title: Current perspectives on management of co-morbid depression in COPD.
abstract: Individuals with COPD have a higher prevalence of co-morbid depression than either the general population or patients with other chronic illnesses. The best estimates report a prevalence of approximately 40% in COPD patients, compared to 15% in the general population. Depression in COPD patients leads to a lower quality of life, greater objective impairment in function, and decreased adherence to therapeutic interventions. While many depressed COPD patients have been treated empirically with antidepressants--subjecting them to antidepressant side effects, toxicities, and costs--there is a surprising lack of evidence supporting or directing that treatment. We review the current literature regarding the management of depression in COPD, suggest strategies for management, and future research needs.
authors.affiliation: National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA. NorwoodR@njc.org
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Norwood
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Balkissoon
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology