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.