The emerging psychosocial profile of the adult congenital heart disease patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With advances in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD), over 90% of infants born with CHD now reach adulthood. Patients with CHD require lifelong care and are at an increased risk of psychological distress, neurocognitive deficits, social challenges, and a lower quality of life (QOL). There exists limited research on how to best to support the long-term mental healthcare needs of this unique cohort. There remains limited data on directed mental health interventions and their long-term results in adults with CHD (ACHD). RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings indicate high incidences of anxiety and depression in this growing population and how key concepts such as trauma, illness identity, and resilience maybe playing a role in the lives of adult patients with CHD. Attention must be focused to theorize and conduct further research to determine the effectiveness of treatment options based upon these new findings. SUMMARY: Many individuals with CHD do not receive appropriate mental health screening and care. The authors advocate for effective psychosocial interventions to address patients' illness identity and resilience, with the goal of an improved QOL in mind.