Depression Often Untreated in Heart Patients

In a sign that some cardiologists might be missing the big picture, new research suggests that only a third of heart disease patients with serious symptoms of depression and anxiety get needed treatment.

The findings are significant because previous studies have linked psychological problems to poorer health and higher death rates in people with heart disease, said study co-author Amy Ferketich, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Ohio State University School of Public Health.

“Patients just aren’t being screened,” she said. “The physicians are just focused on the problem at hand, and they’re not thinking about all of these other factors that could contribute to the condition.”

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 13 Jun 2005
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