Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
How to effectively support people experiencing health anxiety
How to effectively support people experiencing health anxiety

This article looks at what happens when navigating health uncertainty becomes too much to bear, then summarises the support and treatment you can provide
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
1. Tyrer P, Tyrer H. Health anxiety: detection and treatment. BJPsych Advances 2018;24(1):66–72.
2. Heinen A, Varghese S, Krayem A, Molodynski A. Understanding health anxiety in the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022;68(8):1756–63.
3. Kupcova I, Danisovic L, Klein M, Harsanyi S. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, anxiety, and depression. BMC Psychol 2023;11(1):108.
4. Tyrer P. COVID-19 health anxiety. World Psychiatry 2020;19(3):307–08.
5. Andrews G, Bell C, Boyce P, et al. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2018;52(12):1109–72.
6. Newby JM, Mahoney AEJ, Mason EC, et al. Pilot trial of a therapist-supported internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy program for health anxiety. Internet Interv 2016;6:71–79.