[Anxiety and COPD]

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but are underdiagnosed and data on this association are scarce. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in COPD varies considerably among studies and is probably greater than is currently known. Only a third of these patients receives appropriate treatment. Certain drugs, behavioral therapy and a multidisciplinary approach can improve the management of these patients, a good example being respiratory rehabilitation.