Title: The Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents with Heart Disease
Abstract: To evaluate the prevalence and contributory factors of depression and anxiety in adolescents with heart disease.A cohort of adolescents was recruited from an ambulatory cardiology clinic at a tertiary center and from such clinics run privately. Questionnaires included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Orientation Test-Revised, and Sense of Coherence-13.A total of 119 adolescents aged 12-20 years were recruited. Most of the participants (90%) had congenital heart disease. Nearly all (98%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Classification class I. Approximately one-half of the participants had had previous surgeries and/or catheter interventions. Eleven patients (9%) were above the cut-off score for likely depression, and 32 (27%) had likely anxiety. A feeling of optimism was the most significant factor in reducing anxiety and depression, followed by good social support and a strong sense of coherence (multiple regressions, β = -0.38, -0.2, -0.17, respectively).Depression and anxiety were found to be common in a relatively well adolescent population with heart disease. None of those affected had been clinically assessed and appropriately treated by a mental health professional. Protective factors against depression and anxiety need be developed as well as appropriate assessment and intervention.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 70
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot