[Quality of life, depression and coping behavior in patients awaiting heart transplant]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Heart transplantation is a standard treatment for end-stage heart failure.
• The waiting period for heart transplantation causes significant psychological distress for patients.
• Declining organ availability has lengthened waiting times, exacerbating patient distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the psychological impact on patients during the heart transplant waiting period.
• To assess changes in depression, quality of life, and locus of control in heart transplant candidates over time.

Main Methods:

• A follow-up study assessed 52 patients awaiting heart transplantation.
• Psychological parameters including depression, quality of life, and locus of control were evaluated.
• Comparison was made to a healthy control group at the study's outset.

Main Results:

• Heart transplant candidates exhibited higher depression, lower quality of life, and more physical complaints than controls at baseline.
• During the study, patients showed a significant increase in depression and a further decrease in quality of life.
• Patients demonstrated a low internal and high external/fatalistic locus of control.

Conclusions:

• The waiting period for heart transplantation significantly impacts patient mental health, increasing depression and reducing quality of life.
• Patients awaiting heart transplantation often develop a fatalistic outlook, underscoring psychological vulnerability.
• Supportive psychotherapeutic interventions are essential for patients undergoing the heart transplant process.