Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes airflow blockage and breathing-related issues. This chronic disease impacts people worldwide. Substantial evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients with chronic illnesses cope with worrisome and painful symptoms. However, the impact of CBT on COPD outcomes is less understood.

Objective: In this study, we systematically summarized the effects of CBT on lung function, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and quality of life of patients with COPD.

Methods: Six English-language and four Chinese-language databases were systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials published through April 15, 2023. Studies in which CBT was the only difference in treatment administered to experimental and control groups were included in the review. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Criteria.

Results: Sixteen studies (1887 participants) were included. The meta-analysis showed that CBT improved the percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV₁/FVC ratio, maximal voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow, treatment compliance, and World Health Organization abbreviated quality of life, Self-rating Anxiety and Depression Scale, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores compared with the control (all p < .05).

Conclusion: This review demonstrated that CBT improves the lung function, anxiety and depressive symptoms, treatment compliance, and quality of life of patients with COPD and can be used widely in the clinical treatment of this disease.