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Anxiety in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Role of Illness Specific Catastrophic Thoughts

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Abstract

The development of a self-report measuredesigned to assess illness-specific catastrophicthoughts in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is described. The measure is then used to testhypotheses about the relationship between catastrophicthoughts and anxiety in COPD. Preliminary findingssuggest that the measure, the Interpretation ofBreathing Problems Questionnaire (IBPQ), has goodpsychometric properties. Tests of specific hypothesesindicated that more severe catastrophic thoughts wereassociated with higher levels of anxiety. Catastrophicthoughts and anxiety were also more severe in unsafe than in safe situations. Severity ofcatastrophic thoughts was a significant predictor ofanxiety, particularly of situation specific (IBPQ)anxiety. Satisfaction with social support, but not age,duration, or severity of illness, was also important,particularly in safe situations. Implications for acognitive model of anxiety in COPD, and for treatment ofanxiety in this disorder, are briefly discussed. Limitations of the study are noted. Suggestionsare made for further research.

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Sutton, K., Cooper, M., Pimm, J. et al. Anxiety in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Role of Illness Specific Catastrophic Thoughts. Cognitive Therapy and Research 23, 573–585 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018780623406

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018780623406

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