A Systematic Review of Depression in Adults with Heart Failure: Instruments and Incidence

Heart failure (HF) is a life-threatening condition affecting 2.5% of Americans. Depression is reported to be present in 9.5% of the general population, but its incidence is higher in individuals with HF. The aims of this systematic review of older adults with HF were to examine the literature to: (1) identify instruments used to evaluate depression/depressive symptoms; and (2) determine the incidence of depression/depressive symptoms reported. Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria. Six self-reporting screening instruments and two diagnostic-interviews for depression were identified. Depression/depressive symptoms were reported in 14-60% of adults with HF. Use of screening instruments resulted in higher frequencies of depression/depressive symptoms (21-60%) than did diagnostic interviews (14-39%). Screening instruments established prior to the 1987 diagnostic guidelines may not reflect the current definition of depression. Depression screening instruments appear to overestimate the incidence of depression in older adults with heart failure. A complete diagnostic interview for depression should be performed prior to the treatment of older adults with HF.