Treating depression in patients with CVD. Safe, effective approaches.
Treatment of depression is emerging as a new and potentially important intervention for improving the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Depression is a strong risk factor for both the development of CVD and its progression. At every stage of cardiac illness, depression significantly worsens outcomes. Recognition and treatment of depression in the cardiac patient significantly decreases morbidity and improves quality of life. Treatment relieves symptoms of the depression and reduces functional impairment and the occurrence of cardiac events. The elucidation of these relationships is leading to the emergence of a new treatment imperative: Quality medical treatment of the patient with cardiac disease must include assessment for depression and vigorous treatment if it is present.
Culpepper
Larry
L
Department of Family Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA. larry.culpepper@bmc.org
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000928:Antidepressive Agents