Psychological treatment of patients with end-stage pulmonary disease.

A significant number of patients with end stage respiratory disease experience symptoms of emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and panic. This paper describes an approach to the psychological treatment of these symptoms based on cognitive behaviour therapy. The application of this approach to the treatment of panic is described as an illustration. The use of cognitive and behavioural techniques in a group setting with patients awaiting lung transplantation is described. The aim of the intervention is to provide patients with strategies to enhance their coping abilities, promote health, and improve their quality of life.