Psychological and social characteristics of COPD patients

Purpose: According to a steady increase in COPD morbidity the improvement of psychological diagnostics aimed at further therapeutical influence is of particular importance. Methods: 36 COPD patients (26 males and 10 females, age 45±4 years, FEV1 >50%) with mild and moderate severity of the disease have been examined by Lusher' s test and the integrative anxiety test. Results: A high level of the simpaticus scale was not dependent on the severity of the disease and the gender of COPD patients. Male patients revealed higher anxiety levels and increased resistance to external stimuli. They had lower levels in worki…