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Prevalence and Correlates of Depression and Anxiety in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients in Riyadh, Saudi
Afnan A Alwabili1, Ahmad Alomrani2, Abdulraouf Jijeh2
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Depression and anxiety are common in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). These emotional disorders are linked to demographic and clinical factors, highlighting the need for tailored mental health support for CHD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasingly prevalent in adults due to medical advancements.
- Untreated psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, can negatively impact the health outcomes of adult CHD patients.
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of emotional disorders in this population is crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).
- To explore the associations between demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and the severity of depression and anxiety in this cohort.
- To emphasize the necessity of integrated mental health services for adult CHD survivors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 378 adult CHD outpatients (≥18 years) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Data were collected using validated Arabic questionnaires: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
- Demographic data and clinical characteristics (NYHA functional class) were also assessed.
Main Results:
- 14.6% of participants reported moderate to severe anxiety, and 18.3% reported moderate to severe depression.
- Higher depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) scores were significantly associated with older age (≥35 years), female gender, and more severe CHD (NYHA Class II-IV).
- Most participants were young adults (56.9% aged 18-24), predominantly women (52.6%) and Saudi nationals (97.1%).
Conclusions:
- Depression and anxiety symptoms are prevalent in adult CHD patients.
- Specific demographic and clinical factors are associated with increased emotional distress, indicating a need for personalized care strategies.
- Comprehensive mental health support is essential for managing the overall well-being of adult CHD survivors.
Abstract:
ObjectiveAdvances in cardiac surgery and medicine have resulted in congenital heart disease (CHD) not being limited to children. CHD has been linked to emotional disorders, and untreated psychiatric disorders can worsen adult CHD patients' morbidity and mortality. This study sought to assess rates and predictors of depression and anxiety in this population.MethodA cross-sectional study involving 378 adult outpatients with CHD aged 18 years or older was conducted. Cluster sampling was performed at cardiac center clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and data were collected through questionnaires that included demographic information, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), both of the latter validated in Arabic. Clinical characteristics were assessed using physician-rated New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class for CHD.ResultsDemographic findings revealed a diverse population with the majority aged 18-24 (56.9%), 52.6% women, and 97.1% Saudi nationals. The clinical characteristics of CHD patients indicated that 63.2% were classified as NYHA Class I and 54.0% had simple CHD. A total of 14.6% of participants reported moderate or severe anxiety and 18.3% indicated moderate or severe depression. Significant associations were found between demographic factors and PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Higher PHQ-9 scores were associated with age ≥35, female gender, and NYHA Class II-IV. Similar associations were observed for GAD-7 scores.ConclusionsDepression and anxiety symptoms are relatively common in this population, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health support for adult patients with CHD. The association between negative emotions and certain demographic and clinical factors emphasizes the importance of providing personalized care to these patients.
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