Panic Attacks, Anxiety, and COPD

Everything You Need to Know About the Connection and Preventative Measures

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to symptoms like breathlessness and chronic cough. One of the less discussed yet significant impacts of COPD is the heightened risk of anxiety and panic attacks. Research indicates that individuals with COPD are up to ten times more likely to experience panic attacks compared to the general population, and nearly 50% of COPD patients report experiencing high levels of anxiety. This heightened anxiety can adversely affect their quality of life, trigger panic attacks, and exacerbate COPD symptoms. Understanding and managing this anxiety is crucial for improving overall well-being in COPD patients.

Lesley Williams, a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Apria with 35 years of experience, states, “Managing anxiety in COPD patients requires a comprehensive approach, combining pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques to break the breathlessness-anxiety cycle and improve overall quality of life.”

Causes of Anxiety and Panic in COPD Patients

COPD is a progressive disease, which means it typically worsens over time. The thought of dealing with a chronic and potentially debilitating condition can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for many patients. Additionally, the primary symptom of COPD—shortness of breath—can trigger the brain’s fight-or-flight response, elevating anxiety levels and sometimes leading to panic attacks.

When a person with COPD experiences breathlessness, the immediate reaction is often panic, which exacerbates the feeling of breathlessness, creating a vicious cycle known as the breathlessness-anxiety cycle. This cycle can be difficult to break and significantly impact a patient’s daily life and overall health.

Preventing Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Managing anxiety and preventing panic attacks in COPD patients requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are several strategies that can help:

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Breathing Exercises

• Pursed-lip breathing
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Coordinated breathing
• Deep breathing
• Huff coughing
• Controlled coughing

Counseling

Therapy: Professional counseling can help COPD patients cognitively process their condition and develop coping mechanisms to handle anxiety and fear. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing anxiety disorders.

Meditation and Mindfulness Techniques

Practices: Yoga, guided meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind and body. These techniques can lower anxiety levels and help patients regain control over their breathing.

Medications

Treatment: While medications can be used to treat anxiety, it is crucial to consult a doctor to discuss any potential complications that might arise from their use. Anti-anxiety medications can sometimes slow down breathing, which can be detrimental for COPD patients. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed as they are less likely to affect respiratory function adversely.

Anxiety and panic attacks are common but manageable aspects of living with COPD. Patients can significantly improve their quality of life by understanding the causes and employing a combination of pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing exercises, counseling, mindfulness techniques, and appropriate medications. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety due to COPD, speak to your healthcare provider about the best strategies and treatments to manage these symptoms effectively. Taking proactive steps to address anxiety can lead to better health outcomes and a fulfilling life.

References
Editorial Staff. “Coping with COPD and Anxiety.” American Lung Association, November 27, 2018. https://www.lung.org/blog/coping-with-copd-and-anxiety.
Hepler, Linda. “COPD, Anxiety, and Panic Attacks.” Healthline, July 18, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/anxiety.
Rahi, Mandeep Singh, Bright Thilagar, Swetha Balaji, Sivaguha Yadunath Prabhakaran, Mayuri Mudgal, Suganiya Rajoo, Prashanth Reddy Yella, Palak Satija, Alsu Zagorulko, and Kulothungan Gunasekaran. “The Impact of Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.” Advances in respiratory medicine, March 10, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10037643/.
Strang, Susann, Ann Ekberg-Jansson, and Ingela Henoch. “Experience of Anxiety among Patients with Severe COPD: A Qualitative, in-Depth Interview Study.” Palliative & supportive care, December 12, 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4413871/. 

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