Depression screening in patients with vascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Major depression is linked to worse outcomes in vascular surgery patients.
• Routine depression screening is recommended but not widely implemented in vascular surgery.
• Vascular surgery patients with cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of depression screening in a vascular surgery clinic.
• To determine the prevalence of depression among these patients.
• To identify predictors of depression in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey including validated scales for depression (PHQ-9), pain, frailty, and substance dependence was administered to 385 patients.
• Patient charts were reviewed for demographics and medical history.
• Area Deprivation Index was used to assess socioeconomic status; univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• 35.7% of eligible patients (140/385) screened positive for depression.
• Depression was associated with lower socioeconomic status, higher frailty, lower self-esteem, and greater pain.
• Multivariate analysis identified higher frailty and lower self-esteem as significant predictors of depression.

Conclusions:

• Depression is highly prevalent in vascular surgery patients, with frailty and low self-esteem as key risk factors.
• Screening for depression in vascular surgery clinics is feasible and can identify patients needing further monitoring.
• Vascular surgeons can play a role in screening, referral, and management of depression in their patients.