- Depression is a common, serious, and costly illness that affects
1 in 10 adults in the United States each year; costs the nation between
$30 to $44 billion annually; and causes impairment, suffering, and disruption
of personal, family, and work life.
- Of particular significance,
Depression often co-occurs with Heart Disease. When this happens, the presence
of the additional illness, Depression, is frequently unrecognized, leading
to serious and unnecessary consequences for patients and families.
- About
18 to 20 percent of coronary heart patients without a history of heart
attack may experience Depression.
- If a person has five or more
of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is important for these
symptoms to be brought to the attention of the individual’s health
care provider.
Symptoms
- Persistent sad or “empty” mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex.
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping)
- Excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains that do not respond to treatment
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Causes
Research has documented a high correlation between Depression and
increased risk of dying or impairment in patients with Coronary Heart Disease.
- Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of Depression may bring substantial
benefits to the patient through improved medical status, enhanced quality
of life, a reduction in the degree of pain and disability, and improved
treatment compliance and cooperation.
- In Coronary Heart Disease patients
with a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), the prevalence
of serious forms of Depression is estimated from 40 to 65 percent.
- Major
Depression puts heart attack victims at greater risk and appears to add
to the patients’ disability from Heart Disease. Depression
can contribute to a worsening of symptoms as well as poor adherence to
cardiac treatment regimens.
- People who survive heart attacks but suffer
from Major Depression have a 3 to 4 times greater risk of dying within
six months than those who do not suffer from Depression.
Treatments
- Though 80 percent of depressed people can be effectively treated, two-thirds
of those suffering from this illness do not seek or receive appropriate
treatment. Effective treatments include both medication and psychotherapy,
which are sometimes used in combination.
- Though depressed feelings can
be a common reaction to Heart Disease, Clinical Depression is not the
expected reaction. For this reason, when present, specific treatment should
be considered for Clinical Depression even in the presence of Heart Disease.
Action Steps
- Do Not Ignore Symptoms! Health care professionals should always
be aware of the possibility of Depression Co-occurring with Heart Disease.
Patients or family members with concerns about this possibility should
discuss these issues with the individual’s physicians. A consultation
with a psychiatrist or other mental health clinician may be recommended
to clarify the diagnosis.
- Get the Word Out! NAMI IOWA emphasizes
the importance of professional and public awareness of the co-occurrence
of Depression with Heart Disease and proper diagnosis and treatment of
Depression.
- Community, professional, and advocacy organizations,
as well as the media can help spread important messages about Depression
Co-occurring with Heart Disease.
Information provided by National Institute of Mental
Health.
If you or someone you know would like more information on
mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill
of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com
