Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) can significantly reduce asthma-related anxiety and improve disease control in adults with asthma, according to new research. The study shows that a structured, online psychological intervention leads to better asthma control, improved quality of life and fewer avoidance behaviours, without negatively affecting lung function.
The findings underscore the close and well-documented relationship between asthma and anxiety. Anxiety affects up to one in three adults with asthma and is associated with poorer health outcomes and diminished quality of life. Despite this, asthma-related anxiety is often overlooked in routine care. Many patients limit their daily activities, such as exercise, social engagements or travel, out of fear of triggering symptoms, even when this is not medically necessary. The study has been published in Thorax.
Randomised controlled trial
To address this gap, researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial involving 90 adults with asthma and clinically significant asthma-related anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to either an eight-week ICBT programme or standard care, which included access to online medical information about asthma.
The ICBT programme combined educational texts and practical exercises aimed at helping participants recognise and manage anxiety related to their condition. Throughout the intervention, participants received regular, personalised feedback from a psychologist. Outcomes included changes in asthma-related anxiety, asthma control, quality of life and lung function.
Compared with standard care, participants who followed the ICBT programme reported significantly lower anxiety levels, better asthma control, higher quality of life and fewer avoidance behaviours. Lung function remained unchanged, indicating that the intervention is safe and suitable as a complement to pharmacological asthma treatment.
Digital intervantions
According to the researchers, the results demonstrate that asthma-related anxiety is both identifiable and treatable through accessible digital interventions. By addressing psychological factors, such treatments may not only improve wellbeing and confidence in daily life, but also help reduce the overall burden of asthma symptoms.
The next step is to explore whether similar benefits can be achieved in younger populations. A follow-up study is currently underway in which the intervention has been adapted for children and adolescents aged 8 to 17, as well as their parents. The aim is to provide early, age-appropriate support and prevent long-term limitations caused by anxiety and avoidance behaviours.
Internet-based CBT for bulimia nervosa
A couple of months ago an international research team showed that guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is an effective treatment for people with bulimia nervosa (BN). In the first Asian study of its kind, researchers demonstrated that online CBT can significantly reduce binge eating and compensatory behaviours, while improving recovery rates.
The randomised controlled trial, led by Dr Sayo Hamatani of Fukui University, included 61 women aged 13 to 65 who received either standard care or a 12-week, therapist-guided online CBT programme adapted to the Japanese context. Participants in the iCBT group reported an average of ten fewer binge eating or vomiting episodes, and recovery rates increased from 13% in standard care to 55%.
