Anxiety and depression

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that depression and anxiety are important comorbidities in COPD, and are associated with a number of adverse outcomes including worse health-related quality of life, an increased risk of exacerbations, and a higher mortality. The burden of depression in COPD is higher than in the general population, and many patients remain undiagnosed. Although treatment of depression and anxiety may include medications or pharmacotherapy, many patients with depressive symptoms do not receive treatment.