Health
Doctors advised to ask heart patients about depression
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 27, 2008
Since depression is common among patients with coronary heart disease, patients should be screened and treated with antidepressant drugs if necessary, the American Heart Assn. recommended in a Science Advisory in the Sept. Circulation. The recommendation was endorsed by the American Psychiatric Assn.
Depression is about three times more common in patients after an acute myocardial infarction than in the general population, according to the advisory. The heart association advises, at a minimum, asking patients, "Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following: Had little interest in doing things, or feeling down, depressed or hopeless?"
Yes answers should prompt a more in-depth screening, which, in turn, could prompt treatment.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/10/27/hlbf1027.htm.
