10 COPD Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #9: Depression
Depression is a commonly seen symptom among patients with COPD. It has been estimated that as many as 40 percent of COPD patients suffer from clinical depression, which may be due to the impaired quality of life.
Managing depression among COPD patients is done effectively with imipramine and nortriptyline, and cognitive behavioral therapy has given positive results. Pulmonary rehabilitation is also beneficial for patients with milder depression. Some research has suggested that depression in COPD patients can affect the mortality rate.
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