Using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques in COPD

Abstract

It is estimated that by 2020 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is likely to become the fourth leading cause of death. People living with this condition may experience symptoms that can be managed with cognitive behavioural therapy, says Karen Heslop-Marshall Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term oftened used to describe two lung conditions in particular: chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Patients with COPD often experience symptoms of breathlessness, anxiety, panic and depression, and practice nurses are ideally placed to address these symptoms. This article looks at the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques in symptom management, describes methods to assess the psychological impact of breathlessness, and outlines common techniques evaluated in a COPD CBT study by Heslop-Marshall et al (2018) . Research found that respiratory nurses were able to learn and deliver CBT techniques to patients with COPD and improved their symptoms of anxiety, depression, quality of life and reduced their use of healthcare resources. Self-management in primary care can be improved with CBT skills and practice nurses could improve self-management by incorporating CBT techniques.