Illness perceptions, symptom severity and psychosocial outcomes in adults with dysfunctional breathing

Background: People with dysfunctional breathing (DB) experience symptoms such as air hunger and breathing pattern irregularities. The condition is often comorbid with other respiratory conditions, as well as anxiety and depression. Illness perceptions, the beliefs an individual has of an illness may explain health and wellbeing outcomes.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study we examined the illness perceptions of those diagnosed with DB, symptom severity, and psychosocial outcomes of depression, anxiety, and impact on daily living. Data were analyzed using tests of comparison and regression analysis.

Results: 82 people diagnosed with DB completed the brief illness perception questionnaire, the Nijmegen symptoms questionnaire, and questionnaires measuring mood and impact on daily living. The illness perceptions of those with DB were overall negative. There was a positive correlation between illness perceptions and mood, indicating that the stronger the beliefs that individuals had that DB is a serious condition, the more negative their mood. Illness perceptions significantly predicted psychosocial outcomes, even when controlling for demographic factors and symptom severity (depression: adj. R²=.352, F(10,51)=4.32, p<.001; anxiety: adj. R²=.40, F(11,47)=4.55, p<.001; impact on daily living: adj. R²= .33, F(8,53)=4.79, p<.001).

Conclusions: This is the first study to examine illness perceptions held by those diagnosed with DB. Our study found significant relationships between illness perceptions and psychosocial outcomes. It is possible that psychological interventions that target illness perceptions may also improve outcomes.