title: Update on psychological functioning in adults with congenital heart disease: a systematic review.
abstract: The population of adults with congenital heart disease is increasing due to advancements in cardiology and cardiac surgery. Many patients face medical complications and psychosocial difficulties; however, it is not yet clear whether there is a direct relationship between medical status and the psychological functioning of these patients. This systematic review of the relevant literature is an attempt to: provide a comparison between the population of adults with congenital heart disease, the healthy reference population and similar cardiac populations when it comes to psychological functioning; explore the relationship between medical status/cardiac condition and psychological functioning; and identify the predictors of psychological distress in this population.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Scientific Directorate, Italy. edward.callus@grupposandonato.com
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Callus
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Quadri
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Passerini
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tovo
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pelissero
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chessa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006304:Health Status; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology