Asthma, Depression Symptoms May Improve With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may benefit patients with severe asthma and significant depression and/or anxiety, according to a recent study.

Some evidence supports the use of CBT in asthma patients. However, it is not yet known whether this approach can benefit patients with severe asthma, or whether a group approach is effective for treating this patient population.
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In their study, the researchers recruited 140 participants with severe asthma and clinically significant anxiety and/or depression. All participants scored at least 8 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). A total of 51 of 140 participants who consented to treatment were randomly assigned to receive either weekly group CBT for 8 weeks and usual care, or usual care only.

The researchers evaluated the end points of the study using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Asthma Control Questionnaire, HAD scores, Dyspnoea-12, EuroQual-5D and EuroQuol-VAS.

After a follow-up of 16 weeks, the program’s drop-out rate was high. Many participants were unable to commit to the weekly demands of the program, either due to poor health or living too far from the treatment center.

Participants who remained in the program and contributed to focus-group discussions reported that group CBT had helped them better understand their illness, approach anxiety management, and accept their asthma condition. Although many participants reported that weekly face-to-face sessions were challenging, this method was preferred over others.

“This feasibility study shows that Group-CBT warrants further investigation as a potentially promising treatment option for patients with severe asthma,” the researchers concluded. “It has been possible but not easy to recruit and retain the sample. Options for a less demanding intervention schedule, such as less frequent face-to-face visits and the use of web-based interventions, require careful consideration.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Yorke J, Adair P, Doyle AM, et al. A randomised controlled feasibility trial of group cognitive behavioural therapy for people with severe asthma. J Asthma. 2017;54(5). doi:10.1080/02770903.2016.1229335.