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The Article in Brief
AAFP Guideline for the Detection and Management of Post-Myocardial Infarction Depression
Post-Myocardial Infarction Depression Clinical Practice Guideline Panel
Background As many as 65% of patients who have had a heart attack (or myocardial infarction) report symptoms of depression, and major depression is present in 15%-22% of these patients. A panel of the American Academy of Family Physicians systematically reviewed recent research on the effect of depression after a heart attack.
What This Study Found There is strong evidence for screening patients for depression after heart attack using a standardized symptom checklist. There is moderate to strong evidence for treatment to improve depression symptoms using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychotherapy.
Implications
- The authors identify a need for further research to distinguish the symptoms and issues that are most related to depression after heart attack.
- In addition, research is needed to study treatment and results of depression in specific groups of heart attack patients, as well as the effect of depression on whether patients take medications and make recommended lifestyle changes following a heart attack.