As mentioned in the last issue (BJPCN Sept 2008), anxiety is a significant and
distressing problem for patients with respiratory disease. Anxiety is more common in
respiratory disease than in cancer, heart failure or other chronic medical conditions
(Kvaal et al 2001). The previous article gave a background to anxiety and highlighted
that practice nurses are in an ideal position to screen for anxiety and to provide appropriate
support and basic treatment. This article focuses on the management of anxiety using cognitive
behavioural therapy skills and techniques.
