Trudy Havermans1, Lore Willem2. 1. Cystic Fibrosis Centre, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 2. Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Anxiety and Depression, University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anxiety and depression (A&D) are common in cystic fibrosis (CF). This review defines A&D in the context of CF and examines our current knowledge about A&D, the impact on CF, treatment and illness trajectory and explores potential areas for prevention. RECENT FINDINGS: CF and A&D are interrelated. The CF diagnosis, symptoms and treatment may trigger symptoms of A&D, leading in some patients, to a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression. In return A&D impacts CF, potentially worsening the prognosis, decreasing treatment adherence and overall well being. Research shows how prevention is often imbedded in treatment programmes, for example in cognitive behavioural therapies or motivational interviewing. Strategies that may help to prevent the onset of clinical A&D or an increase in symptoms include the implementation of psychoeducation; techniques to enhance coping and resilience; building social support networks; increasing patients' physical exercise; and potentially, the implementation of e-health in day-to-day care. SUMMARY: To date, most A&D interventions focus on psychotherapeutic treatments, with preventive measures imbedded in programmes. The challenge lies in the improvement of our knowledge and implementation of preventive strategies to advance our care for patients with CF and to avoid clinical A&D.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anxiety and depression (A&D) are common in cystic fibrosis (CF). This review defines A&D in the context of CF and examines our current knowledge about A&D, the impact on CF, treatment and illness trajectory and explores potential areas for prevention. RECENT FINDINGS: CF and A&D are interrelated. The CF diagnosis, symptoms and treatment may trigger symptoms of A&D, leading in some patients, to a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression. In return A&D impacts CF, potentially worsening the prognosis, decreasing treatment adherence and overall well being. Research shows how prevention is often imbedded in treatment programmes, for example in cognitive behavioural therapies or motivational interviewing. Strategies that may help to prevent the onset of clinical A&D or an increase in symptoms include the implementation of psychoeducation; techniques to enhance coping and resilience; building social support networks; increasing patients' physical exercise; and potentially, the implementation of e-health in day-to-day care. SUMMARY: To date, most A&D interventions focus on psychotherapeutic treatments, with preventive measures imbedded in programmes. The challenge lies in the improvement of our knowledge and implementation of preventive strategies to advance our care for patients with CF and to avoid clinical A&D.