Depression in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Prevalence, Prognosis, and Intervention

Data on the prevalence of depression in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients differ widely. We aim to summarize the best available information on the prevalence of depression, its prognostic impact, and psychiatric interventions for depressed ACHD patients. We reviewed references in relevant publications up to October 17, 2017. For homogeneity of data, studies in which depression was independently assessed in patients aged 18 years or older or with a mean/median age older than 18 years were included. Retrospective and postoperative evaluation studies were excluded. Twenty publications met these criteria. Study samples included ACHD patients followed up at ACHD-specialized hospitals in 13 countries. The prevalence of depression differed widely, ranging from 6 to 69%. Depression has been shown to be an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes. It is also frequently associated with other prognostic variables (i.e., poor functional class, unfavorable perceived health status, and low quality of life). Currently, no randomized clinical trials on psychiatric interventions in ACHD are available. In summary, depression is highly prevalent in ACHD patients, yet it is often unrecognized and untreated. The adverse prognostic impact of depression calls for specialized psychiatric interventions, for which more research is needed in the ACHD patient population.