A cognitive-behavioral self-help educational program for patients with COPD. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of an 8-week cognitive-behavioral self-help educational program for individuals with COPD on level of disability.

METHODS

Eight adults ranging in age from 58 to 83 years attended a program that included a cognitive-behavioral intervention strategy. Levels of disability, cognitive distortion, anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and hostility were measured pre- and posttreatment using the Sickness Impact Profile, two Cognitive Error Questionnaires and the Symptom Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Significant decreases were found in the Psychosocial and Total Sickness Impact Profile Scores (p value = 0.02 and p value = 0.03, respectively). On the General-Cognitive Error Questionnaire, the personalization subscale decreased significantly (p value = 0.04). On the COPD-Cognitive Error Questionnaire, the selective abstraction subscale decreased significantly (p value = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest a positive treatment response to the program.