The Psychological Burden of Respiratory Conditions

The psychology of living with respiratory conditions and how to have those difficult conversations

There is increasing evidence that integrating mental and physical care for people with long-term conditions can improve both physical and mental health and reduce costs.¹

The psychological burden of respiratory conditions and how this makes patients feel, can ultimately lead them to behave the way they do and can influence the management of their disease.² In this webinar Dr Sarah Baxter explains this psychological burden through the concept of the vicious cycle of breathlessness and highlights what can exacerbate anxiety in such cases. Dr Baxter also highlights how improvements in mental health can be achieved to help physical wellbeing in those with respiratory conditions, whilst providing some practical hints and tips for HCPs on how to facilitate motivational changes.

References

1. Heslop-Marshall K & Burns G. The role of cognitive behavioural therapy in living well with COPD. Breathe. Jun 2019, 15 (2) 95-97; DOI 10.1183/20734735.0119-2019

2. Stanescu, S., Kirby, S.E., Thomas, M. et al. A systematic review of psychological, physical health factors, and quality of life in adult asthma. npj Prim. Care Respir. Med. 29, 37 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-019-
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• Dr Sarah Baxter

  Principal Clinical Psychologist and Professional Lead

  Read biography
  Dr Sarah Baxter

  Principal Clinical Psychologist and Professional Lead Respiratory Psychology at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals

  Role and Location

  Dr Baxter is the Principal Clinical Psychologist and Professional Lead for Respiratory psychology at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals based at the Royal Preston Hospital site.

  Education

  Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) and BSc (hons).

  Research

  Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in patients with complex breathlessness.

  Memberships

  The Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).