Psychopathology in heart transplant candidates

Psychodiagnostic data are reported on 69 heart transplant candidates. Twenty-seven patients actually received a transplantation. A high prevalence of anxiety and depression appeared related to their desperate cardiac status. Distressful symptoms did not predict postoperative psychiatric complications. Reduced coping skills as reflected by diagnoses of personality disorders or organic mental impairment were associated with many behavioral problems capable of jeopardizing survival. Psychiatric input is necessary for, and was helpful in, the management of these patients.