although they can be associated with considerable distress and a subsequent increase in healthcare usage in an already resource-squeezed system. In this review, we discuss the link between chronic lung disease and mental health and the importance of addressing this as part of a holistic approach to these patients. We also review current guidelines and evidence-based treatments and management guidance that are available for use by primary care teams to help support the mental health of patients with chronic lung disease and their carers.