**8.4 Psychosocial support**

Many COPD patients who are referred to pulmonary rehabilitation suffer from depression and anxiety [45, 122]. Recent studies have estimated prevalence of depressed mood in about 45% and anxiety in 32% of patients with moderate to advanced COPD [123–125]. Dyspnea on exertion leads to fear and anxiety anytime a COPD patient has to exercise. This severely limits their social interaction and eventually leads to depression. COPD patients can suffer from hopelessness, sense of isolation and lack of motivation. It is essential to assess the presence of depressed mood during initial evaluation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Family and caregiver involvement is advisable to assess the social support system for the patient.

Identifying the mood disorders and deficit in the social support is an integral part of the program [114]. Patients in need can be provided with psychological and social support, which works to elevate mood, positive thinking and adaptive behavior towards disease and its management. This also improves the compliance with the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Psychological support can be provided by the physical therapist but often require a psychologist or a psychiatrist involvement.
