Prevalence and correlates of depression symptoms at 10 years after heart transplantation: continuous attention required

Abstract

Prevalence and correlates of depression symptoms at 10 years after heart -- transplantation: continuous attention requiredAbstract This study investigates the presence and correlates of symptoms of depression at 5 and 10 years after heart transplantation, with particular attention given to patients showing symptoms at both time points. Prevalence of depression symptoms were studied in 41 patients, prospectively, at 5 and 10 years after heart transplantation. We examined potential correlates of depression symptoms (i.e. worse functional capacity, inadequate coping mechanisms and lack of social contacts) 10 years after transplantation. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 30% at 5 years and 22% at 10 years. Of the 41 patients, 20% were depressed at both time points. Those patients had significantly higher scores on passive coping and had significantly lower club membership. They also tended to have more negative emotions (i.e. anger, hostility and irritability) and less engagement in sports activities. Functional capacity was not different. Depression symptoms were prevalent and persistent in the longterm after heart transplantation. This study opens perspectives for beyond-standard pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment for depression, i.e. training patients who are using passive coping to use problem-solving capacities instead and motivating them to engage in social life and sports activities.

Heart transplantation experiences: a phenomenological approach

“…For example, similar to changes after HT described by De Vito Dabbs et al. 2003, Dobbels et al. 2004, Evangelista et al.…”

Factors associated with stress and coping at 5 and 10 years after heart transplantation

“…20 Furthermore, passive coping was reported more frequently in depressed patients versus patients who were not depressed long term after transplant. 17 The literature from other populations of patients, including patients with diabetes and cancer, is equivocal regarding the relationships between negative coping styles (i.e., evasive and emotive coping), stress, and depression. 30–32 The relationship between negative coping styles and stress and depression, long-term after transplant, suggest that long term heart transplant patients may benefit from on-going psychological support.…”

“…13–16 Limited evidence suggests that rates of psychological disorders decrease over the next several years. 4 At 5 or more years after transplant, psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression) increase 10, 17–19 , although the reasons, which may be related to new transplant-related stressors (e.g., adverse events) or other life stressors, are unclear.…”

Impact of Identification and Treatment of Depression in Heart Transplant Patients

“…Following heart transplantation patients report improved functional capacity and overall quality of life; however this varies based on severity of illness before transplant [7, 8]. A significant portion of patients after OHT experience depression (estimated prevalence of 20–30%) [9, 10]. …”