Psychological aspects in young people with venous thromboembolic disease, preliminary report

The decline in the mental well-being of young adults following an episode of venous thromboembolism may be related to the uncertainty of long-term health and fear of recurrence. In recent years, post-pulmonary embolism syndrome has gained acceptance, however, less attention has been given to the psychological impact on young patients after venous thromboembolism. This study explores the prevalence, type, and severity of psychological disorders of patients following venous thromboembolism.

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed of over 18-year-old patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism followed in the Vascular Medicine Service at Hospital Privado de Córdoba, Argentina from July 2020 to October 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual interviews were conducted using two pre-established questionnaires administered by the same psychiatrist. The first questionnaire gathered personal data, clinical history, and mental health information, while the second, evaluated mood disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients with a positive MINI score underwent further assessment using the Hamilton Scale. Patients were considered young if ≤45 years.

A total of 50 patients were assessed, 56 % were women, and 54 % were ≤45 years. Major depression was documented in 11 (22 %) patients, eight (72 %) in the younger group, and three (28 %) in the older group. Eight (16 %) patients had an anxiety disorder, four in the younger group, and ten (20 %) patients had post-traumatic stress disorder, seven (70 %) of the younger patients. Generalized anxiety disorder was identified in 20 (40 %) patients with similar proportions in both groups.

Psychological and emotional symptoms are common following an episode of venous thromboembolism. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression appear to be numerically more prevalent in the young.