Teaching coping skills to COPD patients and their caregivers

This trial is testing whether teaching coping skills to both COPD patients and their family caregivers can reduce emotional stress and improve health outcomes. The study compares two approaches: one group receives specialized coping skills training focused on managing emotions and daily challenges, while another group receives standard education about COPD. Researchers believe that when patients and caregivers learn these skills together, it may lead to better emotional health and better control of lung disease symptoms.

Many people with emphysema experience anxiety and depression, which can make their lung disease worse and lower their quality of life, yet most don't receive mental health support. This study exists to test whether teaching practical coping skills to both patients and their caregivers together is a better way to reduce emotional stress and improve outcomes, especially for people who have difficulty accessing traditional mental health care.