Psychiatric issues in pulmonary disease.

This article has attempted to provide an overview of the clinical literature regarding the psychological issues facing patients with pulmonary disease, depending on when the illness begins in the life span, because different developmental tasks are disrupted. Patients must contend with side effects of medication that may mimic or exacerbate psychiatric disorders. The main drug interactions for psychiatrists to be aware of in this patient population occur between rifampin, or theophylline and psychotropic medications. In lung transplant recipients on cyclosporine therapy, the antidepressant drug nefazadone may cause increased cyclosporine levels. Psychiatrists must be aware of the risks, benefits, and survival statistics; educate patients; and ascertain whether the patient is competent to make medical decisions regarding treatment procedures.