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Depression in patients being evaluated for heart transplantation
R A Maricle1, J D Hosenpud, D J Norman
1Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Depression is common in heart transplant candidates, affecting 54%. However, preoperative depression does not exclude patients, as many respond well to psychiatric treatment post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Depressive syndromes are frequently observed in patients evaluated for heart transplantation.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of depression in this population is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depressive syndromes in heart transplant candidates.
- To identify risk factors associated with depression in this cohort.
- To evaluate the impact of preoperative depression on postoperative psychiatric needs and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 68 consecutive heart transplant candidates.
- Assessment of depressive syndromes and psychiatric risk factors.
- Analysis of associations between depression and demographic/historical factors.
- Tracking of postoperative psychiatric interventions and treatment outcomes for transplanted patients.
Main Results:
- 54% of candidates (37 of 68) presented with one or more depressive syndromes.
- Significant associations with depression included age, education, occupation, and prior depressive episodes.
- Postoperative psychiatric intervention was required by 16 of 22 depressed patients versus 8 of 21 non-depressed patients.
- 75% of patients requiring intervention showed a beneficial response to treatment.
Conclusions:
- Depression is highly prevalent in heart transplant candidates.
- Preoperative depression is not an exclusion criterion and often requires postoperative psychiatric management.
- Psychiatric intervention for depression in this population is generally effective.