Objective: This study sought to elicit and describe the first-hand experiences of anxiety in community patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anxiety is common among patients with COPD. Clinical anxiety affects up to two thirds of patients, leading to reduced quality of life and physical functioning. There has been little research exploring the experiences of anxiety in patients with COPD, particularly in individuals with stable respiratory symptoms.
Methods: We interviewed 14 community patients with stable COPD and self-reported symptoms of anxiety. Data were analyzed using thematic network analysis to develop basic, organizing, and global themes.
Results: Patients reported intense thoughts of fear, hopelessness, and confusion that were associated with the anxiety and panic attacks. Self-management was important, particularly self-talk coping strategies.
Conclusions: Unmanaged anxiety seems to be particularly distressing for patients with COPD. Self-management strategies can be highly effective in preventing and managing anxiety.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.