Psychological approach to chronic respiratory failure]

Patients with chronic respiratory diseases, particularly chronic respiratory failure, are seriously handicapped mentally and physically as compared with those with diseases of other medical fields. This is because their disorders relate to breathing, which is the basic physical function directly associated with sustaining life. The authors have attempted a psychosomatic approach for patients with chronic respiratory disorders. Clinical science in this field of medicine in Japan is far behind that of other advanced nations. In the Comprehensive Emphysema Inventory, it was clearly reported that in many cases, psychological stress is involved in the onset of dyspnea. In SRQ-D or MAS, moreover, decreased motivation for treatment, anxiety regarding prognosis, and conflict were notable in psychosomatic tests. Patients on home oxygen therapy (HOT) appear to have problems in family relations and in the daily-living environment, even though HOT provides both mental and physical benefits. It was also noted that holistic or comprehensive care designed for improvement of not only physical condition, but also psychosocial aspects and quality of life, is essential to achieve good results in the respiratory rehabilitation of patients affected by chronic respiratory failure.