Psychosocial aspects of adults with congenital heart disease

Abstract

During the last few decades, the survival rate of adults with congenital heart disease (ConHD) has increased considerably. The psychological characterization of adults with ConHD is very different from patients with acquired cardiac pathologies. Recent guidelines of cardiology associations indicate the necessity for specialized psychosocial support. The majority of the studies in the literature indicate the absence of a relationship between diagnosis, physical functionality, and the presence of residual symptoms and a worse psychological functioning in these patients. The variables which seem to be related to psychological wellbeing in these patients are the following; negative thoughts, solitude, social support, fear of negative evaluation, imposition of limits, perceived health status, somatic symptoms, perception of an economical difficulty, and restrictions linked to the surgical scar in females. Interestingly, studies, which utilized psychiatric interviews or similar methodologies, outlined that it was common for patients, who were diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder, not to have received any appropriate treatment and often they were assumed to be well psychologically. When it comes to the life experiences of adults with ConHD, it has been outlined how these patients feel different from their healthy peers. It has been seen that often there is a struggle to feel normal and also to be perceived by others as being normal. This could lead to denial of the conditions and also efforts to exceed their physical boundaries imposed by their condition. Three main domains in which clinical health psychologists can contribute in the handling of adults with ConHD were identified: provision of clinical services, multidisciplinary research, and professional education.