Depression in the post-MI patient

Current nursing research has focused on the psychosocial complications and adjustment following myocardial infarction (MI). Depression can impair optimal recovery by the patient and family after MI. This article reviews and critiques two nursing studies related to depression. The first study focuses on reliably assessing depression in the post-MI patient. The second study explores the psychophysiologic link between depression and hypoxia. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.