Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression in patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract

Depression is common in patients with coronary heart disease. It is estimated that 15-20% of post-myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, congestive heart failure and post-bypass surgery patients meet diagnostic criteria for major depression during hospitalization, with another 15-25% experiencing mild forms of depression [1]-[4]. Although there are relatively few longitudinal studies of depression in patients with coronary artery disease available, data indicate that it tends to follow a chronic course, resulting in significant disability and psychosocial impairment [5], [6]. In a substantial number of patients, moderate-to-severe depression has been reported one-year post-MI [7]. Moreover, one third of patients recovering from MI show substantial depressed mood three years later [8] and one fifth fail to achieve emotional adjustment 5 years later [9]. It has also been reported that a significant proportion of coronary patients with minor depression at index progress to major depression over the course of 12 months [6]. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Milan.