Psychological aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This paper describes a number of psychological variables useful in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Attention to these factors does not replace destroyed lung tissue. Yet such efforts can lead to meaningful improvement in performance for many patients. The prolongation of life is not the only goal of comprehensive care. Equally important to the patient and his family are efforts to function as well and as comfortably as possible throughout the remainder of his life.