TY - JOUR
AU - B. Gonçalves
AU - J. Lusher
AU - A. Cund
AU - C. Sime
AU - E. Harkess-Murphy
A1 - 
AB - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a growing global public health concern, not only due to its physical effects but also because of the significant psychological distress it causes, including anxiety and depression. This perspective stresses the importance of addressing mental health issues in the management of COPD, discussing current treatment options, which include non-pharmacological interventions. METHODS: This perspective synthesizes current literature on psychological distress in COPD and reviews evidence for non-pharmacological approaches, including pulmonary rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, self-management programs, telerehabilitation, education, and peer support. It draws on recent literature and guidelines to identify gaps and opportunities for integrated care. RESULTS: Individuals with COPD experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, and this can negatively impact quality of life, disease progression, and healthcare outcomes. Despite this, mental health symptoms often remain undiagnosed and untreated due to limited awareness, training, and resources. Psychological and non-pharmacological interventions reveal encouraging results in reducing distress and improving overall well-being. Pulmonary rehabilitation, combined with psychological support, demonstrates particular benefits but is underutilized due to patient and systemic barriers. Alternative approaches such as telerehabilitation and remote therapies offer potential for increased access. Moreover, education and peer support play a crucial role in empowering patients, improving coping skills, and fostering social connectedness, which contribute positively to psychological well-being. This perspective advocates for integrated COPD management, which prioritizes mental health literacy, collaborative care models, and patient engagement. CONCLUSION: Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of COPD is essential for holistic care and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with COPD. Further research and healthcare policy efforts are needed to close existing gaps and deliver comprehensive support for people living with COPD.
AD - School of Allied and Community Health London South Bank University London UK.; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London London UK.; Regent's University London London UK.; School of Health and Life Sciences University of the West of Scotland Ayr UK.; Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care Edinburgh UK.; School of Health and Life Sciences University of the West of Scotland Paisley UK.
AN - 41756728
BT - Health Sci Rep
C5 - Education & Workforce; HIT & Telehealth
CP - 2
DA - Feb
DO - 10.1002/hsr2.71896
DP - NLM
ET - 20260224
IS - 2
JF - Health Sci Rep
LA - eng
N2 - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a growing global public health concern, not only due to its physical effects but also because of the significant psychological distress it causes, including anxiety and depression. This perspective stresses the importance of addressing mental health issues in the management of COPD, discussing current treatment options, which include non-pharmacological interventions. METHODS: This perspective synthesizes current literature on psychological distress in COPD and reviews evidence for non-pharmacological approaches, including pulmonary rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, self-management programs, telerehabilitation, education, and peer support. It draws on recent literature and guidelines to identify gaps and opportunities for integrated care. RESULTS: Individuals with COPD experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, and this can negatively impact quality of life, disease progression, and healthcare outcomes. Despite this, mental health symptoms often remain undiagnosed and untreated due to limited awareness, training, and resources. Psychological and non-pharmacological interventions reveal encouraging results in reducing distress and improving overall well-being. Pulmonary rehabilitation, combined with psychological support, demonstrates particular benefits but is underutilized due to patient and systemic barriers. Alternative approaches such as telerehabilitation and remote therapies offer potential for increased access. Moreover, education and peer support play a crucial role in empowering patients, improving coping skills, and fostering social connectedness, which contribute positively to psychological well-being. This perspective advocates for integrated COPD management, which prioritizes mental health literacy, collaborative care models, and patient engagement. CONCLUSION: Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of COPD is essential for holistic care and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with COPD. Further research and healthcare policy efforts are needed to close existing gaps and deliver comprehensive support for people living with COPD.
PY - 2026
SN - 2398-8835
SP - e71896
ST - Toward Holistic COPD Management: The Case for Mental Health Integration
T1 - Toward Holistic COPD Management: The Case for Mental Health Integration
T2 - Health Sci Rep
TI - Toward Holistic COPD Management: The Case for Mental Health Integration
U1 - Education & Workforce; HIT & Telehealth
U3 - 10.1002/hsr2.71896
VL - 9
VO - 2398-8835
Y1 - 2026
ER -