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COPD And Depression Relationship

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The relationship between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and depression illustrates the interconnection of physical and mental health outcomes (Quint, Baghai-Ravary, Donaldson, & Wedzicha, 2008). In fact, research indicates that symptoms of depression often follow a diagnosis of COPD. (Alexopoulos, et al., 2013; Guerra, et al., 2015; Norwood, 2007; Quint et al., 2008; Tselebis et al., 2016). Briefly, COPD is a progressive, irreversible lung disease that restricts airflow resulting in dyspnea (Quint et al., 2008; Tselebis et al., 2016). Frequently, depressive symptoms such as lack of appetite/sleep, hopelessness, withdrawal, decline self-disease management as well as declines in activities of daily living (ADL) complicate COPD. …show more content…

The relationship between COPD and depression is related the losses in physical, social and emotional realms. For example, the loss of function including the decline in mobility and ADL increase risk of depression. Likewise the changing social roles such as decline in the ability to take part in leisure activities and function within the family unit contribute to depression (Norwood, 2007). Furthermore, the use of supplemental oxygen presents barriers to movement and self-image (Norwood, 2007). Along the same lines self-efficacy and perceptions of social support also dictate the level of depressive symptoms (Norwood, 2007). Finally, an overall perception of losses unilaterally increases the co-morbidity of …show more content…

The mental health intervention and prevention focus impacts the quality of life. The lack of assessment and underreporting of depression results in lower quality of life and increases disease mortality (Stoop, et al., 2015). Stoop, et al., report (2015) purposed the solution to the lack of mental health care is to incorporate “stepped care intervention”. The report asserts that depression is not recognized by the majority of health care providers as well as not reported by those that do recognize it. Furthermore, the report asserts that “stepped care intervention” is effective therapeutically and financially. The method calls for screening, intervention of education and therapy, followed by continued monitoring (Stoop et al., 2015). Limitation in the method are lack of participation attributed to stigma of mental illness but the effect size of decreased depression shows promise (Stoop et al.,

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