Study designs of evaluations included in the review
The authors stated that randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of psychological interventions were eligible for inclusion. Interventions that consisted of exercise and education alone were excluded. The included studies used the following interventions: education and stress management, with and without exercise; pulmonary rehabilitation; (taped) relaxation; analytic, supportive or nurse psychotherapy; rehabilitation; and counselling.
Participants included in the review
Studies of patients suffering from COPD (covering chronic bronchitis and emphysema), where COPD diagnosis was based on lung function testing, were eligible for inclusion. Trials that contained industrial-related COPD patients and asthma sufferers were excluded from the review. It was implied that COPD patients in the included studies were suffering from symptoms of anxiety and/or panic.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies investigating the effects of an intervention on anxiety and/or panic were eligible for inclusion. Studies were excluded if they did not measure patient anxiety before and after the intervention. The authors did not specify which measures for anxiety and/or panic should be used. Half of the included studies used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Secondary outcomes were included in the review: alleviation of dyspnoea, disability, quality of life, depression, impairment, knowledge, lung function, exercise tolerance, treatment credibility and medical orientation.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two independent reviewers applied the inclusion criteria to the studies. The authors did not state how any disagreements were resolved.