title: Patient perspectives about depressive symptoms in heart failure: a review of the qualitative literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scientists have systematically established the prevalence and the consequences of depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF). However, a comprehensive understanding of patient perspectives about depressive symptoms, in combination with HF, has not been published. A patient-centered approach may support the design of interventions that are effective and acceptable to patients with HF and depressive symptoms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to review qualitative findings about patient perspectives of contributing factors, associated symptoms, consequences, and self-care strategies used for depressive symptoms in HF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative studies were included if they were published between 2000 and 2012, if they were in English, and if they described emotional components about living with HF. Three electronic databases were searched using the key words heart failure, qualitative, and depression or psychosocial or stress or emotional.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Patients with HF reported that financial stressors, overall poor health, past traumatic life experiences, and negative thinking contributed to depressive symptoms. The patients described cognitive-affective symptoms of depression and anxiety but not somatic symptoms of depression. Perceived consequences of depressive symptoms included hopelessness, despair, impaired social relationships, and a decreased ability to engage in HF self-care. Recommended management strategies consisted of enhanced social support and cognitive strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depressive symptoms in patients with HF were associated with a number of contributing factors, including those not specifically related to their disease, and serious consequences that reduced their self-care ability. Nonpharmacological management approaches to depressive symptoms that include improved social support or cognitive interventions may be effective and acceptable strategies.
authors.affiliation: Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, APRN Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Dekker
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004644:Emotions; D006167:Guilt; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D065026:Hope; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support