title: "Everything was spiraling out of control": experiences of anxiety in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom. thomas.g.willgoss@stu.mmu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Willgoss
authors.forename: Abebaw M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Yohannes
authors.forename: Juliet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goldbart
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fatoye
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology