General review on depression associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

The COPD condition experience co-morbid symptoms of cardiovascular disease, diabetes meleitus, anemia, depression, anxiety, GERD, obstructive sleep apnoea, cachexia, muscle wasting and osteoporosis. Depression is the major co-morbidity in COPD and are associated with poor prognosis. The occurance of depression in a community have a strong relationship with low level of education, poor socio-economic condition and advance in age. COPD exacerbations have a negative impact on pulmonary functions, health related quality of life and patient survival. Frequent exacerbations are more seen in depressive patients than in normal patients. Severe dyspnoea, progressive irreversible condition and associated hypoxia may be responsibe for the organic causes of depression in severe COPD patients. Simple questionnaires are used to diagnose depression in COPD patient. Antidepressant drug therapy are effective in the treatment of moderative severe depression in patients with COPD.