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Depression and related psychological factors in heart disease

Laura K Kent1, Peter A Shapiro

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA. lk2129@columbia.edu

Harvard Review of Psychiatry
|December 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Depression and psychological factors significantly increase heart disease risk. Effective treatments for depression in heart disease patients are supported by clinical trials, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

  • Heart disease is prevalent in patients with depression.
  • Epidemiological studies show clear links between depression and heart disease in various populations.
  • Psychological factors like vital exhaustion, Type A behavior, anger, hostility, and Type D personality are associated with heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of depression and related psychological factors in heart disease.
  • To summarize proposed mechanisms linking negative affect to heart disease.
  • To review current treatments for depression in heart disease patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological studies.
  • Review of research on psychological factors and heart disease.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data on depression treatment in cardiac patients.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of heart disease in depressed individuals.
  • Established epidemiological links between depression and heart disease.
  • Evidence supports various treatment strategies for depression in heart disease.

Conclusions:

  • Depression and psychological distress are significant risk factors for heart disease.
  • Understanding the mechanisms linking psychological factors to heart disease is crucial.
  • Treatment of depression is an important component in managing heart disease patients.

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