Author
Monika Tempel, as published in the patient library ‚Respiratory Tract and Lungs‘ issue 43/Summer 2024
Anyone who treats people with pulmonary diseases inevitably encounters the topic of "lungs and mind".
Acute shortness of breath and panic, exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath on exertion) and kinesiophobia (excessive, irrational fear of movement or physical activity), exacerbation (acute worsening, flare-up of disease) and depression, nicotine addiction and stigmatization: these are just four pairs of keywords that give an idea of the importance of biopsychosocial interactions in respiratory and lung diseases.
How these complex interactions work in detail, what effects they have on the well-being of those affected and the course of the disease, which treatment options prove effective in practice: all this is presented by renowned experts using examples from their respective research and work areas in the special issue "Lungs and Psyche" of the scientific journal "Respiratory and Lung Diseases" published by Dustri Verlag.
Below is a small selection of authors and topics:
Nikola Stenzel and Nina Piel open the series of articles with an impressive review on the influence of psychological factors on symptom perception and symptom management in chronic lung diseases. The relationships are complex and encompass interactions on several levels: Even before the onset of diagnosed mental comorbidities (accompanying illnesses) such as depression and anxiety disorders, these factors influence disease course and mortality. Personality variables, individual psychological vulnerability, and resilience, for example, already have an impact on illness behavior, often in the pre-clinical stages.
In her article, Karin Vitzthum debunks common myths about smoking prevention and cessation. She vividly contrasts these myths with the opportunities offered by "teachable moments" and evidence-based treatment options, thereby holding healthcare professionals accountable.
Paul Köhler and his colleagues are familiar with the physical and emotional hurdles faced by severely burdened patients with primary and secondary chronic lung diseases in inpatient psychosomatic care. They have developed a concept specifically for these patients that enables individualized psychosomatic treatment – the "NIPA" concept (Nuremberg Integrated Psychosomatic Acute Care Beds).
Rembert Koczulla and colleagues already consider psychopneumology an essential component of pulmonary rehabilitation and aftercare. In their detailed statement, they present compelling arguments for further differentiated research and the development of specific therapy programs.
All in all, the articles in this issue deliver a pleasing result: Since the first special issue on "Lungs and Psyche" in 2018, the body of reliable knowledge and practical experience in the field of psychopneumology has grown.
Lungs and Psyche: Respiratory and Lung Diseases. Edition: M. Tempel, Regensburg. Dustri Verlag, Volume 50, Number 2, February 2024. www.dustri.de
Our advisor, Monika Tempel, and her team of authors draw the medical profession's attention to the important topic of mental health. Much knowledge on this subject has been added in recent years, and this information has been compiled here. It remains a difficult topic for us patients to discuss; perhaps publications like this will change the way doctors and patients interact.
