Mood disorders in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity, disability and mortality in old age. The disease is characterized by shortness of breath, impaired ventilatory function and easy fatiguability. These are the most distressing and disabling symptoms of COPD, limiting exercise tolerance, interfering with basic activities of daily living and often, in turn, impairing quality of life.